Possibly not sitting with children on airplane

[ducklite]

But in this situation, it wasn't a matter of being late to the plane. It was a matter of being jerked around by the airline...

And like I said in my very first post, I'm sure that she will be accomodated to be able to have one parent with each of the younger kids. The older two are quite old enough to sit alone.

I know when this happened to your family, you took a later plane. I doubt that would work as well today, since planes are so full.

I disagree. It might be the next day, but they would be able to be reticketed on another flight. We had to go standby, and finally got one one almost eight hours later.

Anne

 

[FayeW]

The lack of common courtesy and basic decency are with the parents who don't plan appropriately, not with the travelers who do. IMHO parents who arrive late for reasons other than a late arriving connection and can't deal with their kids should be forced to take another flight rather than disrupt an entire plane. In Orlando you can tell that it wasn't a late arriving connection when they board with huge bags of Disney souvieniers. I have no sympathy--or empathy--for those parents who didn't bother to plan accordingly for whatever reason. My time and comfort is just as valuable.

Anne

I disagree. Not everything is as cut and dry as you portray. For example, the OP in this case booked her seats 8 months ago, and found out only days before her flight that her seat assignments have gone POOF!

It really is irrelevant to me everything that has happened "before". What is important is what you do "now" when you are seated on a plane and someone asks you to switch. To me, how people react in an uncomfortable or unpleasant situation is a true judge of their character. The reality is most people travelling solo or with another adult are not going to be negatively impacted by moving from one seat to another. There is no good reason, barring a medical or physical requirement, to have to sit in a particular seat. They are all going to the same place, you will all get there at the same time. The guy was a jerk. Moving wouldn't have hurt him in the least. Refusing to accomodate a reasonable request was his way of exercising control. I'm sure the people that were PO'd were probably upset that he behaved badly and that impacted their flight, as well as the child and parent involved.

 

[ducklite]

I disagree. Not everything is as cut and dry as you portray. For example, the OP in this case booked her seats 8 months ago, and found out only days before her flight that her seat assignments have gone POOF!

Her flight has been merged into another flight--what about the people who booked TEN months ago? Should they now be forced to change the plans they made so long ago?

It really is irrelevant to me everything that has happened "before". What is important is what you do "now" when you are seated on a plane and someone asks you to switch. To me, how people react in an uncomfortable or unpleasant situation is a true judge of their character. The reality is most people travelling solo or with another adult are not going to be negatively impacted by moving from one seat to another. There is no good reason, barring a medical or physical requirement, to have to sit in a particular seat. They are all going to the same place, you will all get there at the same time. The guy was a jerk. Moving wouldn't have hurt him in the least. Refusing to accomodate a reasonable request was his way of exercising control. I'm sure the people that were PO'd were probably upset that he behaved badly and that impacted their flight, as well as the child and parent involved.

IMHO he was a jerk for being rude, not for refusing to switch seats. I am very claustrophobic and get panic attacks on planes if I don't have an aisle seat. If someone asks me to give up my seat, I POLITELY say "I'm sorry, no." I don't feel the need to explain why, it's not their business. I'm not rude to them though, and I dont believe that refusing to change seats to accomodate their needs when I've got needs of my own make me a bad, rude, or inconsiderate person.

My thoughts on traveling SW stand, because other than a late arriving connection, we all start on a level playing field. If someone doesn't take the time to check in in advance and get to the airport early, then shame on them, and "so sad, too bad." If I've taken two plus hours out of my life to get there early, I'm not giving up that seat to someone who arrives jsut before the doors closed toting a bunch of WDW souveniers. Their lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my part.

While I do believe that the airpline will be able to accomodate the OP (as I said in my first post) so that she and her DH can sit next to the two younger kids, there is no reason that they all need to sit together, nor is there a reason that the two older children can't sit alone if it comes to it. I do strongly suggest that she arrive at the airport at least two hours early and try to change seats at the ticket counter. There are often up to 20% of sold seats held back for airport assignement.

Anne

 

[tjmw2727]

And if the child in question is a 6 year old special needs child, I expect the adult to do the right thing and switch places.
As another poster said, it's called commony decency.

I disagree, common decency is teaching your children to behave no matter what the circumstances.

