Have you heard about this? A woman traveling from Detroit to Seattle got kicked off their Southwest Airline plane during a changeover because of her 4 kids. One has autism and the another had cerebral palsy. Apparently, her kids were running around the plane when the seat belt was on, screaming, yelling, and causing a danger to themselves.
Here is the video:
http://www.truveo.com/Woman-4-Kids-Booted-Off-Plane-For-Being-Unruly/id/2056587655
[question posted by desertdarlene]
responses and comments:
Well I saw myself in an airplane with screaming kids many times and is really anoying. I feel no sympathy but I think the airlines should have a questionaire or something for the families and they should not allow kids under certain age to fly. Or better book planes for mothers and fathers and kids only and let them scream and scream and have the fun. [valeria1]
I agree with you on this one, unfortunately. I work in a place with a lot of children and most of them are very nice and well behaved as children their age can be. But, you get these families once in a while who have no control whatsoever over their children and their kids run around, scream, and just upset everyone. I know quite a few autistic people and people who have children with various disabilities and they are very well behaved, so I don't think that's an excuse. [desertdarlene]
The lady just wanted to get to Seattle and was really upset about not being allowed on carry on the journey there. The airline felt that two of her children had challenging behavior. They thought that it wasn't safe for them to be running up and down the aisle. I think that the lady should have been given a warning then the children might have been better at sitting still. I have taught a boy with autism and he was difficult quite often. A new situation like the fire bell going off really upset him. The airline should refund the money for the flight to the family. [maximax8]
In the video it said that she was ask twice to control the children. [deebomb]
Wow no, I haven't heard this one. I *have* noticed that things like this are happening more and more often lately. It's like no one has any tolerance for anyone left any more and it's very sad. sad To play devil's advocate on that one, though, although it's not nice for this family, children on a plane *do* need to behave and there's usually more than one side to stories like this. Can't have kids screaming and running up and down airplane aisles, after all. It isn't like their baby play yards where they can go crazy! I'll check out that video and see if they mention the other side. happy [katiedoubleu]
I used to fly a lot when I was a kid and so did a lot of other kids. But, I've never seen or heard about anything like that. I know kids get bored and will scream and act up, but I never heard of them running around the aisles as the plane was taking off and landing. [desertdarlene]
The woman must have known the rules and how her children behave. I have always believed that there should be separate flights for people with children. That way an adult passenger can decide for themselves whether they want to fly on that particular plane and there can be no complaints if the children on it are ill-behaved. That being said, I don't blame the airline for putting safety first and removing the family if they can't or won't follow the rules. I do think they should be compensated for whatever portion of the flight they were unable to take. Perhaps they could take the train next time. [nova1945]
I'm sure you're right, but a line has to be drawn and the airline needs to make that line clear to passengers who fly with children. Then they have no one to blame but themselves if their kids cross that line. I personally couldn't handle that crap. I'd look into child adoption options. [nova1945]
Since 9-11 people don't want anything to bother them on a flight, heck, lets bring back the old days when you could smoke and relax. Plus, those people paid to have a plane ride not a roller coaster ride, and mob rules, I'll bet a lot of people on the plane complained and the airline had no choice but to deal with it, 5 people off a plane or have the other hundred file complaints, it doesn't take a PR wiz to figure that one out. Southwest should refund their money, or at least the amount it didn't use when dropping them off. True kids are kids but that lady acted like it okay for them to be wound up and let it out at 30,000 feet. [gitfiddleplayer]
Southwest actually refunded them for the part of the flight that they didn't take, which I think is fair. Afterall, they were able to fly for most of their trip. [desertdarlene]
The airline says they were taken off the plane for the safety of their passengers. What were these kids going to do to the other passengers? Kids will be kids, but of course the mother should have had better control over them. I think when airlines boot passengers off the plane for whatever reason, and the passenger is going to be stuck in the airport, the airline needs to compensate that passenger for food, etc until they can get transportation out. It seems that airlines boot people off of flights a lot anymore. They are in the transportation business and they should realize that people are not perfect. If the flight is going to be jeopardized by a passenger that could cause harm to other passengers, then by all means take them off, otherwise the flight should go on. [bmorehouse1]
I think there were safety concerns that they were running around with the seatbelt light on. Also, they probably were making it hard for people to move up and down the isle and may have been inhibiting flight attendants trying to do their job. [desertdarlene]
