Tudor,

To answer your questions:

I knew having children would not be easy but decided to perpetuate the human race. Having read your post, it is reassuring to note you decided not to.

My children travelled on company supplied full fare tickets with a baggage allowance. So junior was subsidising your drinks, newspapers, food, carry-on, obesity etc.....

I would respectfully suggest that unloading half a dozen buggies would not materially delay delivery of your (admittedly precious) luggage.

The airside bus is not complementary - it is included in the ticket price. If, as you say, buggies are not allowed on buses at Gatwick by the bus drivers this gives an interesting perspective on who runs the airport.

As explained above, there is no reason why buggies have to be carried up rickety airbridge stairs - there is a full specification stair case right next to them.

I would suggest that a child in a buggy on a bus is less likely to injure someone than a hot shot executive swinging his 25 kg carry on and duty frees.

I like to live in a society where a little care and consideration is shown for ones fellow man, and am prepared to accept the overall cost to society of doing so. One day, you will be old, tired or ill and may appreciate these little courtesies. Until then, please wait patiently for your luggage!

Aaahh, so you recognise me then...;)

Don't be obtuse. You know full well what I meant, the drivers are (or were) merely following the guidelines / rules they have been issued with. No doubt, for doing that, someone such as yourself would deem them 'jobsworths'. If you're quite happy for someone to break their neck for your convenience you'd probably have no qualms about them losing their job for it.

And which of these categories do YOU fall under?

So do I my friend and I think my posts on this subject have been balanced and fair-minded if not concilatory. You may not agree but then this is the beauty of messageboards; being able to discuss one's differences in a civilized manner without resorting to personal abuse...your remark about my not perpetuating (eh?) the human race notwithstanding:)

By the way, I do give up my seat on buses to pregnant women, I will always endeavour to assist someone (usually always a female) with a pushchair struggling with a door or attempting to navigate steps but DO NOT get me started on 'parent and child' spaces in the supermarket car park...

What a bunch of wimps! Pilots and cabin crew carry their bags including, at times, suitcases up from the ramp.

Hear, hear!

Oh, dear :=
. . and I think we forgot to say "Hey! You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me?" :)

Small children not being as able as adults, let's have the airport authorities provide wheelchair service for children throughout the airport and to and from the door of the aircraft as they do with the disabled. Parents can then check their strollers as luggage and no strollers get carried up or down jetway stairs.

Eboy,
Now that's a good idea.
Brand, manufacture, franchise - opportunity there :ok: