Still Traveling

By Hegelian

July 13, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Foolishness— most toddlers learning the english language say something to that effect— maybe we should drug each little kids upon entering the plane so as to not cause any fear to any other passenger or stewardess (ohh—sorry—flight attendant).

By Agree

July 13, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

While I agree that the attendant overstepped her boundaries, a lawsuit will not change what happened. Just get over it.

By me again

July 13, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Yes, the flight attendant overstepped her bounds, especially stating ‘this is MY plane’. She should be FIRED! Her advocating that the mother drug her baby to keep him quiet should result in a criminal charge. Yes, she should have taken her story to the media because no action had been taken on her complaint in over a month. I bet they’ll take action now.

By Mark Seiberg

July 13, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

This story is absolutely rediculous. As a former airline employee, I’ve seen my fair share of unruly toddlers as well as out-of-control flight attendants. After it became clear to the FA that the toddler wasn’t bothering other passengers and he obviously was posing no security threat to the airplane, she should have taken her seat and let the flight continue. The FA inconvenienced the 50 other passengers on the flight just so they all knew she was in charge. At a time when airlines are attempting to recover from years of poor customer service, this incidents puts a huge blemish on their efforts.

By Leslie

July 13, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

That was extremely uncalled for!! Customer Service really has taken a nose dive these days.

By JK

July 13, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

The kid was so bad on GMA that they took him off the show during the interview! No wonder they kicked them off the plane.

By DeDe

July 13, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Being in public with my 3 young nephews has changed my perspective on this. I’ve realized that our society in general is NOT child friendly. We have wildly unrealistic expectations of kids and of age approrpriate behaviors, and tend to either throw up our hands in defeat or reach for harsh punitive discipline or medication. All because adults don’t know how to talk to kids, listen, model positive behaviors, and view children as our greatest resource to be nourished and gently brought up. Heaven forbid an adult preoccupied with their adult ‘stuff’ be distracted by the simple chatter of a child! Really sad…..

By Kristin

July 13, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

I don’t think there was any insinuation that this toddler was making a terrorist threat. He was saying bye bye plane like when I ask my 15 month old grandson if he wants to go “Bye bye in the car?” his response in always either “Bye bye car” or “yea, yea, yea”. Kids are repetitive. That Continental ExpressJet flight attendant was just intolerant of this child and maybe he/she shouldn’t really be in a service industry. As a comparison, my daughter and grandson flew from Raleigh Durham to Atlanta on Airtran on Wed night. Their flight was cancelled, the next flight departed late arriving well after midnight. My grandson was not quiet on the flight. He didn’t cry but he did squeal a bit. The flight attendants treated my daughter with respect. As all passenger should be treated.

By gene

July 13, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

I guess PMS occurs in female flight attendents too!

The whole security thing is out of hand. If the airlines, and our society, are going to survive we the public have got to get over our fear of everything that goes bump in the night.

Obviously this was an overreaction to something that was harmless. If the flight attendent is that paranoid about some “omen” coming out of the mouth of a babe then she should be put on desk duty or find another line of work.

A lawsuit seems appropriate here.

By Bob

July 13, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

I’d rather see the fat sweaty guy who thinks my rib cage is an arm rest thrown off the plane.

By Jacenda

July 13, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Common knowledge: Toddlers can be annoying. In many cases, I will side with the fact that a lot of parents these days do not properly keep their kids under control, especially in public. In this case, I have to side with the mom. Let me first say, that I love kids. With that being said, I fly often and neary every flight I am on has at least obnoxious kid. Whether it is a baby crying or a six year old kicking the back of your seat, or not using “indoor voices”. When you fly, it should be expected. The rest of the world deals with it, so I am not sure what the excuse for a flight attendant that should be used to it to make this big fuss would be.

By Evan

July 13, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

If the child is uncontrolable and a behavior problem ; I agree totally.

By Kristin

July 13, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Even a tantrum in a toddler would not be grounds for getting them booted from the plane. (They call it the terrible twos for a reason and we were all that age once.) Sounds like the thirty-something flight attendant had a personal tantrum which should not be tolerated. When I heard about this yesterday I called ExpressJet to “express” my disapproval of the flight attendant’s actions. The airline even called the police! Contintinental ExpressJet should have bent over backwards to accomodate this young mother after she was kicked off the plane. ExpressJet will ultimately lose money in the cost of poor public relations.

By Golly

July 13, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

This STEWARDESS shouldn’t be in her current profession at all. There are some of us who really shouldn’t be in contact with customers. I know, I’m one of them. This woman should be immediately fired and made to apologize publicly to the child and his mother and sent off to do small office work. I’m as disgusted as anyone else about the litigious nature of our society, but I stand behind the poor customer and her suit all the way. Take ‘em for all they’re worth, honey!

By laura

July 13, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Well, if this is truly what happened, then I say the flight attendant overreacted. But there are two sides to every story, and it’s been my experience that in these kinds of situations parents sometimes exaggerate or stretch the truth in order to gain sympathy and make themselves look better. I would be more inclined to believe the mother if several other passengers on the plane came forward and verified her story. All we have right now is what she says happened and how she says other passengers reacted to her plight.

By Mama

July 13, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

I would record ehr name, ask the passenger to be witnesses, and then go ahead with the suit - cause this IS NOT acceptable. We as a passenger are already being refused food and drinks, pullows and blankets, stuck in inconvenient sits (so airlines could put more people in the airplane)… But tolerating b*** unruly flight attendants attacking our children…C’MON!