That's a tough call for sure. Next time just bring some vintage Board games to keep them occupied. Personally, I don't disagree with the airline for not letting her continue, especially if she had been asked more than once to take care of her children and she did not, for whatever reason. If she couldn't handle all four of her children even with her sister there, she should not have been flying. Having said that, at the very least she should have had at least a portion of her money refunded. It's unfortunate that they were stuck there, but we are each responsible for our actions, and she didn't comply with requests from in-flight personnel, so at that point it became her problem, not the airlines. Besides, those kids need to calm down. It's not like they're strapped into dental chairs and are awaiting torture. Flying is usually fun. No doubt she'll sue and with all the media attention, will probably win, and that will set a precedent for everyone to just do what they want and expect everyone else to bear the responsibility. [Ldyjarhead]
So she is complaining WHY? Sheesh ... [Ldyjarhead]
I'm sure the woman knows the behavior of her kids. She should understand that the management do this for the safety of her children as well as for the good of other passengers. If I am that woman, I would not travel alone with the 4 kids with uncontrolable behavior. It is embarrassing to complain while her kids cause disturbance to others too. Anyway, they are not left un attended. They were refunded and been feed. I think, the plane management has the right to make their decision for the safety of both. [celestial052506]
I wonder how many people realize how disruptive their childrens' behavior is. I think they get used to it and think it's normal. Having worked in a place where a lot of families come in and out, I can see some big differences between some families and know that not all families are like this. [desertdarlene]
As a frequent flyer I understand the airlines situation. I think there should be a rule that no more than 2 children can fly per adult. So if there's only one adult then they can only fly with two kids, for any more kids there needs to be another adult. It makes me wonder though why the mother knowing the problems with her children would choose to fly them. I have children myself and I know how long the flight is from Detroit to Seattle because we live in WA and have flown cross country many times. Even for an adult that's a long flight and you get restless, so for a child I can only imagine how bored they must have been. Why wasn't the father there? I wonder if she needed divorce mediation help. [devilsangel]
That's for sure. I used to hate flying from Detroit to San Diego when I was a kid. I think the woman had her sister with her who was an adult. [desertdarlene]
I feel sorry for her with an autistic child and a child with cerebral palsy, but I doubt very much that a child with palsy is goingto be running up and down theaisles at all,so the other two must have been a hand full. she has to keepthem seatbealted however for safety of all concerned. she should have got another adult to come along as care taker. what a burden for her. [Hatley]
I agree with you and Beaniecat about the child with cerebral palsey, it would be very hard to move around. I agree with Beaniecat regarding autistic children. I read on another site that the women were warned twice about their children. [desertdarlene]
lol thats kind of funny, but they shouldnt have gotten kicked off. [phenon123]
It makes me wonder how out of hand these kids really were . I wonder if when they had a talk with the mother if she was able to calm them down some , or if she let it go in one ear and out the other. I work with all types of kids , and for the most part they can be under control . Maybe , they made a huge deal out of it . I was not on the plane so I dont know . They could of atleast gave the mom some warning about being greeted off the plane . [metschica25]
That's true, we just really don't know. I encounter a wide variety of children and I know that some really can be very energetic and easily excited. But, most of them have been able to be controlled in some fashion. [desertdarlene]
I had not heard about this before. It's weird but the children seemed well behaved when they were being filmed. I don't understand why she didn't put her autistic son next to her and the other with cerebral palsy on her other side. That way she could calm them down and keep an eye on them. There were 2 adults and 4 children so I just don't understand why she could not be able to control her children. I can speak from experience as I am a mother who has children with disabilities. One of my children is mentally retarded with autistic symptoms. He does hand flapping, etc. and sometimes talks alot, etc. but he is not unruly. I have flown with my children before and they do not in any way leave their seats, running around and bothering others. I can watch my children disability or not. My son has cried and complained when the plane's pressure changes and it hurts his ears, but who doesn't feel uncomfortable when the pressure changes? I try to ease his pain by giving him snacks to relieve the pressure or letting him read with me or play with a toy. You have to be a proactive parent and be on top of things. I wouldn't let anything get in the way of, say, a Hawaii dream vacation. But yes, one time we were flying and he was crying because his ears were hurting him. He is 11 years old and is a big boy. The person in front of me turned around and gave me a disgusting look and said "Do you mind?". Well, I was trying the best I could and he was not kicking her or taking his seat belt off - he was just crying and I couldn't calm him from the crying. You have to know that mentally my son is around 3 years old. People never think about that aspect of it. I thought to myself what do you want me to do to him to stop him from crying - blink him out of existence or what? I simply replied that he was mentally retarded and in pain and that he didn't understand that he was crying too loudly. I apologized to her and she could see I was trying to soothe him the whole time. She told me that I shouldn't have brought a child like him on an airplane. Now, I believe that is discrimination in that attitude and statement right there. You cannot prevent someone from flying because they have a disability and as a result might cry when they are in pain due to cabin pressure. We were not hurting anyone when this happened and I was doing my best to help him. We paid good money for our seats just as she did for hers. So, we have the right to fly on that airplane they same that she does. This is life. Anyways, I just don't know why this mother that got kicked off the plane in this news story couldn't stop her kids from running through the plane and from getting out of their seats. I mean, she is their mother so she should be able to control her own children to the extent of remaining in their seats. She knows what to expect and how to deal with it. She should have had a conversation with them before getting on the plane that they were to stay in their seats and behave. Also, she should have brought items with her to help them make it through the flight. You know, like a special toy or favorite snack or book or whatever it is that they like that will give them comfort. That is what I do and it makes a world of difference. It is how she is raising her children obviously that is a major part of how her children behave in public. That is just my 2 cents. [schulzie]
