An autistic man has said he will never fly with Wizz Air again after claiming staff forced him to move from an emergency exit row seat because they did not trust him to help in a crisis. Luke Grosch, a mental health advocate, shared his experience in a social media video, accusing the budget airline of discrimination.
Grosch, who was initially seated in a standard seat, said crew members asked him to move to the emergency exit because of his build. The trouble began when staff requested he remove his headphones before takeoff. Grosch explained that he relies on the headphones to prevent becoming overwhelmed due to his autism. A second flight attendant then told him he had to move because of his condition.
Passenger describes being moved twice
Recounting the incident, Grosch said: "I will never fly Wizz Air again even if it is the only flight available because they discriminated against me because I am autistic."
He described how a flight attendant initially agreed he could keep his headphones on as long as he removed them for the first and last minute of the flight. However, a colleague later returned and told him: "You are going to have to move. You can't sit here because we can't trust that you are able to support in an emergency situation." When Grosch asked why, the staff member replied: "Because you told my colleague you are autistic."
Despite Grosch insisting he could assist in an emergency, staff said the plane would not take off until he moved again. He described the experience as "dehumanising".
Airline apologises and reviews procedures
Grosch, who uses his platform to raise awareness about autism, called Wizz Air's policy "flawed and discriminatory" and urged better education around disabilities, both visible and hidden. His video drew widespread support, receiving nearly 35,000 likes on Instagram.
One commenter wrote: "HAVE THEY NOT MET AN AUTISTIC PERSON BEFORE?? EMERGENCIES ARE OUR TIME TO SHINE!!" Another said: "I'm struggling to find the words for my disgust at this ableist and outdated policy."
A Wizz Air spokesperson told the Daily Star: "We are very sorry for Luke's experience and the upset this has caused. Everyone should feel welcome, respected and supported when travelling with Wizz Air, and we take any concerns about discrimination extremely seriously."
The spokesperson added that passenger safety is the airline's first priority and that cabin crew must assess whether passengers in emergency exit rows are able and willing to assist in an evacuation. They said the crew in charge made the decision to relocate Grosch following a safety briefing and an assessment of the requirements, and that the airline is reviewing the circumstances of the incident, including how its safety procedures were applied.