By angrymeatball

July 13, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

I saw this mother and son on Good Morning America this morning. Nothing out of the ordinary for a two-year-old. The kid was fidgity, but nothing more - very typical. Sounds to me like the STEWARDESS has a major ego problem and is a control freak. SHE should be kicked out the industry. Maybe she was mad because she gained a pound and took it out on the little guy and mom.

By angrymeatball

July 13, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

I saw this mother and son on Good Morning America this morning. Nothing out of the ordinary for a two-year-old. The kid was fidgity, but nothing more - very typical. Sounds to me like the STEWARDESS has a major ego problem and is a control freak. SHE should be kicked out the industry. Maybe she was mad because she gained a pound and took it out on the little guy and mom.

By Mark

July 13, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

There’s nothing more annoying that being next to a mother that won’t control her brat. I’m sure you think your little offspring is the cutest thing around, but I don’t want to say “hi” to him/her or play with the toy that they just slobbered all over. I’m glad they kicked her off. Maybe it will send a message that parents should learn to keep control over their kids. I know if I stepped out of line when I was growing up my parents would discipline me. Parents should teach their kids how to act in public. It’s not cute.. it’s just annoying.

By Shopper Girl

July 13, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Some how I think the kid was doing more than just saying “bye bye plane.” Every parent thinks their child is an angel and would never do anything wrong….so I think there is more to this story than what this woman is saying.

By Sara

July 13, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I’m the last person who wants to sit by a crying toddler but this is not the case. The attendant appears to be nothing more than an old fashion b**, plain and simple. I want to be safe in the skies, we all do but the airlines have too much power now. They go from being so lax they allow terrorist to take over planes and kills thousands while they have their heads in the clouds with lax security to something like this? If you utter one defensive word to an airline employee now they can have you arreested without due cause. What ever happened to good plain commion sense? The airline employee should be fired!

By go mom

July 13, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I’m proud of the mom for sticking up for herself and her child. The flight attendant had no right to make the request in the first place. But turning the confrontation into a p** contest was for her own pride. If she isn’t fired, she should be reprimanded. The company should offer free flights to the family or some other compensation. I hope it doesn’t go to the lawsuit, but I don’t blame the woman at all.

By Vanilla Ice Cream

July 13, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

That’s the most craziest thing i’ve heard of since the runaway bride, that did’nt really run away he’s a baby who’s learning to talk get a grip!

By Mark

July 13, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

There’s nothing more annoying that being next to a mother that won’t control her brat. I’m sure you think your little offspring is the cutest thing around, but I don’t want to say “hi” to him/her or play with the toy that they just slobbered all over. I’m glad they kicked her off. Maybe it will send a message that parents should learn to keep control over their kids. I know if I stepped out of line when I was growing up my parents would discipline me. Parents should teach their kids how to act in public. It’s not cute.. it’s just annoying.

By joyce

July 13, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

An attendant that arrogant shouldn’t be on the payroll. The mother could have made an effort to pacify the child and probably would have after getting settled in. I think she deserves compensation for the inconvenience of having to await yet another flight with out extra food stuff for the child plus the humiliation of the entire episode. Hope the airlines gets rid of Miss Hotsy who probably has some kind of personal relation with a higher up to think she had that much authority.

By Mark

July 13, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

There’s nothing more annoying that being next to a mother that won’t control her brat. I’m sure you think your little offspring is the cutest thing around, but I don’t want to say “hi” to him/her or play with the toy that they just slobbered all over. I’m glad they kicked her off. Maybe it will send a message that parents should learn to keep control over their kids. I know if I stepped out of line when I was growing up my parents would discipline me. Parents should teach their kids how to act in public. It’s not cute.. it’s just annoying.

By Laura

July 13, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what is more annoying. The flight attendant with the lousy customer service and ego problem or the guy that commented in this blog that “he guessed female flight attendants got p.m.s. too.” What a jerk! The FA should be let go and the jerk should think before he writes.

By Law Suit

July 13, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Why is a law suit the answer to everything. The airline will take the heat for this but apparently you need the money.

By Jim

July 13, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

There are so many problems here it’s ridiculous.

First of all, I, like many passengers, don’t really enjoy being in an enclosed space with someones screaming young’un. However, I raised two of them, so I know you just can’t help it, so I try to help if I can. If your kid is fascinated by the strap on my carry on, he can gnaw on it all day long if it keeps him quiet:-)

Then we have the flight attendant. I agree she didn’t make it a “terrorist” thing, which is good, but when she suggested the whole baby Benadryl thing, she went way, way over the line. Once it became clear that the main thing agitating the other passengers was the flight attendant, not the child, she should have sat down and shut up.

Then we have the pilot. As pilot in command, he has the final decision as to who’s kicked off. Sadly, this is one of the downsides of the whole “locked cockpit” thing. There’s no way for him to know that he’s got a Nazi for a flight attendant. In his shoes, I still would have wanted to know why they wanted me to kick a baby off my flight.

Then we have whoever escorted them off the plane. I’ve seen people walked off an aircraft before, and you can usually tell the other passengers are welcoming the fact that the person won’t be traveling with them. Given that the other passengers were apparently not upset, I’d say someone should have questioned this. They should have at least tried to placate the family after they were taken off the plane.

Now we come to customer service. When that letter landed on someone’s desk, they definitely should have kicked it up high enough for someone to fix it. An apology and a free ticket, and they would have been off the hook.

