The 38-year-old stay-at-home mom wants an apology and compensation for the portable crib and diapers she had to buy for the extra night away from home
I see no reason that for one night the child could sleep in the (probably huge) bed with mummy and/or on a makeshift floor bed made of blankets. And unless the child is ill a few diapers extra wouldn't cost more than a few dollars. I wonder why she's not claiming for transport/lodging/hurt feelings etc as is the norm
Although this age can be a problem to control in such situations, i think that it's always a reflection on the parent as regards the general emotional state of the little one, as they look to their guardians for cues. No sugar before the flight, exercise to burn off some energy and something to look at/read seems to do the trick in most cases.
It must have been loud to cause the flight crew to offload them or something else that hasn't been reported, maybe whiplash injuries to the passengers in front from excited toddler feet kicking out
EXCELLENT ! I suggest making the pre-boarding area in the terminal into a replica of the aircraft, observing behaviour, and preventing ALL screamers, back-of-your-seat kickers, running-up-and-down-the-aislers and biscuit-crumblers-and-chocolate-wipers from boarding in the first place.
In fact, why not have a separate compartment on the aircraft - no, completely separate FLIGHTS - for children..... and charge their parents double the normal price for the cleanup aftwards.
One would have thought that the Mother should be MADE to apologise to the Airline and the rest of the passengers. Got a Brat? Control the Damn thing then! It's your responsibility after all's said and done. No one else's.
No child - especially a two-year old should be permitted to scream. It seems that some parents allow (maybe even encourage) their youngsters to express themselves by screaming. I observed one this week behaving thus when faced with a display of sweets in a shop, and I have seen groups of (usually) girls screaming whilst playing (otherwise normally).
I do have a grandchild who is two (and who sometimes decides that he doesn't want to do what is expected of him) but screaming has never been tolerated (nor was it for his father).
It's unusual for an airline to return to the stand, so perhaps the behaviour was 'out of the ordinary'?
Incidentally, grandson has been a regular flyer from an early age and his Mother has always been able to 'manage' him (I've been along with them at times).
I don't expect youngsters (especially babies) to be silent and allowance should be made accordingly when necessary. We were all young once and have to learn manners.
I found myself sitting next to a mother with 2-3 yr. old on a flight to LA. I thought just my luck. As it turned out the child was as good as gold, mother though, never stopped yacking!
Location: A civilised little County..with a bit of eccentricity to boot
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Would the use of bodge tape or speed tape across its gob contravene any human rights at all ??.....I'm only asking for clarification here....you know how pedantic lawyers are after all.....
In fact, why not have a separate compartment on the aircraft - no, completely separate FLIGHTS - for children..... and charge their parents double the normal price for the cleanup aftwards.
MoL, please note !
Excellent idea, but I think MoL would charge both sides, those of us privileged to fly without the noise, and of course "them" for cleanup, diaper disposal, special crew training (have I missed anything).
As the father of a 3yr old and a 1yr old I can only say the following:
1) The child may be scared about the flight - strange sounds / noises 2) The flight may be late - way past normal bed time 3) Once "melt down" has happened there's not a lot a good or a bad parent can do to stop it.
I would like to thank the amazing EJ, FR and BA crews that have helped the Cherokees have some brilliant flights - you guys deserve every penny you earn for putting up with us SLF with young kids day after day after day....
In fact, why not have a separate compartment on the aircraft - no, completely separate FLIGHTS - for children..... and charge their parents double the normal price for the cleanup aftwards.
It's already being done.
I take it you've never flown Virgin to Orlando and experienced it for yourself?
I sailed with a bloke who worked on the Queen of Bermuda,he had worked in the cretch(sp?)where wealthy passengers deposited their offspring whilst they buggad orf to the Captains Ball and such,he told me the sprogs would be grabbed and given Chinese burns or nipped so they all commenced to howl just before mum and dad turned up to collect the wee feckers and seeing what a hard time the staff had had dealing with their cubs they would be obliged to hand over a larger tip. Well business is business as they say.
Last edited by tony draper; 31st Oct 2009 at 21:16.
Location: An old flying boat station on Moreton Bay
Age: 73
Posts: 293
Always liked the story of the Flight Steward who picked up obnoxious brat in one hand, lifted panel out of floor with the other, and said, "Listen sonny, why don't you go and play outside".
Once they had restored mummy to consciousness, she had no trouble keeping him under control for the rest of the flight.
