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This question has come up in mixed conversations for some time. If you speak to frequent travelers and people without children, you might hear one answer while those with kids and caring for people with special needs have another.
Social media is buzzing over news United Airlines kicked a teenager with autism off a flight. Many headlines read a bit harsh and would make the Grinch himself ask how a company could be so cruel. There’s even a video floating around on YouTube that shows Dr. Donna Beegle and daughter Juliette being asked to leave.
Upon further investigation you find there’s a bit more to the story that folks might miss or choose to overlook. Apparently the mother did not realize her 15-year-old daughter hadn’t eaten prior to boarding the flight. This oversight had the potential to make travel less enjoyable for her child (and others) who could get upset and reach her “melting point.” As a form of precaution, Dr. Beegle asked one of the flight attendants for a hot tray of food and warned that not obtaining one could make her daughter turn physical (e.g. scratch someone). Luckily the flight attendant obliged given certain foods are reserved for first class passengers. Dr. Beegle also revealed her daughter was “extremely picky.”
We know how airlines love to give first class the world and throw a few peanuts and can of soda–half a can at that–to us regular folk.
Thankfully the meal was enough for Juliette as she sat quietly and ate her food. You would think everything was okay until the pilot made an unexpected landing out of fear for the other fliers.
The jury is still out on whether this incident was a “fear of autism” or a parent’s misstep in providing for their child. While many find themselves on different sides, should airlines provide special flights for those with children and particular needs?
As a mother of a toddler and baby on the way, I get it. It wasn’t that long ago when my husband and I traveled child-free (man, life was simple back then) and had to deal with unruly children on a flight. It happens. You can’t expect a baby to act like an adult and find a flight hours long enjoyable. The parents need to do what they can to prep for tantrums and hiccups that can come due to a lack of food or entertainment. You can’t prevent everything from happening, but my goodness that doesn’t give you the right to allow your child to run amok. Thankfully our 15-month-old has been a great traveler. While his temperament is laid back, you best believe we have all sorts of toys and food readily available to keep him quiet.
I don’t have anyone in my home with special needs and can’t begin to imagine the hurdles folks have when it comes to planning and traveling. Perhaps this specific incident could’ve been avoided if the mother fed her daughter beforehand, but who knows the reasons why she didn’t.
I’m not exactly sure if a separate flight would be the answer. Sure it would put children in one place and potentially make a “regular flight” more quiet, but what about other factors that can disturb people? Should there be a separate flight for those overweight who require two seats but never purchase them? Or what about someone who snores too loud?
All of these questions raise not only questions about comfort, but fairness. Would we be ostracizing some because it would be more convenient for others? Share your thoughts.