I am not a fan of lawsuits, but I would probably be filing one for this, and would hope that both the flight attendant and the customer service rep who got the letter (if they can find them) lose their jobs.

By girlscout

July 13, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

First, if this toddler had any concept of what he was saying he would have retorted…”bye bye customers”. Secondly, if this CONTINENTAL employee is that insecure and paranoid, then she needs to find another line of work. Hint…there is a nail salon on every corner in Houston.

By loisefit7

July 13, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Talk about absurd. Hopefully that loser fight attendent will soon be looking for a job that is NOT in customer service. She also might want to rethink EVER becoming a mother. If its too late and she already has kids, they have my sympathy!

By Amber

July 13, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

I think there are two sides to this story and we have really only heard one. Although I agree that the child appears to be a brate, I feel like there must be more to this incident than just a baby saying bye-bye. How did the mother react? Did she do anything to anger the FA? We are quick to jump to the mother’s defense when we haven’t heard both sides of this story.

By Steve

July 13, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Anyone looking for a job as a flight attendant? I know of an opening…

By Rocky

July 13, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Having raise three wonderful children, two of whom are still in their teens. I can say this, toddlers can be annoying at times, especially if they are not controlled by their parents. What seems repetitively cute to a parent can be very annoying to others, even parents. Children need to learn to respect others and it’s never to early to start. We would have far less law suits if parents would teach there children today rather then let them just run without controll.

By Rogers Hornsby

July 13, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Once again the press put something out there with one side of the story and asks us what we think. It’s a shame but most people take it for granted that everything the press says is exactly as it is printed. If a story doesnt have the spin on it that would make it sell then it is not printed. Just like a writer trying too sell a Novel, it needs to be pumped up. What a shame. Both sides should be on every story before it is printed so the people can make a true judgement of what actually happened. Thanks in advance if this is printed.

By InTownGal

July 13, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

My husband is a pilot and often talks about unruly passengers, and their unruly kids. I can’t believe the entitlement behavior that people display while on a plane, deal w/ my screaming child, deal w/ my snoring, get me another drink, pajama wearing fools, and just the oveall up yours mentality gets me. Flying airplanes is a business, and these professionals job is to get you from point A to B safely, not but up w/ passengers bull. You are not in a five-star resort when you get on a plane, rather, a glorified grayhound bus in the sky. If this child is so well-behaved why did they had to yank him off GMA? I think the lady is just trying to justify herself by going to the media, and looking for a quick dime. If the FA is found to have behaved the way the lady stated, then that is inappropriate as well. Although, I see nothing wrong w/ giving a child a little Benedryl to help them sleep thru a flight and ease ear pain which often happens to small children during a flight. It is safe and efficacious. Both parties are CRAZY!

By Kristin

July 13, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

According to ABC News, there was an “11 hour delay at the Houston airport” and other passengers sided with the young mother:

“He wasn’t any louder than the adult passengers on the plane,” said passenger Stacey Watts.

Watts sat just a few rows back from the Georgia mother [Kate Penland] and heard the entire conversation.

“Katie was in shock at that point,” Watts explained. “You could tell. She was in row 3 and I was in row 6. She just kept saying, ‘I don’t know what you expect me to do. I don’t know what you expect me to do.’”

Suddenly eyewitnesses say the flight attendant announced they were returning to the gate and Penland would be removed from the plane.

Houston police received a report of a disturbance on a plane, but it appears when the officer got there, he didn’t find any crime. In fact, Penland wasn’t arrested charged or even given a ticket.”

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5472927

By hellooooo

July 13, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

to reply to laura, above, there were multiple passengers, apparently, who were backing the mom’s story, both on the plane and afterwards. so that should answer that for you. This is a far different incident than the one a while back where the kid wouldn’t get in the seat and be buckled in and the plane had to remain on the ground, and the parents apparently couldn’t or wouldn’t “force” the child into a seat. in that incident, the child was causing the plane to be delayed for safety reasons — granted that probably wasn’t the child’s intent, but that WAS the result — and the refusal of a parent of a small child to take control of the child, to me, was the biggest part of the story. I’ve been told the child was hysterical — well excuse me, when a child gets hysterical, shouldn’t the parent take the child in hand (or in arms, as it were) and calm it down; and if the child remains hysterical, shouldn’t the parent voluntarily remove the child from the area, allowing others to go on their way?

in this case the child was causing no safety issue, merely being a bit annoying, as someone said, a typical 19-month old kid… the stew in this case should be perhaps given an unpaid suspension of some period of time, made to publicly apologize, and be given some laughing my butt off here sensitivity training (to children)…hey… if she’d made a racial or ethnic slur, that’s what they’d do!!!!!

Children have rights too!!! (i’m being tongue-in-cheek here kids, don’t get upset!!!)

By Trae

July 13, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

As is usually the case these days, the mainstream media only tells the side of the story that will get them noticed. One of the most annoying things is a crying baby in a restaurant, plane, movie theater (WHY IS A BABY IN AN R RATED MOVIE ANYWAY???). I’ve witnessed more then one occasion where the parent seems oblivious to the behavior of the child, and just lets it go so they don’t have to interrupt what THEY are doing in order to properly discipline their kids. They don’t get that they are adversely affecting MY TIME and if children can’t behave, don’t bring them.

While the FA might have been a bit overbearing in this case, it should not be overlooked that it’s quite possible the kid was doing more then what we are being led to believe.

