infants no longer allowed to preboard
#61
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,055
This issue really just seems like a technicality with families with infants in arms perhaps interferring with wheelchair boarding or something...just confusing and likely to cause many, many, many confused new parents...
#62
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: DL FO, UA, AA, AsiaMiles, SPG, HHonors
Posts: 7,982
Quote:
Originally Posted by jsmith50
Having flown with my children when they were infants, I certainly see the value in being able to fly with a child in lap. As long as the FAA considers this safe, it certainly is more cost effective than purchasing a seat for a child who will undoubtedly spend half the flight or more out of the seat and in a parent's lap eating, sleeping, etc.
On the other hand, I am ardently opposed to Gordon's Gin. Perhaps pilots could help us with that problem which I see as much worse than a lap child!
The FAA doesn't consider it safe they consider it less risky. The NTSB has had it on their most wanted list for years that the FAA mandate child restraints in aircraft. For me the little bit of cost is worth it since even in a survivable crash a lap child most likely isn't going to make it.
Originally Posted by jsmith50
Having flown with my children when they were infants, I certainly see the value in being able to fly with a child in lap. As long as the FAA considers this safe, it certainly is more cost effective than purchasing a seat for a child who will undoubtedly spend half the flight or more out of the seat and in a parent's lap eating, sleeping, etc.
On the other hand, I am ardently opposed to Gordon's Gin. Perhaps pilots could help us with that problem which I see as much worse than a lap child!
The FAA doesn't consider it safe they consider it less risky. The NTSB has had it on their most wanted list for years that the FAA mandate child restraints in aircraft. For me the little bit of cost is worth it since even in a survivable crash a lap child most likely isn't going to make it.
#63
Join Date: May 2008
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Hertz Prez; Former UA GS
Posts: 313
Why not just ask...
Why not just ask for pre-boarding?
If you need extra time then ask to board early. The agent will likely ask why you need to board early, but you seem to have a good reason.
Granted, I've only ever asked to pre-board once but was able to do without issue (no child was involved either).
If you need extra time then ask to board early. The agent will likely ask why you need to board early, but you seem to have a good reason.
Granted, I've only ever asked to pre-board once but was able to do without issue (no child was involved either).
#64
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORD
Programs: DL PM, HH Diamond
Posts: 51
In ATL last week I overheard part of a conversation between two parents with a car seat and the GA as they were starting to board the flight. The GA said something about the FAA having a new rule about pre-boarding and wouldn't let the parents on. Not sure what the exact situation was.
#65
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,055
The issue is simple...most people currently assume that parents with infants and small children board first. If this has now changed as of last week per the gate agent, then the specifics of the change need to be announced so there is not mass confusion on every Delta flight. Poor communication on Delta's part if you ask me
#66
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 55,189
You don't want to see babies crashing into the ceiling. Your arms aren't going to protect a baby if there is strong turbulence or the plane drops due to hitting an air pocket. A mommy's arms are not a protective restraint system. The parents wear seat belts; lap babies don't have that protection.
#68
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: Hilton Platinum, Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 2,363
Because sometimes, with connections, this is the option. If you need to fly coast to coast and have to change through a hub, this may be your only realistic option.
#69
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: Hilton Platinum, Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 2,363
You don't want to see babies crashing into the ceiling. Your arms aren't going to protect a baby if there is strong turbulence or the plane drops due to hitting an air pocket. A mommy's arms are not a protective restraint system. The parents wear seat belts; lap babies don't have that protection.
You will see someday if you are ever fortunate to have kids.
#70
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,079
[/QUOTE] Originally Posted by donb25
You must remember we are in a different time now. Different caliber and class of people populate the sky's and lounges these days. Have you been in a SC recently? Remember, those people eventually make their way to the Jetway lol.
[/QUOTE]
Yes, and back then, they also used to know what apostrophes were for. But then, as you say, a different class of people.
You must remember we are in a different time now. Different caliber and class of people populate the sky's and lounges these days. Have you been in a SC recently? Remember, those people eventually make their way to the Jetway lol.
[/QUOTE]
Yes, and back then, they also used to know what apostrophes were for. But then, as you say, a different class of people.
Last edited by flyerslc; Aug 29, 2013 at 9:08 pm
#71
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SLC & NYC
Programs: Diamond Medallion, Delta Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 674
so true. I see so many families with like 10 year olds pre-board. really annoying. Especially when I'm paying $4k+ for a business fare.
#72
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: Le Club Accorhotels Platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 918
Agree about the 10 y.o. (they should really enforce 2 y.o. restriction instead), but what that has to do with $4K+ business class ticket? Are you really willing to pay hundreds or thousands for the benefit of getting into your seat 5-10 earlier?
#73
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: Le Club Accorhotels Platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 918
(1) General Rule
Except as set forth in this Rule, children under the age of 15 will not be accepted for transportation unless they are accompanied on the same flight in the same compartment by a parent, legal guardian, or other passenger at least 18 years of age. Delta may prompt at check in for documentation verifying the child’s age. A valid passport, birth certificate or other government issued identification are all acceptable.
http://www.delta.com/content/dam/del...rriage_dom.pdf
Comment: since they have the right to ask for a document verifying age, parents should have one while traveling. Passport is definitely required for most international trips, but for domestic I assume birth certificate is the default ID doc.
#75
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: LAS - where you can get married and divorced in the same 24 hour period. Perfect for the woman who's saving herself for marriage and the man who wants a one night stand.
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I had some jerk tell me his kid has as much right as me to _____.
I reminded him that his kid can't vote, own property, enter into a contract, be sued, run for public office, serve in the military, make medical decisions on his own behalf, drive a car, get a job and if he has more time I'll be glad to think of some more.
Children are cute but they aren't adults. Sadly some adults have never grown up.