£200 to bring tragic Allan's bag back home

Jul 2 2009 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

THE grieving pals of a tragic teenager who fell to his death during a holiday in Spain were left stunned after airline staff charged them hundreds of pounds to bring his belongings back home to Scotland.

Trainee tiler Allan Milligan, 19, had been enjoying a sunshine break in Tenerife with seven friends but their dream trip turned into a nightmare when he plummeted 50 feet from a walkway at their hotel.

Allan’s heartbroken friends had already had to suffer the trauma of his sudden death and being quizzed by Spanish police about the accident.

And they were shocked when they arrived at the airport in Tenerife to catch their return flight – only to be told by Ryanair staff that they had to stump up £200 in excess baggage charges to bring his suitcase home.

Allan’s sister Amanda, 20, told the Paisley Daily Express: “They had packed Allan’s case and had his ticket but they were told at the airport they couldn’t take the case on to the plane because Allan wasn’t there to check it in.

“The boys explained what had happened and that Allan had died but they ended up having to put his case on as excess luggage and it cost them £200.

“I accept that there are security issues at airports but surely the staff could have scanned and checked Allan’s case? His ticket and seat were all paid for. This isn’t about the money – it’s the principle of the thing.”

The family of former Johnstone High School pupil Allan – including Amanda, his 16-year-old brother Dean, mum Elaine, 45, and her fiance Freddy Murphy – have been left devastated by his death.

The sickening tragedy happened last Thursday at the three-star Apartamentos Caribe Hotel in the resort of Playa de Las Americas, which is popular with thousands of sun-seeking Scots every year.

Fitness fanatic Allan, of Corseford, Johnstone, was on holiday with pals he had known since school but tragedy struck the day before he was due to fly home.

Last week, proud mum Elaine told the Express how Allan’s death has left her heartbroken.

And she has described the treatment his friends received from Ryanair staff at the airport as “absolutely appalling.”

Now the airline has agreed to refund Allan’s fare and baggage charges.

Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara confirmed that £253 has been refunded to the bank card used to book the flights.

Mr McNamara said: “Ryanair policy ensures that, if a passenger is affected by bereavement, a refund of their fare and fees will be provided upon application to Ryanair’s customer service department.

“Ryanair requires a copy of the death certificate to be presented in order to process such a refund. However, we have now refunded the fare and baggage charge to the Visa Electron card used at the time of the booking.

“Ryanair wishes to pass on its condolences to the family and friends of the bereaved at this sad time.”