I think you explained it all. [desertdarlene]
i sympathise the mother of the children... i know how hard it is to take care of children with special needs even though i don't have one yet myself... i know that they are causing a danger to themselves and i don't know what the airline can do to prevent it besides kicking them out... so i think in this situations the airline is doing the right thing and the mother should think twice before bringing them travelling on the plane if she knows that they will behave in this way... take care and have a nice day... [lingli_78]
Thanks. I got the impression that this family doesn't fly all that much. A lot of parents get used to their childrens' behavior and tune it out. Sometimes, they don't realize how out of control their kids are. [desertdarlene]
When I first heard about this, the disability rights activist in me reacted as, "Oh, this is just another example of discrimination" because I know how the airlines hate to deal with disabled people. They even have a problem with me and I act well and am a grown-up. My question is why was this woman by herself with four kids on an airplane especially when the kids had special needs. Don't they get Personal Care assistants or where was her husband or some relative? She could have advertised for someone on craigslist for someone to go on the airplane with her and help her manage the kids in exchange for a ticket. [cripfemme]
She had her adult sister with her, it seems. I found out on another website that she actually got a full refund, not a partial refund like I heard earlier. I also don't think it was the children with the disabilities who were the problem. [desertdarlene]
Victory for frequent travellers everywhere! In almost any other situation, like when similar things happen in restaurants, you can move away or go somewhere else, but on a plane you're stuck. I'll happily admit I don't have much tolerance for kids but being stuck on a plane with a screaming one has got to be one of the worst experiences ever. [Ishtara]
I think that was probably part of the reason why they wouldn't let them board their connection--they didn't want to be stuck in a tin can with them for another couple of hours. [desertdarlene]
I have not seen the story. But from what you wrote, this is very sad indeed. I have never ridden on a plane in my life. But I would imagine that this happened because the airline would be liable if something happened to the children, but I am not sure. [Rozie37]
I have Asthma and when I go into a smoked filled room, I can not breathe. So I can definitely appreciate this kind of thing. [Rozie37]
I think its not the children who were kicked off its the parents who have not brought up their children in a proper way. [rajikoshy]
I am really sorry to hear that news. [aryajayaprakash]
Thanks for responding. [desertdarlene]
Airplane tickets are high enough and should the rest of the passengers have to deal with this the whole flight? I don't think so. [elmiko]
The first times I few on an airline, prices were even higher. But, that was before the deregulation that happened during the 1980s. Before that, planes were way less crowded. Perhaps that's why we are getting more people acting up. [desertdarlene]
I feel I have a high tolerance for kids on planes. Sure they are going to be exited and make some noice. Sure they should be able to move a bit during long flight. Adults do too. But there has to be a line somewhere. For me the line needs to be drawn when safety is jeopardized. I believe it was right to refuse this family back on the plane. I unerstand it might be hard to travel with four kids - especially these kids, but still the adults need to be able to controle them. Otherwise they just cannot fly. When given two warnings you'll have to expect the two adults can kep four kids in their seats. I think families are given a lot of space and freedom on flights. Sometime too much. I do not mind a kid screaming much - as long as the parents try to calm them. I do not mind kids walking in the aisle - as long as the parents company them and watch them. I really do mind when small kids are allowed to run around, pulling emergency handles, trying to get into the cocpit, do not follow safety regulations, and it is apparent that the parents cannot control them. I feel unsafe. I understand this mother has a hard time with her kids, but unless she's able to keep them and others safe she has to stay off planes and other dangerous situations. If you do not behave you cannot participate. Autists and kids with cerebral pareses can behave. [teison2]
Darline it makes me wonder how they act at home. [teapotmommommerced]
please send their address.. [fukkhiong]
Can't watch the video but having kids run rampant on a plane is dangerous for them as well as all the other people. Parents need to keep control of their kids on public transportation or stay home. I'm sorry her kids have problems but maybe another form of transportation-or a babysitter at home or on the plane-may have been more appropriate. [dragon54u]
I think they were going to visit their dad, so they couldn't stay home. I don't know why their dad could go to see them. I mentioned this before, but I wonder what they would be like on a train where people move around a lot more. I don't think they would last long on a bus, either. The only thing I can think of is driving a car back. [desertdarlene]
