In the world of air travel, business travelers may not notice the subtle shifts in airline policies and attitudes, but families certainly do. The crumbling service, overcrowded seating, and escalating fees might be a common complaint, but the real kicker is the dismissive attitude from airlines, implying we should be thankful for any meager assistance we receive. Need a little extra help? Tough luck!
Perhaps you’ve come across some recent headlines about a family being removed from a flight due to their daughter’s behavior. When I first saw the story titled “Family Removed from Flight After Autistic Daughter Deemed ‘Disruptive’,” I didn’t think much of it. Then I noticed more articles circulating, particularly one featuring the mother’s perspective, “Mom of Autistic Teen Removed from Flight Says Airline Overreacted.” Curiosity got the best of me, and I dove into the details.
Dr. Emily Greenfield was flying with her husband and their 15-year-old daughter, Lily, who has autism. During the flight, Lily expressed her hunger but refused the snacks offered by her parents, insisting on a hot meal instead. Dr. Greenfield, understanding the challenges that can come with autism (thanks to binge-watching parenting shows, I can relate), asked the flight crew if they could warm up the chicken sandwich she purchased, but they refused. She tried to buy a meal from first class—nope. Even a simple request for something salty was turned down. Frustration built up, and she suggested that perhaps a meltdown might prompt the crew to be more accommodating. Eventually, they grudgingly provided a hot meal.
Once Lily finally settled down and enjoyed her meal, the flight took an unexpected turn when the pilot announced a diversion to Salt Lake City due to a passenger issue. To Dr. Greenfield’s shock, it turned out the issue was her own family. They were escorted off the plane while other passengers confirmed that there was no trouble at all!
Dr. Greenfield has lodged complaints with the airline and the FAA, not seeking monetary compensation but calling for better training for staff. It’s not about educating them on every condition passengers might have; it’s about fostering basic decency and understanding. This wasn’t an overbearing mother demanding special treatment—this was a parent trying to ensure a smooth flight for everyone involved.
In recent times, airlines seem to have forgotten the importance of kindness towards families, especially when most are only able to afford the bare minimum for travel. For instance, a father traveling from Raleigh to Montgomery had to pay an extra $88 just to sit next to his 4-year-old daughter, only to find plenty of empty seats on the plane. Another incident involved a mother and her baby being removed from a flight due to a brief exchange with a flight attendant.
It might be high time for airlines to remember that families are valuable customers. After all, we have options, as they often remind us while disembarking. Families are spending substantial amounts of money to travel, and a little gratitude would go a long way.
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In summary, the treatment of families by airlines is declining, with increasing fees and a lack of compassion making travel more challenging. Stories like that of Dr. Greenfield highlight the need for a change in mindset among airline staff, reminding us that families deserve respect and understanding during their journeys.