Originally Posted by
Homer15
First of all, I would note that in this case, the passenger did take it up with the airline and the airline then forced people to move-- so if you have a problem with that outcome I suggest your problem is with the airline.
I agree -- if the airline forces me to move, my problem is with the airline. However, if a passenger thinks I should move to show some compassion, sorry, but that's a pretty odd definition of the word.
Second, as far as I am concerned no one owes me special consideration because I am flying with children. However, the child, who is a paying pax, does deserve special consideration. Just as a disabled pax is rightly entitled to a seat at the front of the plane, a small child-- who is probably in diapers much less capable of visiting the lav or managing a flight by himself/herself-- is rightly entitled to sit with one parent.
Sure. How is that my problem? Honestly, I'm much more inclined to help a disabled passenger -- he or she didn't choose to be disabled. You, however, chose to have children and still maintain the kind of lifestyle that permits discretionary air travel. It's certainly your right to do so, but don't expect me to inconvenience myself to accommodate you.
Now most airlines find ways that allow status pax to pick seats but also allow small children to sit with a parent. In cases where those systems break down for whatever reason, I think basic consideration for other travellers (which includes the small child and anyone traveling within earshot of the small child) requires that accommodations be made.
Not by me. That you want to travel with your children is not my problem, nor is it the problem of any other stranger. If it's an emergency, fine. If it's a visit to Disneyland, you're not asking for compassion, you're demanding an entitlement.
This, by the way, is not just true on airplanes. Having a child does not vest you with superior rights. I can't imagine why you would think it would.
That's why I suggested a private plane-- because you seemed to have no consideration for other pax, and I think consideration for others is essential when you are travelling on a flying bus.
You have a bizarre understanding of the meaning of consideration if you think it includes your taking what doesn't belong to you because you have a child. How about showing some consideration for me, and simply leave me alone, rather than trying to make your problem my problem? I'm not the one demanding something from someone else. That's like saying that I'm in considerate because I don't want you to punch me in the nose.
As for private planes, you're the one with the special requirements that, evidently, can't met without you imposing on strangers. Perhaps you should look into that solution.
However, I don't really expect you to agree with me-- sounds like you would feel perfectly justified making a 95 yo woman, or a paraplegic pax, take a seat in the last row of the plane before you gave "your" seat up.
Nope, quite the contrary. How odd that you don't see the difference between a 95 year-old woman or a paraplegic, and a parent that expects everyone to accommodate their desire to take their children wherever they want, regardless of whom they impose upon.
As I said, you have a bizarre understanding of the meaning of, "consideration." Consideration doesn't require my accepting impositions from strangers who are too selfish to take care of their own special needs. Consideration does require you respecting the privacy of other people and not imposing on them because you think you're entitled.