Everyone to the back.. we need to balance the plane; PANICKED PASSENGERS FLEE FAULTY HOLS JET.

Byline: JEREMY ARMSTRONG

SHOCKED passengers refused to board a faulty jet after being asked to sit at the back to balance it "like a see-saw".

Thomas Cook made the "standard practice" plea because the Boeing 757 200's rear hold doors had jammed, meaning that luggage could only be stowed at the front.

But incoming holidaymakers were seen getting off the jet and kissing the ground before warning of the horrific flight they had had.

Some 71 Brits on package breaks were left so afraid they snubbed the flight to Newcastle on Sunday and stayed at the airport in Mallorca.

Some camped out at the airport overnight - and all had to pay for new flights. Rowen Laybourne, 17, of Cramlington, Northumberland, said: "We were given seat numbers, then they said to forget them because we all needed to sit at the back.

"I didn't know what to do because I didn't want to get on the plane, but I didn't know how to get home otherwise. I know mum is scared of flying too so I wondered what would she would do. I rang her and she begged me not to get on."

Rowen flew home on Monday with easyJet. Mum Hazel added: "They couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was like they were being asked to fly in something that was being balanced out like a see-saw. I didn't sleep all night because I was worrying."

Dave Charlton, his wife Susan and son Adam, six, of Blyth, Northumberland, also flew home on easyJet.

Dave, who had to pay pounds 600 for the new flights, said: "The incoming people were kissing the ground, putting their hands together like they were praying.

"They said at first they thought it was turbulence, but it must have been because the weight distribution was off.

"There were girls sobbing and children crying.

"When people are getting off the plane saying 'Don't get on' and we'd been told there was a fault with it, there was no way we would get on."

Thomas Cook said: "It is standard for all airlines to ensure cargo and passengers are evenly distributed. This routine industry procedure poses no safety issue."

The firm stressed that its reps had helped passengers find other flights, but there were no other Thomas Cook departures from the airport until yesterday.

CAPTION(S):

FEAR Rowen with mum Hazel ALERT A Thomas Cook aircraft