Can you imagine what it must be like to be dealing with two difficult children to begin with and then to get left at an airport with no way to get back home or to your destination? It had to be tough for both the airlines and the woman involved. Still, kids always act the worst when they know they can and an autistic kid is not going to understand the ramifications of his/her behavior. I suppose there will be a lawsuit now. [wearmanyhats]
Yes, she is planning to sue even though she got all her money back and the airport personnel fed them before they got another flight to their destination. I don't know how long they had to wait until they got their next flight, but it probably wasn't more than someone who had to wait a few hours to get another connection, anyway. I will find out, though. It's hard to know if an autistic kid understands the ramifications of their behavior as there are different degrees of the disability. Some that I know are very aware of how their behavior appears to other people, but others may not. I don't know the level of functioning that child had. [desertdarlene]
You people must be sooo cruel! If you work with kids you would know that a child with autism and cerebral is not their fault and they cannot help how they act on a plane! gosh people look this stuff up would you? I hope you are not parents because if you are I would be appalled! Kids have a lot of energy and they do not enjoy being cooped up for long periods of time! Its not about how well behaved they are or arent. Its not entirely a parents fault. I hope I do not encounter any of you when I take my daughter to disney in a few months because I will not hesitate to speak my mind. She is 3 yrs old and I hope she will behave on the plane but if she cries because she is scared then that is okay and others should be understanding and compassionate not cruel! [Sungoddess1818]
I really do not need to look this up as I know many people with cerebral pareses. they would be offended by your statements. there is notheing wrong with their self control - just their bodies do not work like it should. One of my friends was the best student in town even. And yes i know that some have mental retardation as well, but we do not know what the case was here. People with autism may also usually be controled around others. They usually do not run around being unsafe. No matter what people that are safety hazards cannot be on a plane. Then the parents need to only be responsible for one kid each so they can manage them better. I'm the one that said something about kids pulling emergensy exit handles. I do not know if these kids did that. I was refering to what kind of behaviours I think I could accept and not accept from kids on a plane. I was just on a flight where a small child repeatedly got to play with the doors with no parent saying a thing. I think people like that should not be allowed onto the plane again. It is not the kids fault. It is the parent that need to take charge. If they do not think they can handle the kids then do not board a plane [teison2]
I hope the lady told the flight attendant that her children have disabilities and then the flight attendant would have made compensations. I do think that the children should have been put in seats and told to stay unless they had to go to the washroom. If she did not inform them, then the airplane is not to blame for kicking them off the plane. If she did tell them and the flight attendant did not bring books or games to keep the children happy, it was the fault of the attendant and thereby the plane. If something had happened while the children were running around like an accident, she would have sued the airplane. So if one has children with disabilities be it autism, or whatever, one has to inform the plane authorities prior to boarding so they can make special arrangements and if one has already told the plane, then it is up to the attendants and their mother to make sure that these children are kept otherwise occupied. [suspenseful]
I think that some families are so used to their behavior that they don't realize that they might be causing a hardship somewhere. [desertdarlene]
I do not know what other think of this but I for one think the airlines did the right thing. My sister and her husband work for an airline and they have to put up with so much garbage from passengers it is not funny. It is time the airlines think of the safety of themselves and others. If the passengers cannot obey the rules then they do not deserve to fly. I do think the airlines should give some of the peoples money back, the cost from cost of the ticket from Arizona to Seattle. They do not deserve all their money back. [teapotmommommerced]
I understood what you meant. I think she will be getting a lawyer and file a discrimination case you watch and see. Heck some lawyer may be doing that probono as we speak. [teapotmommommerced]
Hello desertdarlene. I did actually hear about this situation. And I must say that I am not surprised the family was asked to de-plane if the kids were not remaining in their seat belts. That is, of course, a huge safety violation on a plane and I can't imagine that any airline would overlook that. I get the feeling there was more going on here than the typically crying baby or loud kids. [PearlGrace]
Yeah, I don't think that it was just being loud or crying that did it. I know that if I were a stewardess on that plane, I would be pretty scared about having kids running around while the seatbelt sign was on. You never know if they might hit an "air pocket" or something that would throw these kids all around the plane. There might even be laws about that, too. [desertdarlene]
Wow!! Another crazy news story. I feel eough for the woman with all o the stu that he aleady had on her plae, and now to be kicked off the plane? Yikes!! They can do this, when kids with no problems are running amok in cafes, and no one does anyhing? [danishcanadian]
I just watced the video. Phoenix? I spend a lot of time in that airport lying between Phoenix and Toronto quie often. [danishcanadian]