Overview

• Shataria Banks presented a doctor’s note clearing her to fly after cosmetic surgery but was turned away at Miami International Airport under Spirit’s safety procedures.
• Spirit Airlines says it followed protocol by contacting vendor MedLink, whose on-call physician determined she was not fit to travel.
• Banks recorded the exchange on video, capturing an agent’s statement that the refusal was based solely on the airline’s safety process.
• The airline issued a full refund after denying her boarding, and Banks has criticized Spirit for not making its medical fitness criteria publicly available.
• Industry experts note the dispute underscores tensions between external medical clearances and airlines’ discretionary authority over passenger fitness to fly.