The child who's mom lauded his misbehaviour was a typical child - at least nothing else has been indicated so far. If it were my child he/she would be taught to behave appropriatly no matter what the situation. In our family there is no excuse for misbehavior and that includes rude adults. I certainly wouldn't be on a message board bragging about them if they acted up on an airplane.

As for the OP's question about SWA - check in 24 hours prior, get to the airport early and pre-board if you can as 4 and under can pre-board This way you can just choose seats together. Since we have been flying SWA we have not had any problems. We check in online and arrive early, I love that it is my responsibility to get our seats together.

FWIW - I have moved for a parent and young child to sit together a few times when I have been solo as has my dh. The most recent time a dad and his 3/4yo son boarded after everyone was seated, only 2 seats left not together. Since they could have pre-boarded I didn't have much sympathy because IMHO the dad messed up. However they boy looked so scared and sad that I felt I had no choice but to help them, afterall it wasn't the childs fault.

Of course I ended up in a window seat with two women who were conducting a business meeting about some type of window shades. They were so loud and obnoxious that I may think twice next time!!

Despite the fact that I am solo, if I check in 24 hours in advance and wait in the queue to get a seat I like its not fair to "expect" me to give it up. Ask nice and I probably will, demand or insist and I will hesistate.

TJ

 

[jodifla]

I disagree, common decency is teaching your children to behave no matter what the circumstances.

The child who's mom lauded his misbehaviour was a typical child - at least nothing else has been indicated so far. If it were my child he/she would be taught to behave appropriatly no matter what the situation. In our family there is no excuse for misbehavior and that includes rude adults. I certainly wouldn't be on a message board bragging about them if they acted up on an airplane.

As for the OP's question about SWA - check in 24 hours prior, get to the airport early and pre-board if you can as 4 and under can pre-board This way you can just choose seats together. Since we have been flying SWA we have not had any problems. We check in online and arrive early, I love that it is my responsibility to get our seats together.

FWIW - I have moved for a parent and young child to sit together a few times when I have been solo as has my dh. The most recent time a dad and his 3/4yo son boarded after everyone was seated, only 2 seats left not together. Since they could have pre-boarded I didn't have much sympathy because IMHO the dad messed up. However they boy looked so scared and sad that I felt I had no choice but to help them, afterall it wasn't the childs fault.

Of course I ended up in a window seat with two women who were conducting a business meeting about some type of window shades. They were so loud and obnoxious that I may think twice next time!!

Despite the fact that I am solo, if I check in 24 hours in advance and wait in the queue to get a seat I like its not fair to "expect" me to give it up. Ask nice and I probably will, demand or insist and I will hesistate.

TJ

What does Southwest have to do with OP's question? She's flying on Jet Blue, with assigned seating, and has been jerked around by the airline.

And many special needs children have the mental understanding of a younger child. They may not understand why they are sitting without their parent, may not be able to vocalize fears, and may be quite panicked.

Any adult who would not accommodate them is a monster, pure and simple.

 

[ducklite]

What does Southwest have to do with OP's question? She's flying on Jet Blue, with assigned seating, and has been jerked around by the airline.

And many special needs children have the mental understanding of a younger child. They may not understand why they are sitting without their parent, may not be able to vocalize fears, and may be quite panicked.

Any adult who would not accommodate them is a monster, pure and simple.

Wow. That's really harsh. The parents of the special needs child who is seperated from the parents need to get to the airport early, identify the child as special needs and have the ticket agent force book them into seats. There are ALWAYS some empty seats left empty until the day of the flight for cases such as this, and as long as the parents ARRIVE early they will be able to be sure that ONE of the parents is sitting with the child.

If the parents don't take these steps and wait until they are onboard ebfore demanding that people move for them, then they are the ones who are being unreasonable.

My son is special needs, and we took appropriate steps and flew later that day. Sometimes you need to step back and be reasonable yourself as a parent, rather than expecting the world to revolve around you.