By Trae

July 13, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

As is usually the case these days, the mainstream media only tells the side of the story that will get them noticed. One of the most annoying things is a crying baby in a restaurant, plane, movie theater (WHY IS A BABY IN AN R RATED MOVIE ANYWAY???). I’ve witnessed more then one occasion where the parent seems oblivious to the behavior of the child, and just lets it go so they don’t have to interrupt what THEY are doing in order to properly discipline their kids. They don’t get that they are adversely affecting MY TIME and if children can’t behave, don’t bring them.

While the FA might have been a bit overbearing in this case, it should not be overlooked that it’s quite possible the kid was doing more then what we are being led to believe.

By everyoneneedstochill

July 13, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Obviously this flight attendant was having a REALLY bad day and let her emotions get the best of her. As someone who flies frequently, I’m surprised that doesn’t happen more often, given the crap flight attendants, and anyone else who deals with the mass public, has to put up with. I’ve flown a lot this summer, and it has been the worst for unruly children whose parents have no parenting skills other than expecting some electronic audio/visual device to baby sit their child. Common courtesy and social graces are things of the past these days, what with everyone tethered to iPods, cell phones, games and computers. When people have to actually deal with people on a human level, they don’t know how any more. I’m not excusing the flight attendant’s outburst, just offering an explanation. Everyone has a breaking point.

The flight attendant over-reacted. But she is human, also. Cut her some slack. A law suit is also an over-reaction. The mother is using this unfortunate incident to get her 15 minutes of fame. Instead of dragging the kid around to all the morning shows for attention, she should spend some quality time with her child.

By Leigh

July 13, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Most young parents of small children think that everything their child does is cute.Speaking as a former Sunday School teacher , it’s not cute after awhile. I love children and I’m a mother, but stop allowing all focus to be on you and your child. The person sitting close to you could be flying for the first time and they don’t need the extra aggravation.Everyone wants to blame someone else for their problems.A lawsuit is ridiculous.

By mary

July 13, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

This flight attendant is my hero.

This is a mother who takes a 20 month old on a plane trip and by her own admission, brings NO extra diapers, no snacks, no toys, no juice for him. You know she’s one of those mothers who lets her child run and scream out of control, and anybody who doesn’t like that is a monster who hates children.

Parents, if you can’t control your children on an airplane or in public, then drive or stay home. Don’t subject the rest of us to your “precious little darlings.” Just because YOU think they can do no wrong doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t begging the stewardess to throw them off the plane.

By Bulldog

July 13, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Here is a case where a women from Buford wants all the money she can get plus all the attention that goes with it. Does anyboby really care what happen to her.

By Bulldog

July 13, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Here is a case where a women from Buford wants all the money she can get plus all the attention that goes with it. Does anyboby really care what happen to her.

By Bulldog

July 13, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Here is a case where a women from Buford wants all the money she can get plus all the attention that goes with it. Does anyboby really care what happen to her.

By Col

July 13, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

I read about this and saw it on the news. Yes, there are two sides to this story. However, I have been on flights with kids totally out of control and the parents think it is cute behavior. I am a firm believer no matter how young your child is, discipline is something that is taught and I do think that yes, kids are going to be kids and you can’t expect them to act like adults, but I do think that teaching a child at an early age to speak in an inside tone, knowing how to act in public can prevent alot of this from happening. On another note, we need to know the entire story before we actually judge the flight attendent’s behavior and the mom’s.

Training a child how to act in public will go along way.

By Jay

July 13, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

“We as a passenger are already being refused food and drinks, pullows and blankets, stuck in inconvenient sits(so airlines could put more people in the airplane)…”

You aren’t being refused anything. If you want food, drinks, pillows and blankets, you’ll have to pay more for your tickets. Believe it or not, all of those things cost money. Passengers, as a whole, have decided they would rather fly cheaply than comfortably. Major airlines are merely reacting to the popularity of low-cost carriers.

By Koala

July 13, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with Mark. Kids and planes are a terrible mix. Oh, and try taking a flight to Australia — 15hrs non stop — with a bunch of parents ignoring the fact that their kids are annoying the other passengers by crawling over their seats, running up and down the aisles all night while you’re trying to get some sleep before you hit Melbourne.

Let your kids be out of control in the sanctity of your house — not on my plane trip please! And that goes for all of you moms in Target, Kroger, Publix….

By Bulldog

July 13, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Here is a case where a women from Buford wants all the money she can get plus all the attention that goes with it. Does anyboby really care what happen to her.

By Mantiess

July 13, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

I think flight attendants need to remember that they are here to serve the passengers, not the other way around. Unfortunately, since 9/11 flight attendants have taken their jobs too seriously. They are NOT firefighters, cops or even soldiers-they are servers. And as servers, when you reached a point of intolerance in your job - it’s time to quit.

By Bulldog

July 13, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Here is a case where a women from Buford wants all the money she can get plus all the attention that goes with it. Does anyboby really care what happen to her?

By cheri

July 13, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I’ve travelled with my kids, and always tried to bring a few things to amuse them or read them a story. Mothers have to realize they need to take a responsibilty to TRY to keep their child manageable on a plane..

By Paul

July 13, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

The flight attendent really overstepped her authority. It’s not her plane, it’s the airlines. She definately needs to be fired.

On the other hand, the mother needs to learn to control her kid. I have been on flights where whiney kids made the flight pure hell.

Parents today have no control over their kids and so no one has any patience with spoiled brats. Keep your brats off the plane…drive your car and then only you have listen to them.

