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Airlines Are Treating Families Poorly and Charging Us More Too
While business travelers might not notice the decline in service, families definitely do. It’s not just the rising fees, cramped seating, and general hassle; it’s the attitude from airlines that we should be grateful for any crumbs they throw our way. If we need a little extra support? Tough luck.
You may have seen the headlines recently about a family being removed from a flight due to their daughter with autism being labeled as “disruptive.” At first, I didn’t think much of it. However, after seeing multiple posts, I clicked to learn more. The treatment of this teenager by the flight crew was downright appalling. All the family wanted was a bit of understanding and assistance, but what they received was anything but compassion.
The Incident
The incident involved Dr. Sarah Williams, who was traveling with her husband and their 15-year-old autistic daughter, Lily. During the flight, Lily became hungry and refused the food offered by her parents, insisting on a hot meal instead. Dr. Williams requested the crew to heat up a chicken sandwich, but they denied her request. She even offered to pay for a first-class meal, but again, they said no. After a frustrating exchange, they finally relented and provided a hot meal, but the tension had already escalated.
Once Lily was settled, the pilot announced an unexpected diversion to a different airport due to a “passenger issue.” The family was shocked to discover that they were the ones being escorted off the plane, despite Lily being calm and the other passengers voicing their agreement that there was no issue.
Taking Action
Dr. Williams has since filed complaints with the airline and the FAA and is considering legal action—not for money, but to advocate for training for airline staff. It’s not about needing to educate them on every condition a passenger might have; it’s about recognizing that these conditions exist and showing a little kindness. Dr. Williams wasn’t asking for special treatment—she simply wanted a smooth journey for everyone involved.
A Common Problem
This isn’t an isolated incident. Many families are facing similar issues while traveling. For instance, a father flying from Raleigh, N.C., to Montgomery, Ala., had to pay an extra $88 just to sit next to his 4-year-old daughter, only to find multiple empty seats on the flight. In another case, a mother was removed from a flight because she responded sharply to a request to move her baby from a carrier to her lap.
It’s high time airlines start appreciating their family customers again. We have choices, and families invest a lot of money to travel. Let’s hope that airlines remember that!
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In summary, the treatment of families by airlines is deteriorating, and it’s time for them to show more appreciation and understanding. Compassion shouldn’t be a luxury for families traveling.