Anne

 

[parith1114]

But you simply can't force someone to attend to another persons kids. Because the flights to MCO are often 80% kids, you could often be hard pressed to seat a late arriving/boarding family together. It's the luck of the draw sometimes. Once you've got your solo adults seated in the exit rows, there's not much you can do. And like I said, you simply can't (nor would you want to try to) force someone to take care of someone elses kid. Because of people like the the earlier poster who implied that everyone on the plane was a child molester, there's no way I would even talk to someone elses child except to maybe give them a little smile when they sat down. I don't need some crazy stressed out mother trying to say I did something untoward to their child. I'd rather err on the side of caution and pretend the child wasn't there. Sad that some parents have ruined a lot of things for everyone.

Not trying to argue, but last I knew that was a pilot/ATC decision to push back, not the FA's. I've been on SW flights that did push back with families scattered--including one in a child seat occupying a window seat with the closest parent a good four rows away. The flight was already late and I've never seen FA's toss people into seats so fast in my life. They were still securing the child seat as we were pushing back. After we got into the air the person in the seat next to the kid switched with the father, the person in the aisle was with the child in the aisle across from them and obviously not willing to switch--so the four year old sat alone about six rows away during the entire flight.

Anne

Most certainly did not mean to say this situation never happens. Nor am I saying I have the authority to stop a flight. However, in most cases pilots rely directly on the input of the flight attendants on whether or not the flight is ready. Most, not all, pilots agree that children and parents should be together. In the case of 80%, you are extremely high. Small children and parent families are closer to 50%. Again, I cannot speak for every flight attendant only for myself. I have no idea what other crews do. I am only one flight attendant in a company of 7,000 FA's.

 

[parith1114]

Wow. That's really harsh. The parents of the special needs child who is seperated from the parents need to get to the airport early, identify the child as special needs and have the ticket agent force book them into seats. There are ALWAYS some empty seats left empty until the day of the flight for cases such as this, and as long as the parents ARRIVE early they will be able to be sure that ONE of the parents is sitting with the child.

If the parents don't take these steps and wait until they are onboard ebfore demanding that people move for them, then they are the ones who are being unreasonable.

My son is special needs, and we took appropriate steps and flew later that day. Sometimes you need to step back and be reasonable yourself as a parent, rather than expecting the world to revolve around you.

Anne

There is not always a seat on the plane left open. As a matter of fact it is a common practice to over sell a flight, leaving no such seats for re-arranging.

 

[FayeW]

I disagree, common decency is teaching your children to behave no matter what the circumstances.

The child who's mom lauded his misbehaviour was a typical child - at least nothing else has been indicated so far. If it were my child he/she would be taught to behave appropriatly no matter what the situation. In our family there is no excuse for misbehavior and that includes rude adults. I certainly wouldn't be on a message board bragging about them if they acted up on an airplane.

TJ

I think the child behaved quite appropriate for his age. From what was described I don't think he acted up at all! Really, what would you expect from a 4 yr old? He wanted to look out the window, he tried to look at magazines, and spilled his juice due to turbulence. If his mother had been sitting with him she might have put the juice on her tray or held it for him....or she would have worn the juice instead of his unfortunate seat mate who chose to remain seated beside an unattended (not unaccompanied) minor.

It was certainly within his "rights" to remain in the seat he was assigned, however there are sometimes circumstances for our actions (or in this case, inaction). The circumstances for his decision are that he didn't have a pleasant flight and ended up covered in o.j.

 

[mrs. magoo]

Ok I feel the need to step in here and let you know that I am the biggest rule follower on the planet. I would never expect anyone to handle my problems or issues. I was under the impression and made an assumption (I know the old adage fits me well in these circumstances) that everything was fine and dandy. We always arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance because well rule follower. Like I said I am sure that everything will be fine. My biggest problem was with the assigned seats disappearing while I had a print out. The funny thing is the flight number has stayed the same .

Again sorry to have caused such a debate.

Kathe

 

[ducklite]

There is not always a seat on the plane left open. As a matter of fact it is a common practice to over sell a flight, leaving no such seats for re-arranging.

On your airline, the parents should have identified the child as special needs and preboarded. Not doing so and then expecting others to move is as irresponsible and rude as showing up late because you didn't want to leave WDW and expecting people to move for you.

Although it mght not be great hours or routes, there are almost always flights available. DH often takes the last SW flight out of PHL on Thursday night, a month ago there were six passengers on it with him. People with kids might not like a flight that departs after 8:00 pm, but sometimes you've got to do what you've got to do.

