A FURIOUS TUI passenger was given just popcorn and crisps during a 10-hour flight despite paying £500 to upgrade.
James Howe ordered a gluten-free meal for his flight from his honeymoon in Cancun to Gatwick, three months before the trip.
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But James, who suffers from coeliac disease, was told after take off that there was no three course, gluten-free meal available.
Desperate cabin crew even checked the captain’s meal to see if it could be safely served up to James.
The 39-year-old and his new wife, Claire, from Watford spent £5,500 on the break, paying £1,000 extra for premium seats because it was their honeymoon.
After the flight on October 18, a furious James took to Facebook page to complain to TUI, who claim online their catering offers an “abundance of choice”.
He posted a photo of himself posing with the paltry snacks with the caption: “Thanks TUI, this was the gluten free meal option given in premium flight on our at home from Mexico.
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“Popcorn and crisps to get me through 10+ hours. Fabulous way to end our lovely honeymoon.”
He added; “People beware if you book a meal ‘they are subject to availability and nothing is guaranteed.’
“Well sorry I won’t be booking another holiday with you and advising anyone to go anywhere near a TUI shop.”
He explained that crew had “no indication” of his needs, while other passengers managed to get gluten free meals.
His post sparked condemnation from fellow social media users.
Lara Williams wrote: “That’s terrible!”
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Kelly Wombwell added: “Awful James.”
And Emma Roberts said: “Disgusting, how can large companies like this provide such poor service?”
TUI state on their website that “a standard meal is included” on long haul flights.
They also boast of the variety available on boarding, saying: “On board, you can enjoy our offer of hot and cold drinks, (non-)alcoholic drinks, sandwiches, snacks…
“You can choose what you want to eat or drink and there’s an abundance of choice.”
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks substances found inside gluten, causing inflammation of the small intestine.
A TUI spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “We’re very sorry to hear of Mr Howe’s experience on his journey home from Cancun.
“We have contacted the customer directly to apologise and offer a gesture of goodwill.”
Another passenger was served just a single banana on a long-haul flight despite requesting a gluten-free meal.
A British Airways traveller slammed the vegetarian meal option after being served plain tofu and rice.
One traveller requesting a vegetarian meal – and was served just some sticks of cold vegetables.
