Originally Posted by
kmersh
He said that Autism patients can have challenging diets based not necessarily on taste but on routine and the act of seeing food around her could have caused her to want to eat something (even if she is not hungry as routine plays a huge part) and if she needs it to be hot, no amount of cold food (even food that is supposed to be served cold) would fill in as a replacement for food that is heated.
If Mom was aware of her child's needs to have a hot meal, it was on her to check with United
before the flight to find out whether her special needs could be accommodated. I feel bad for the burden shouldered by these parents, but it's on them to find out beforehand what is and is not available.
If I were the judge in this case, I'd rule summarily in UA's favor, and award them court costs.