Anne

 

[tjmw2727]

What does Southwest have to do with OP's question? She's flying on Jet Blue, with assigned seating, and has been jerked around by the airline.

And many special needs children have the mental understanding of a younger child. They may not understand why they are sitting without their parent, may not be able to vocalize fears, and may be quite panicked.

Any adult who would not accommodate them is a monster, pure and simple.

With regard to SWA I thought the OP said they were flying back on SWA but apparently I misread - it was disnymomof4 in post 30. I am sorry about that OP.

Since you quoted me I must mention that I am not a monster and I resent the implication.

If a parent has a special needs child then first of all I expect them to take the necessary action to get seats together. Just as the OP is by posting here as and following the advice she gets. If a FA approaches me and discretly explains the situation (a special needs child) I would move without hesitation. If a parent approached me and demanded my seat I would likely not give up my seat.

LIke I said I have always given up my seat in the past but if I choose not to that certainly not make me "a monster".

TJ

 

[Becky2005]

Ok I feel the need to step in here and let you know that I am the biggest rule follower on the planet. I would never expect anyone to handle my problems or issues. I was under the impression and made an assumption (I know the old adage fits me well in these circumstances) that everything was fine and dandy.

Kathe

Good Luck to you. I know I would have done the exact same thing, since what's the point of having assigned seating if it's bogus. All airlines should just be like Southwest then and have no assigned seating. I would have assumed that if I had reserved tickets for Row 5 seats A&B -- that's what I would be getting. Just like I do when I go to a concert/ice show, etc... I expect those are the seats I will have. Otherwise there is no reason whatsoever to pick out seats.

It's all these stories that make me never ever want to fly.

I know the same thing has happened to my sister, although her kids were older & it annoyed her too since she thought the same thing -- what's the point of picking out seats if they are just going to randomly assign you ones anyway.

To the person that paid EXTRA for seat assignments then they changed them, I think I would have wanted a refund for the extra you paid!

 

[tjmw2727]

I think the child behaved quite appropriate for his age. From what was described I don't think he acted up at all! Really, what would you expect from a 4 yr old? He wanted to look out the window, he tried to look at magazines, and spilled his juice due to turbulence. If his mother had been sitting with him she might have put the juice on her tray or held it for him....or she would have worn the juice instead of his unfortunate seat mate who chose to remain seated beside an unattended (not unaccompanied) minor.

It was certainly within his "rights" to remain in the seat he was assigned, however there are sometimes circumstances for our actions (or in this case, inaction). The circumstances for his decision are that he didn't have a pleasant flight and ended up covered in o.j.

From her first post it seems that the child was acting in a way that the parent wouldn't otherwise allow:

Quote:
DS wouldn't let him sleep, kept messing with the window, took his magazine, spilled his OJ. He kept looking at me to do something and I didn't. I just sat there and smiled. When he spilled the OJ (it was a bumpy flight) I just got up and went to the bathroom.

When the plane landed and everyone around us was PO'd I just smiled and said happy thanksgiving, maybe next time you'll move.

I don't normally let DS act that way but I let it slide and he knew he could get away with more and he did. I was more than happy to let him be."

Again, the man could have moved, I would have moved but I stand by my point about the bad behavior.

TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

Ok I feel the need to step in here and let you know that I am the biggest rule follower on the planet. I would never expect anyone to handle my problems or issues. I was under the impression and made an assumption (I know the old adage fits me well in these circumstances) that everything was fine and dandy. We always arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance because well rule follower. Like I said I am sure that everything will be fine. My biggest problem was with the assigned seats disappearing while I had a print out. The funny thing is the flight number has stayed the same .

Again sorry to have caused such a debate.

Kathe

Yep - happened to us a few times on American Airlines and the first time I was stunned!

I was the solo adult with my dd's then 3 and 5 so I was very nervous. Like I and others mentioned earlier, arrive early and have a plan as to what you want. Get the older two ready for the possibility of sitting alone and maybe evem make it into an adventure for them. You will likely get 1 adult with each of the younger two but probably not near one another. Hopefully the older kids will be somewhat near one of you as well.

FWIW Jet Blue was awesome when it happened with them. They assigned us to the exit row knowing we couldn't sit there. Since many people want the exit row it made it easy for the FA's to help us switch.

