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A TikToker has blasted Qantas for allegedly giving “special treatment” to a well-known Channel Nine presenter on a recent flight to Fiji, but the airline has hit back at the budding influencer.
Qantas will begin contacting customers eligible for a share of $20 million in compensation. More than 86,000 people will be notified by email after purchasing tickets for “ghost flights” that had already been cancelled. Affected customers will receive $225 for domestic flights and $450 for international flights.
Influencer Courtney took to TikTok earlier this week and complained that a Channel Nine star, who has since been revealed to be Langdon, was given special treatment on a Qantas flight from Sydney to Fiji this weekend.
The TikToker claimed that Langdon and his family were traveling in the economy section of the plane to Nadi, but that the airline appeared to be offering them extra perks, including access to first-class restrooms and wine.
“We flew Qantas. They were turning people away if they asked for wine and that was normal. I didn’t ask, but I heard a lot of people were being turned away,” she said.
“But then they would offer wine (to Ally) and pass it out in front of everyone.
“People who were refused alcohol had to sit and watch this famous lady being served alcohol even though they had bought the same ticket at the same price.
“I just don’t understand what’s going on with the service these days.”
However, in a shocking turn of events, Courtney’s account of what happened on the flight was quickly debunked by a tabloid newspaper and the airline.
Qantas has decided to debunk the story and support Langdon. Photo: Nine.
In paparazzi photos obtained by the Daily Mail Australia tabloid, Langdon, 45, was pictured with her husband Michael Willesee Jr. and their children checking in to Qantas business class.
They were also escorted to the gate by Qantas ground staff, a service typically reserved for business or first class passengers, suggesting Langdon and his offspring had paid extra or used frequent flyer awards.
In a blistering statement, a Qantas spokesperson told SkyNews.com.au the TikToker’s claims were “ridiculous” and insisted Langdon had received the same treatment as “similar frequent flyers”.
Qantas said Langdon received the same level of service as other regular travellers. Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images for Qantas.
“It is ridiculous to suggest that Allison received special treatment,” the spokesperson said.
“Any extras offered to him would be the same as those we offer to other similar frequent flyers when they travel with us.”
The spokesperson was also keen to point out that Langdon is well-liked by Qantas cabin crew and “never makes a fuss”.
“Our team often says how great Allison is to deal with and how she never wants any trouble,” the spokesperson said.