By Dan

July 13, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

I find it hard to believe that we have the whole story. Despite the fact that other passengers are reported to have agreed with the mother doesn’t mean others did not. If in fact it happened as reported, in other words a child simply talking and not misbahaving or throwing a tantrum, not only should the FA be fired but the pilot as well. Since he/she is in charge of all that happens on the plane. I find it hard to believe that a FA has the authority to turn around a plane in such a situation. When you consider ticking off passengers, fuel and additional gate/ground fees for such and excersise it would make zero sense for them to do that unless absolutely necessary

By Patty

July 13, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

I saw the complete story on GMA this morning. For those of you who think this story is only the mother’s word against all else, they had taped interviews with other passengers from that flight and each one supported the mother’s claims. Persons in customer service (such as a flight attendant) are NOT allowed to have bad days in public.

By ladivaboricua

July 13, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Instead of giving the baby benadryl, I say the stewardess should have taken her valium! I am just glad it wasn’t me, this would have been a whole different headline. MOM BOOTS STEWARDESS OFF PLANE, CAPTAIN GIVES HER A HAND!

By Koala

July 13, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

MARY, you completely hit the nail on the head! That is the best post I’ve read today. Here here!!!!! Geesh….

By Kristin

July 13, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

After an 11-hour delay at the airport it is understandable that this young mother had run out of diapers, milk, juice and snacks. I am sure the the toddler had long since tired of the few toys they may have had in a carry on bag. All of us could learn to be more tolerant, children are part of our society, they are our little lambs, Mary.

By vwoolf

July 13, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Some time after 9/11, someone gave flight attendants the power of God.

On a flight I took about a year ago, I could not hear what a passenger said, but I could certainly hear the FA say, “I can kick you off of this flight.” It’s interesting that we teachers have never been given this kind of power.

By Trae

July 13, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

A lawsuit is ridiculous. There are some restaurants which don’t allow children after a certain time. There should be some flights like that as well…like if it’s over a 4hr flight, you have to store your kid in the overhead compartment. HA!

By Jessie

July 13, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and definitely understand how children can be irritating on planes. Yes, there are some parents that should attempt to teach their children “public behavior” versus “private behavior”, but a child saying “bye bye plane” is not a reason to throw someone off a plane. This flight attendant obviously wasn’t practicing using her people skills, because you NEVER tell a mom “that is not cute”. Maybe if she would have approached the mom, in a more appropriate manner, maybe she may have apologized and tried to distract the child from the “bye bye plane” repetition. I am not saying it would have worked, because some people don’t want to inconvenience their children by attempting to modify their behavior, but drugging your child is not the answer.

By Curiuos

July 13, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Only one side of what actually happened on that flight has been heard. I’m sure the FA would have a much different take on what took place. Let’s hear from the FA.

By GaLiberal

July 13, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

This is just another example of where too much authority is given to people that don’t need it and you don’t have any rights to challenge that authority. In the name of terrorism, we’ve given to seemingly everyone. Pilots the right to carry guns and use deadly force. Flight attendants can throw people off of airplanes for “interfering with a flight crew”. The FBI shows up and next thing you’re on a no-fly list or a suspected terrorist list or some other secrete list which you can’t appeal. TSA implements new and ever-more draconian restrictions on air travel without impunity. Cops threaten to charge some kids that opened fire hyrants with a terrorist act of tampering with a utility. All in the name of terrorism. Yes, I’ve been on planes with screaming/crying kids and it’s not pleasant. But, that’s no reason to throw someone off a plane. We need to get back to some balance before we go completely off the cliff and lose what little freedoms we have left.

By Mort

July 13, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

“Bye-bye, plane” — they must’ve thought it was a terrorist threat! Maybe the kid had a bomb in his diaper!

By HB

July 13, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Penland should have slapped the bit**s head off. Forget lawsuits. Just give the flight attendant a chin check. That should cool her down.

By Bruce

July 13, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

The Airline and Flight Crew were absolutely correct in removing the annoying child/parent from the plane. When we pay for a ticket, we should not have to be subjected to unruly passangers. The kid and his Mother sounld like a couple of Brats.

By mander

July 13, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Have y’all read the article on wsbtv.com this a.m. about this kid? The mom was on Good Morning America today. While Kate Penland (mom) explained her child was well-behaved on the Continental Express flight, the boy kicked, wiggled and squirmed out of her arms.

He got so unruling during his mom’s chat that a co-anchor had to take him off the set.

Apparently he climbed up on a coffee table and rifled through Diane Sawyer’s scripts!!!

I’m sorry - but the mom has shot herself in the foot now…on national tv!!!

By InTownGal

July 13, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

To Mantiess: Your quote, “I think flight attendants need to remember that they are here to serve the passengers, not the other way around… They are NOT firefighters, cops or even soldiers-they are servers.” Actually they are not just there to serve you your diet coke, but are trained to get your butt off the plane safely in the event of an emergency. So no, they are NOT servers.

By Tonya Pegel

July 13, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I think that flight attendant was having a real F@#$ UP day and had NO right to take it out on a toddler who was saying 3 words over and over. I do no have any kids, but this is what toddlers do. DUMB A@# B##@@# Attendant. This is definitely a case. Because the airline did bend over backward to accomadate this young mother, they may have lost the ability to keep this airline afloat.

By AMEN

July 13, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

I agree 100% with KOALA. You go MARY!!! Your post is the best of the best.

