https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:38:17 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174737 Mon, 11 May 2015 16:59:10 +0000 Meow 2174737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Re: the availability of hot foods on board - on the plane that I fly, we are catered first class meals depending on the length of the flight and for the exact number of first class seats, not a single meal more. For example, a short one and a half hour flight will not have any meals on board, and this is spelled out clearly if you read the airline's website, in flight magazine/brochures/etc. There are 12 first class seats on the plane I fly, and catering does not provide extra meals. So if all 12 seats are filled (and these days where many pax have some kind of frequent traveler status, first class is almost always full) and every first class pax wants a meal, there are no extras to be spared to anyone. The sandwich/jambalaya the child received were probably leftovers from the first class section that a first class pax chose not to eat. But flight attendants would've had to wait until meal service to find that out. There is an oven on my specific plane but not every plane does. I've noticed that many meals are meant to be served cold. Rarely, the ovens might be inop, as can be any non-essential equipment on board. As for meals for the rest of the cabin, meals for purchase are available typically on longer flights, as in 3-4 hours minimum. Unless you're a frequent traveller (which the mom has said she is) you probably don't realize this kind of information but that doesn't absolve you of personal responsibility if you had a special needs child.</p> <p>The article to me is obviously very biased, does not include "the other side" at all. I realize this isn't going to be a popular opinion but having worked in the airline industry for eight years now, I've seen incredible rudeness and lack of manners/common sense/common decency from pax day in and day out. Most of the time it's pax taking their frustration out to airline workers that are 100% out of anyone's control. From this article I get the sense that she was "that passenger" making demands and thinly veiled threats and now she's crying victim and discrimination. As someone else mentioned, diverting is a big deal costing everyone involved time and money and pilots dont make that decision lightly. There is more to this story than this article. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174705 Mon, 11 May 2015 16:13:45 +0000 turkeylurkey 2174705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrscobee: I'm going to ask my DH tonight about microwaves or some other heating source. I'm sure there are some planes with the capability but I know that his plane doesn't have it. That's because its the small plane that flies domestic flights. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174694 Mon, 11 May 2015 16:01:43 +0000 looch 2174694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I"ve mentioned this in another thread before, I think the core of the issue is that the vast majority of people out there don't understand people of differing abilities and what goes along with taking care of them. I am curious to know more about the requirement of the hot food, why that is. I have a kid with very broad food aversions, so when we travel, I have bags of food with me at all times. I don't begin to understand this family, but I am all about planning ahead and then planning for the second, third and fourth scenarios. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174685 Mon, 11 May 2015 15:56:28 +0000 mrscobee 2174685@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@turkeylurkey: Yes, I understand. The whole "hot sandwich coming back cold" thing I think falls into a gray area. And if there is a problem with microwaves on flights, then I agree that this might not be a reasonable accommodation to make. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174657 Mon, 11 May 2015 15:23:20 +0000 turkeylurkey 2174657@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrscobee: Not sure about your question. But on domestic flights they have cut back the food service. There isn't a microwave or grill on board. The food comes in a service cart prepared. So if the meal left the airport kitchen "hot" an hour prior to boarding, then was served an hour into flight chances are that it might not still be hot. The article I read said that they gave her a hot sandwich but that it came back cold. Not sure how much control the flight crew has over warming up a meal. So if that's the case I don't think it falls under ADA "reasonable accom". Otherwise they'd have to install microwaves on every plane, which be expensive, tight on space in a plane and would then pose another safety issue to passengers with medical devices, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174645 Mon, 11 May 2015 15:12:17 +0000 IRunForFun 2174645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hotchildinthecity: Ohhh, I did not read that one, only the one posted here which mentioned scratching herself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174627 Mon, 11 May 2015 15:01:41 +0000 turkeylurkey 2174627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrscobee: being the wife of a pilot, DH has had some crazy things happen mid-flight. He has also had some crazy flight attendants to deal with. So it's really hard to tell who's right or wrong here. The pilot did exactly what he was suppose to if the flight attendant feels there is a possible issue at hand. All of us wives on the pilot forums are wondering what else could have happened here. There is rumor going around on those boards that the girl bit someone. So I think it's best to wait and see what the FAA investigation says. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174615 Mon, 11 May 2015 14:54:33 +0000 hotchildinthecity 2174615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@IRunForFun: the article I read on Buzzfeed said "scratch someone." At that point I do feel it's reasonable to possibly worry about the safety of other passengers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174608 Mon, 11 May 2015 14:49:13 +0000 IRunForFun 2174608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hotchildinthecity: I don't think that the mom threatened her daughter would scratch someone else...it was that she might have a meltdown and start scratching herself, so I don't think it was a case of there being a direct threat made to anyone else's safety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174399 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:50:25 +0000 ShootingStar 2174399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So many comments were blaming the mom, but I'm guessing what happened is they went out to dinner right before the flight (she mentions they had dinner in Houston) and the daughter didn't eat anything, which the mom wasn't expecting. Then they go to board a plane and they have no emergency plan in place.</p> <p>In retrospect, could the family have stopped in the airport and gotten something to go? Probably. I know I've often gotten breakfast sandwiches and hot subs in airports. But maybe the mom was worried it would cool down too much and figured she had a better chance on the plane. I sympathize, there have been many times when things did not go according to plan when I'm out with my son. You can't always predict all the potential problems or have perfect solution ready. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174396 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:49:09 +0000 MrsSCB 2174396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't disagree that the mom could have been better prepared and also shouldn't have said the bit about about her daughter melting down and scratching. There are better ways she could have expressed herself, although I'm sure it was a bit out of frustration, as well. But I also think a little more understanding about autism could have gone a very long way toward diffusing the situation. And did they honestly think she was enough of a threat to require the diversion? That's just ridiculous and inconvenient for everyone on board. If I'd been a passenger, I would have been pissed at the airline! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174350 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:28:08 +0000 catomd00 2174350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To add, I think the flight attendant is being a little unfairly portrayed in this article. Upon reading it again, it says they brought a hot sandwhich that ended up not being hot enough. I mean, obviously a reasonable attempt at accommodating her was made. I'd definitely want to hear the other side, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174348 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:27:30 +0000 mrscobee 2174348@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another side question... I'm not an attorney so I don't know, but maybe some others can chime in... It seems as though if a passenger with a disability requests to pay for a hot meal (on a plane that already apparently serves hot meals) because of said disability, that this is a "reasonable accommodation" that the airline would have to make under the ADA, no? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174345 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:25:59 +0000 Mrs. Bee 2174345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: i do feel horribly for the mom and the girl, and we probably don't know all the details. maybe it was a one off situation where she wasn't prepared.</p> <p>but it seems like something that could have been planned for ahead of time since she knew it was an issue. you can carry a thermos with you and bring hot food onto the plane, she could have talked to the staff before boarding, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174335 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:20:49 +0000 hotchildinthecity 2174335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: agree.</p> <p>I was just talking about this with a co-worker and come on, the parents weren't prepared for this? She could have brought ramen and gotten hot water. She could have called the airline in advance to arrange something. I feel like there's more the parents could have done to be prepared. My son has many eating issues and I am prepared everywhere we go. I can't expect restaurants and venues to accommodate his needs all the time. </p> <p>I also agree that the threat of her scratching someone played a major part. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174327 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:17:21 +0000 catomd00 2174327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Either there's more to the story or its because the mother indicated scratching, which she really shouldn't have. Crappy situation that could have been avoided with a more accommodating flight attendant, but at the same time I think the ultimate responsibility to ensure the child is taken care of is the parents. She knew boarding. The plane a hot meal was likely going to be needed and should have broached the topic before the flight took off. Or, purchase first class seats where that type of meal is made available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174323 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:16:23 +0000 mrscobee 2174323@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: Fair point! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174322 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:16:10 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2174322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think there needs to be more info available. This is coming from the family's side and I feel terrible for them, but at the same time I think flight crews are under a lot of pressure and I doubt this was just some sort of power trip or outright trying to put them down. Sounds like the other passengers were divided, and of course those who think it was discrimination are going to be more likely to speak out. Now if I were the flight attendant I would feel terribly guilty because it sounds like this was avoidable, and that to me is the worst prt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174315 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:14:09 +0000 BananaPancakes 2174315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrscobee: Oh it's absolutely possible, and I think the attendant was ridiculous for not helping the lady out, but I know nothing about her job...maybe she could have gotten in real trouble if she complied, so she initially refused. But the story said they family ate dinner before boarding, but her daughter refused to eat then, so to me that means she had time to get something together for her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174283 Mon, 11 May 2015 12:00:51 +0000 mrscobee 2174283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BananaPancakes: I agree that the parents need to take responsibility... But mistakes do happen (you're caught without food in a rush, wrongly assume the airline will accommodate you in your weak moment (since they easily could have), etc.). I think it is hard to assume these parents are never prepared. Maybe this was a one time situation with a ridiculous consequence? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174280 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:57:43 +0000 Keybee 2174280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With the information given, it sounds like discrimination to me. Hopefully all can learn from this, it sounds like a terrible experience. The mom could have been more upfront about needs, the flight attendance could have been so much more understanding and helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174276 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:55:43 +0000 mrbee 2174276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What a terrible situation and outcome!!</p> <p>I bet that @2PeasinaPod: is right, and that the flight attendant probably took the warning that her daughter may start "trying to scratch in frustration" as a threat. The captain has the ultimate say over who can stay on a plane or not, and probably heard something about a threat from the attendant and took action.</p> <p>Hopefully airlines will have more training around working with kids with autism! Although I have seen some pretty awful behavior on airplanes, so I'm not that hopeful it will get better any time soon!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174273 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:55:15 +0000 BananaPancakes 2174273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @WinterBee: there has to be more to the story. But I while I agree that the attendant making an exception to bring hot food may have diffused the entire situation, I have a 3 year old with dietary and sensory issues, and I would never ever ever go anywhere without having the food situation handled. I can't believe that in 15 years, this mother hasn't figured out how to get hot food onto a plane. I can't get behind having to have everyone coddle your child because you can't plan. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174272 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:54:55 +0000 MrsSCB 2174272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What a crazy story. And you're right about the comments, I probably shouldn't have read them. Few things highlight the lack of compassion in today's world like online comments... :-/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174266 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:48:14 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2174266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@WinterBee: I agree. I feel like there's a lot more to the story. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174264 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:47:20 +0000 Foodnerd81 2174264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@WinterBee: I agree we are probably missing something, but it sounds like a terrible ordeal for that family and all the other passengers on the plain. It does seem like the mom could have planned ahead better and had something hot, but things happen, especially when traveling, and a tiny bit of compassion could have gone a long way. </p> <p>This is the second story about traveling with a child with autism that I've read- the other involved the child not being given a preferred seat and a meltdown ensuing. These poor kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174253 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:40:54 +0000 mrscobee 2174253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: That's kinda what I was thinking! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174247 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:38:08 +0000 travellingbee 2174247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Horrible and intolerant. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174244 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:36:53 +0000 WinterBee 2174244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Weird. I feel like we're missing an important part of the story. Diverting a plane is complicated and really expensive, seems strange they would do that if there wasn't actually an issue. Seems like they should have checked before landing the plane! Things that make you go hmmmm. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/child-with-autism-kicked-off-plane-what-do-you-think#post-2174242 Mon, 11 May 2015 11:35:45 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2174242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While I don't agree that she was treated right or fairly, I have a feeling the flight attendant really used what the mom said about her having a meltdown as a threat towards him. If he said that the mother of the child threatened me, of course the pilot is going to stick up for the flight attendant.</p> <p>I think the attendant was being a pompous ass, especially because the other passengers on the plane stuck up for the family, but I agree with @yoursilverlining: in that it might have helped if they had informed the staff when they boarded just to make them aware should something like this arise. </p>