Not that it helps but it was probably an equipment change that messed up the seats. If they switch aircraft then the seats get re-arranged for some reason.

Have a great flight.

TJ

 

[ducklite]

From her first post it seems that the child was acting in a way that the parent wouldn't otherwise allow:

Quote:
DS wouldn't let him sleep, kept messing with the window, took his magazine, spilled his OJ. He kept looking at me to do something and I didn't. I just sat there and smiled. When he spilled the OJ (it was a bumpy flight) I just got up and went to the bathroom.

When the plane landed and everyone around us was PO'd I just smiled and said happy thanksgiving, maybe next time you'll move.

I don't normally let DS act that way but I let it slide and he knew he could get away with more and he did. I was more than happy to let him be."

Again, the man could have moved, I would have moved but I stand by my point about the bad behavior.

TJ

That's how I read it as well.

Anne

 

[crisi]

So as the OP I have learned quite about the travel industry and flying. I know that everything will work out. I will warn the oldest 2 that they may have to seat by themselves and make sure the flight attendants know about my dd6 "special issues".

I am from the camp that I would not want someone else to watch my kids. That is why I picked the seats 8 months ago. I understand that my ticket did not guarentee the seats then why have the choice to pick the seats in the first place? This is the problem I have. When I told the women that I had a print out of all the seating assignments she did hesitate a bit, but offered no real help.

Again thanks for the help. I will let everyone know how things went when we return.

Kathe

Good luck. I do know exactly what you are going through. If your oldest one or two end up sitting alone they will probably LOVE the independance of it. Flying by yourself feels "very grownup."

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

Again sorry to have caused such a debate.

Not your fault at all, some people just can't stop themselves from slamming people for the smallest things that they happen to not agree with. You can agree to disagree without having to slam someone and their thoughts into the ground. So sad that there is so much of this on a board that discusses the happiest place on earth.

We booked our flight early, picked seats as well, and had a very similar thing happen. They changed just about everything about our flight home except the day the flight was on. Our nonstop flight was no longer nonstop and we no longer had seats together. We had a 12 month old and 4 year old with us. No way was I going to let either sit alone. I to was worried about getting seats together. It all ended up just fine. If I remember right I think they assigned seats the flights home at our first check in. We ended up getting seats together. If we hadn't I would have just asked other passengers.

I would try not to worry about it until you have to. Have a fun trip!!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

I can't believe that we have gotten to the point that if a stranger does not want to change spots with us that it is ok for us to try to "get back" at them.

Was the guy a jerk for not changing seats? Most likely. But any parent who looks on while their child misbehaves, and then makes some smart comment about it to a whole section of passangers, is even a bigger jerk IMHO.

 

[hollieplus2]

From her first post it seems that the child was acting in a way that the parent wouldn't otherwise allow:

Quote:
DS wouldn't let him sleep, kept messing with the window, took his magazine, spilled his OJ. He kept looking at me to do something and I didn't. I just sat there and smiled. When he spilled the OJ (it was a bumpy flight) I just got up and went to the bathroom.

When the plane landed and everyone around us was PO'd I just smiled and said happy thanksgiving, maybe next time you'll move.

I don't normally let DS act that way but I let it slide and he knew he could get away with more and he did. I was more than happy to let him be."

Again, the man could have moved, I would have moved but I stand by my point about the bad behavior.

TJ

I didn't mean to start a nast debate with my comments and I apologize.

What I meant is that I am very strict and wouldn't tolerate that behavior. However, he was behind me, he knew I couldn't see hime and like a typical 4 year old he pushed the envelope. All kids try to test the limits especially when there isn't an adult present to correct him. When I first noticed his actions (I had to wait for the plane to get in the air and up to altitude) I went over, corrected him, apologized and asked again if he would mind switching seats. He was rude, said no and I said fine. There is not much I can do at this point unless I sit here in the aisle and watch him. The moment I turn my back he will test me again. Normally I would pull him aside, have a "talk" and set him straight. I couldn't really do that. It may not have been the best reaction at the best time but when your alone, traveling with a child and your stressed like I was, it was the best I could do. I gave up and said fine, I'll let him be. I may not be right and I'm sorry but that was the decision I made and I can't change it. I'm sorry for creating such a heated debate.