If you can’t control your children, stay out of public places. I don’t want my flight, dinner, movie, etc. ruined because you can’t control your child!!!!!!!!!

By Sarah

July 13, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

If anyone needed to medicated, it was that Flight Attendant. Get over yourself! And what about when someone on a flight really does threaten you? You think the pilot is going to take you seriously after you “cried wolf” about a 2 year old child.

By Bill Millar

July 13, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

“We’ve come a long way baby from the days when We’re ready when you are” as a slogan for airlines to this. First the “Stew” (who doesn’t deserve to be call a Flight Attendant as this title infers knowledge, concern and compassion for passengers)should understand that it is well proven that pediatric doses of Bendaryl actually acts as a stimulent, not a depressant, to children. Second I assume that she may be looking for a new job soon and she would make a great press secretary for Bush, as they both act stupidly!

By Awah

July 13, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

If anyone needed to be medicated, it was that Flight Attendant. Get over yourself! And what about when someone on a flight really does threaten you? You think any pilot is going to take you seriously after you “cried wolf” about a 2 year old child.

By Dan

July 13, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Oh well if it was on GMA it must be true. (that is like a televised people magazine) Don’t get me wrong my gut feel is the truth is closer to the moms story. but just because all of the interviews they aired were pro mom doesn’t mean all of the ones they taped were or all the passengers agreed. I want to see a poll of all passengers within a few rows. If they don’t care than no body should

By Horton

July 13, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

If I were on a plane with my 19-month-old, after about three “bye-bye plane” comments, I’d tell him to be quiet. I have a feeling this young mother thought everyone around her found it cute and didn’t tell him to sit quietly. Of course it helps to bring something with you to keep him occupied (duh!).

Just because you think your kid is the most adorable thing in the world, it does not mean the rest of us do. And yes, I have kids…well-behaved ones who would not be allowed to cause a disruption on a plane.

Regarding the flight attendant, she was wrong and needs to find another line of work. Hello…you are a waitress in the sky…get over yourself.

A lawsuit is ridiculous, though.

By Red Forman

July 13, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Bye-bye Stewardess

By Cass

July 13, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

I can see both sides. If the child repeated the same phrase over and over and over (through the safety instructions, etc.), that would wear on my nerves, too. However, telling the mother to “shut your baby up” and suggesting that she give him drugs was crossing the line. I think the flight attendant should have said something more along the lines of, “Could you please try to have him quiet down now, so that the other passengers can have a pleasant flight,” and maybe offered to get him some juice or something. By the same token, I wouldn’t have let my child continue to perseverate on a phrase like that; I realize (and have since he was an infant) that not everyone thinks he is as cute and clever as I do.

BTW, this is another example of how the legal system is being abused, if indeed a lawsuit is filed. Both parties made mistakes in the way it was handled. If I am inconvenienced by a bad-tempered clerk at a store with poor judgment, do I get to file a lawsuit, too? Reimbursement for any expenses incurred by the delay would be about all to which this mom is entitled, IMO

By Jessie

July 13, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

This is ridiculous. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren and definitely understand how children can be irritating on planes. Yes, there are some parents that should attempt to teach their children “public behavior” versus “private behavior”, but a child saying “bye bye plane” is not a reason to throw someone off a plane. This flight attendant obviously wasn’t practicing using her people skills, because you NEVER tell a mom “that is not cute”. Maybe if she would have approached the mom, in a more appropriate manner, maybe she may have apologized and tried to distract the child from the “bye bye plane” repetition. I am not saying it would have worked, because some people don’t want to inconvenience their children by attempting to modify their behavior, but drugging your child is not the answer.

By Nikki

July 13, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, I have 4 kids, and I love children to death… EVERYBODY’S CHILDREN. But I also believe there are 2 sides to every story, and who (besides the other passengers) know what really transpired on that plane.

There are a lot of parents that refuse to “discipline” their kids. Let’s talk to some other people on the plane and see what really happened, before we get all emotional over what could possibly be just “A Bad Child”.

By FA

July 13, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Mantiess, it’s attitudes like yours that have turned flight attendants into people who aren’t really interested in “serving” your ignorant a$$. If you are ever on a flight that has an emergency or you have a medical condition, you better hope there’s a flight attendant there to wait on YOUR table.

By Larry

July 13, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Just your typical, selfish baby-boomer soccer mom who has no interest whatsoever in protecting the public from her “precious angel” brat who she is either unable and/or unwilling to control. If you can’t control your child in public, don’t bring it with you.

By Pat

July 13, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Bravo to the flight attendant!! Give her a raise and a promotion!! Passengers should not have to suffer ill-mannered children and their oblivious parents!

By Jean

July 13, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

I could deal with a small child that is apparently learning to talk as opposed to when I flew to Seoul, South Korea in 1997 with a 4 or 5 year old kicking the back of my seat the entire trip over the the Pacific Ocean and no one stopped him. Then in 2005 I had the pleasure of hearing a baby cry and his sister kicking my seat from Atlanta to Amsterdam. Yes, I could definitely would have appreciated Attilla the Attendant on that flight offering Benadryl to the parents

By Dan

July 13, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Intowngal, do you know any flight attendents? I assume you do since i believe in an earlier post you said your husband is a pilot. Now I know what the politically correct line is, and what the unions want you to hear. But no itntelligent person can believe that the FA’s main purpose is to get you off the plane safely in the event of an emergency. Nor would any intelligent person rely on that. and even if it were true the FA in no way should have the authority to turn around a plane

By Tom

July 13, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

If the flight attendant lied to the pilot about a matter of in-flight security, she should be fired immediately. Pilots and flight attendants are given great latitude by the FAA to deny boarding, remove passengers, or even abort a flight if they believe such measures are required for flight security and safety. Such a system only works when those who abuse it receive the severest possible penalty.

