Baby on board
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum
Posts: 241
Baby on board
This appeared in one of my feeds (no pun intended). Being picked up by the English language media too, so KLM can expect some escalation.
https://www.parool.nl/nederland/klm-...ding~be4fcbaa/
https://www.parool.nl/nederland/klm-...ding~be4fcbaa/
#2
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CW
Programs: Marriott titanium, KL/AF FB Ulti
Posts: 644
Praise the Lord if the news is widely spread and all families with babies choose to fly other airlines. That would definitely increase my willingness to fly KLM if it guarantees me red-eye flights without babies.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
This appeared in one of my feeds (no pun intended). Being picked up by the English language media too, so KLM can expect some escalation.
https://www.parool.nl/nederland/klm-...ding~be4fcbaa/
https://www.parool.nl/nederland/klm-...ding~be4fcbaa/
The following was posted by the passenger in question to KLM's Facebook (which, apparently, flyertalk won't allow me to post a link to - do a "quote" on my post if you want to see the URL right here:
Here's a warning to all breastfeeding moms: do NOT fly with KLM! A month ago, I was flying with my one year old on a KLM flight from San Francisco to Amsterdam. It was the third flight I'd been on with her. I breastfeed her. It calms her and helps her sleep and makes her comfortable. She's also a busy toddler who doesn't like to be covered. I do my best to be discreet, but sometimes some skin shows. Before we even took off, I was approached by a flight attendant carrying a blanket. She told me (and I quote) "if you want to continue doing the breastfeeding, you need to cover yourself." I told her no, my daughter doesn't like to be covered up. That would upset her almost as much as not breastfeeding her at all. She then warned me that if anyone complained, it would be my issue to deal with (no one complained. On any of the flights I took with my daughter. Actually, no one has ever complained to me about breastfeeding in public. Except this flight attendant). The rest of this flight, that flight attendant would not so much as look me in the eyes. I felt extremely uncomfortable and disrespected. When we arrived home, I issued a complaint to KLM. I was told that I needed to be respectful of people of other cultures and that this flight attendant's response was in line with company policy. So instead of standing up for and protecting breastfeeding mothers and our children, already under the duress faced by flying with our young children, KLM would rather hold up antiquated values that shame women's bodies.
It took me a long time to write this, because I've never received such a negative response to taking care of my child. I hope that everyone considering a flight with their breastfed child can choose an airline that will respect bodily autonomy and a right to take care of our children the best way we know how.
It took me a long time to write this, because I've never received such a negative response to taking care of my child. I hope that everyone considering a flight with their breastfed child can choose an airline that will respect bodily autonomy and a right to take care of our children the best way we know how.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
Programs: Flying Blue Plat, Eurobonus Silver, ALL Gold
Posts: 1,674
If you don't like crying babies on board... it's not good news for you. Shaming and humiliating mothers is not going to help the baby feel calm.
The story was also covered on the guardian, here:
https://www.theguardian.com/business...xpect-cover-up
The airline's statement:
We would like to emphasise that breastfeeding is permitted on KLM flights. However, we strive to ensure that all of our passengers of all backgrounds feel comfortable onboard.
Backwards, spineless, and sure to backfire. Not what I expect from Dutch social standards.
My favorite part of the article:
One doctor tweeted: “I find it uncomfortable and offensive when people chew with their mouths open, infinitely more so than breastfeeding. Can you cover up the heads of passengers who do so with a blanket? Thanks!”
The story was also covered on the guardian, here:
https://www.theguardian.com/business...xpect-cover-up
The airline's statement:
We would like to emphasise that breastfeeding is permitted on KLM flights. However, we strive to ensure that all of our passengers of all backgrounds feel comfortable onboard.
Backwards, spineless, and sure to backfire. Not what I expect from Dutch social standards.
My favorite part of the article:
One doctor tweeted: “I find it uncomfortable and offensive when people chew with their mouths open, infinitely more so than breastfeeding. Can you cover up the heads of passengers who do so with a blanket? Thanks!”
#7
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Zanzibar
Programs: Flying Blue
Posts: 1,319
KLM should become a baby free airline after this. I read the story and think it is a typical social media over hyped thing the world in the end does not need more off...
Last edited by Meneer Guggenheimer; Jul 18, 2019 at 8:14 am Reason: Added a smiley to emphasise is it meant as a joke!
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 17,455
I think your first sentence is an almost perfect example of what your second sentence is complaining about...
#10
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold
Posts: 28,740
#15
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: South Yorkshire, UK
Programs: A3*G, LH FTL, VS Red, Avis Preferred, Hertz President's Circle, (RIP Diamond Club)
Posts: 2,364
So instead of having a bit of backbone and dealing with the complainant the FA is passing it on to a breastfeeding mother? Terrible attitude.