By Nikki

July 13, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Vwoolf… what school is it that you teach at again? so I’ll know not to send my kids there, because unlike this flight attendant, you went to school (I guess) and chose a profession where you’re supposed deal with children all day by choice.

By Mantiess

July 13, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Hey InTownGal and FA - serve me my coke and shut up. When exactly was the last time a FA helped anyone off a plane safely…like 1971? Don’t make more of your job than it really is. You are a SERVER in the air and that’s all. It’s the pilots and air traffic control that get us their safely. Be honest with yourself!

By Kraig

July 13, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

To the one’s that complain that a parent won’t keep the child from talking too loud. You are the same people that think you are the only one in a room when you talk on your cell phone LOUDLY and distrub everyone else. GET OVER IT. A child is that, a child, they need love and support and a toy to keep them occupied. Not a loud talking person on a cell phone who thinks you have to yell on the phone around everyone.

By Bill McDonald

July 13, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

If the incident is as reported. the flight attendent should be terminated, the victim should recieve an apology and substantial compensation from the airline, and the airline should be fined by the FAA or other govermental authority. Commercial aviation as a group failed miserably in the area of customer relations.

Bill McDonald

By KIM

July 13, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

iD YOU CANNOT HANDLE DEALING WITH CHILDREN ON A PLANE TEHN YOU SHOULD NOT BE A FLIGHT ATTENDANT. hOW DARE YOU TELL SOMEONE THEY SHOULD GIVE THE CHILD DRUGS TO SHUT THEM UP, THEN TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY TO LIE TO THE PILOT AND SAY THE PASSANGER THREATENED HER. DONT YOU THINK THERE ARE ENOUGH WITNESSES TO PROVE OTHERWISE. DUMMY ! YOU SHOULD BE FIRED.

By Jadde99

July 13, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Ok, let me say this. I have spent countless hours on a plane - several of which had screaming children on them (“Screaming” not just Talking). And to agree with “Jessie’s” comment above, yes they can be annoying. But there is a simple soultion to not having to endure an annoying child on a plane (even more simple than baby Benadryl). Wanna know what it is?? CHARTER A D@MN PRIVATE PLANE!!!!

When dealing with the public, you have to endure all that comes with it. This is a prime example of some low level flight attendant (whose JOB description is to deal with the public) trying to use what “little” power she does have to get her way. I hope that disgusting woman gets fired and that she gets what is coming to her.

If she doesn’t wanna work with the public…. GO FIND A DESK!!

By LC

July 13, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

To “Agree” (9:19 AM) — The lawsuit will surely be for more than just the embarrassment of the incident (which in itself, may be hard to “get over” after being the brunt of public humiliation). It will likely be grounded more in the hardship and expense caused by having to wait A FULL EXTRA DAY just to get to her destination — especially after the initial 11-hour delay she had just endured. The additional burden cost her for food, room for the night, provisions for her child (remember, she ran out of diapers during the initial delay), possibly having to pay for an entirely new flight, and don’t forget she was going to visit her father… That’s lost time with a loved one which, depending on facts we don’t have, could be particularly dear time missed!

“Get over it” is not useful advice to anyone who was treated this poorly, and then — adding insult to injury — forced to shell out lots of cash, suffer major inconvenience and missed opportunities to be with loved ones, and probably worry and hardship from going through all of this stress with a 19-month-old child on her hip.

I ask you, if you were in this woman’s shoes — wrongfully ejected from an airplane (a “common carrier,” which by the way, has a legal duty to live up to a higher standard of treatment than just anyone) and generally treated like dirt just because your baby was acting like, well, a BABY… How would you feel? And what if instead you were not going to visit family, but were on a business trip? What about missed business opportunities then? And lost income? Whoever you are, I seriously doubt you’d say to yourself “get over it” and move on.

By Jeff

July 13, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

I too was on this flight and the mother’s attitude is what got her kicked off. The FA asked her to get her kid settled so that the plane could taxi. While the Saftey instructions were being given the boy kept saying bye-bye bye-bye. The FA again asked for her to settle the kid down and at this time she made a ‘drinking’ motion. This made the mom go into near hysterics that someone would suggest that she drug her baby. SHE WOULD NOT SHUT UP!!! That is when the FA spoke with the flight deck and announced that the plane was returning to the gate.

By Jack

July 13, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

The AJC only printed ONE side of the story and everyone reacts as if God had written it on stone tablets.

Did they bother to interview the flight attendant? Other passengers?

No, they just love the sensationalism of the BAD flight attendant being mean to the perfect mother and the cute little baby.

What are the facts? NONE of us know because the AJC is acting like the National Inquirer.

They report _hit and the public decides.

God help us.

By B. D. Tuckman

July 13, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

It would be nice for people to make their kids s.t.f.u. in all settings, not just airplanes.

Thanks for playing along at home.

PS. Don’t bring your little underage bundle of joy to any film rated above a “G,” you morons.

By Mark

July 13, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

People with children: Keep your snotty nosed little spawns at home until they learn how to act in public. Noone wants to hear your “angel”!!

By Dan

July 13, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

good point Mary, mother who admitidly doesn’t have all the necessities for a child is a good indication of her apparently skewed perception. (I am embarrassed I didn’t pick up on that sooner

By Syd

July 13, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

How quickly we all jump to conclusions. We’ve only heard one side, the mom’s. My guess it the truth is in the middle somewhere. Sure the FA could have handled it differantly. However, I’m sure the mom could have handled it better too.

Now a couple more questions. Why in the world was she taking a 19 mo old on a plane?? She was only asking for trouble. Back in the day (when parents were parents, not buddies), rarely would children fly. We got in the car and drove. Personally, I can’t wait for airlines to offer “childfree flights”. I would gladly pay a premium. While they are at it, please keep them out of the Crown Room.

Want to take them to dinner? Then go to Chuch E Cheese or somewhere like that. Not a nice restaurant or even you local restaurant/bar.

And a few more items. Lets cut out this stupid thing called “time-out”. That is for wussies. It is called “punishment”. And why do parents always ask their child to sit-down/be quiet/stop etc and follow it with “please”. Parents…stop asking your children to behave and start “telling” them!! They are going to grow up to be wimpy, ill-behaved, spoiled nimwits!!!

By Chris

July 13, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

This is rediculous. That is why we don’t go to too many restaurants anymore. Parents need to control their children. I do not believe for one minute that the flight attendant told her to medicate her child. I think is is just a snivveling woman that won’t parent her child and take steps to follow instructions and provide a quiet environment to others. I am glad that places are making parents accountable for disruptive children. But I am sure if she cries about it enough, someone will pay her money to go away. I have been in restaurants with my newborn and there have been children older then her that were more out of control then she was. Parents need to parent and be held accountable.

By Jeff

July 13, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

After seeing the GMA interview I now agree with the airline. Doing the interview with her son was the worst possible choice she could have made!

By ispeakthedrewth

July 13, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Next time leave the little mongrel at home. Most adults are SICK of having to tolerate other people’s out of control kids in public places. Put a muzzle on the curtain climber or leave it at home.

By Staceye

July 13, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

There are places called a restroom on board each flight…I suggest parents of bratty kids take their crying, screaming, annoying ones in there to calm them down. No one thinks that your litle angel is so cute when they are unruley.There is nothing worse than being on a red eye and trying to sleep and have to deal with that kid that the parents can not control. Your child will only do what you allow. If you take the, “he’s only 2” approach…then what will you do when he is 6 and still doing it? You can’t start breaking habits that you have allowed for four years. Nip it in the bud when it first happens! That is how you teach your kids good behavior. The same way a child learns his name by being called by it since birth…hearing yes and no when he does something or potty training is a learned behavior. Might I also suggest keep the babies on bottles as much as possible on flights, the constant sucking and swallowing keep their ears from popping. I agree the flight attendant was out of line to have them booted off…but I am not mad at her for suggesting benedryl….heck makes me want to carry some and slip it to the brats on board when their clueless parents aren’t looking.

By matt

July 13, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

I saw a very similar incident a few months ago (on ASA) where a passenger was kicked off for an innocent complaint - I agree that the airplane should be safe, but because you don’t like that someone called your airline out for being an hour late taking off doesn’t give you any right to kick them off.

If this is the “new face of Delta” then maybe a merger wasn’t such a bad idea.

By Rachel

July 13, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

To all of you blaming the mother for not having enough diapers, food, juice, toys, etc….they had been delayed for 11 HOURS!! No one would have packed enough in their carry-on to last that long. A carry-on only holds so much and the child had probably long since tired of the toys she had brought along. I’m sure that she didn’t have access to her actual lugguge during the delay where she probably had other things for him. No matter how well you plan things can always happen that are beyond your control. I agree that there may be more to the story than we have heard but there have been other passengers speaking up for the mother and none so far for the FA. Too many people just automatically assume when they see children that they are going to misbehave and are completely intolerant of ANY noise that they make.

Many flight attendants these days have forgotten that they are in CUSTOMER SERVICE and have become totally rude and dictatorial. Recently I was on a plane and shortly before take off the FA instructed us to “Lower the window shades for safety reasons”. When one passenger inquired as to why we needed to do so the FA replied “Because I said so”. I really don’t understand how having the shades up posed any safety risk and her response was completely unacceptable.

By matt

July 13, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

I saw a very similar incident a few months ago (on ASA) where a passenger was kicked off for an innocent complaint - I agree that the airplane should be safe, but because you don’t like that someone called your airline out for being an hour late taking off doesn’t give you any right to kick them off.

If this is the “new face of Delta” then maybe a merger wasn’t such a bad idea.

By Syd

July 13, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

LC,

You’re right, the mom should not just “get over” it. She should learn from it and learn how to be a parent. Next time she should drive!! Children that age should not be on planes. My sister and her husband just drove to New York b/c their kids don’t do well on planes. They do things like repeatedly say “bye bye plane”. The world does not revolve around moms and their little “angles”. Time for parents to be parents!

By Joy

July 13, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

I don’t have children, but the Flight attendant defiantly over stepped her position and boundaries by how she suggested a drug to quiet the baby… Poor flight attendant was interrupted by a baby…baby’s talk… it’s going to happen! What are you going to do? Drug every child that gets on board a plane. I don’t think there’s a charge to for suggesting a baby take Benadryl, but should the Attendant should be at least fired for her conduct as a Flight Attendant. If she were a star employee and a mature pers