Georgia mother Kate Penland claims she and her baby were thrown off a Continental jet because of her 19-month-old son's incessantly babbling, "Bye Bye, Plane," pre-takeoff. She says the attendant said Penland had to shut the baby up, and suggested drugging the boy with Benadryl.
We've been on both sides of this one - trying to quiet our own baby on a packed cross-country flight to see the in-laws, circa Thanksgiving 2006, and wishing some stranger's kid would stop kicking our seat, circa . . . roughly our entire life up until that moment.(Although, even when we were childless, we still preferred the yammering kids to the drunk businessmen.)
Fact is, sometimes you have to leave the house even if you have a small child, and sometimes there is nothing even the best parent can do to keep a baby totally quiet. (Benadryl makes some kids hyper, and is not recommended by pediatricians for air travel.)
So it makes sense that Penland will do to the airline what breastfeeding mothers in similar situations have done: sued some sense into them.
Reader Comments ( Page 3 of 20)
31. Although this is a bit challenging, I think it is the parents' responsibility to control the child. There are usually over 100 people on an airplane and one jabbering, crying or mis-behaving child can make the trip miserable for all of them. The parent should have some planned non-electronic diversion that will keep the child quiet and under control during the cramped and uncomfortable situation for everyone. How about a coloring book and crayons? A sugar free lollipop? Our culture is too concerned with permissiveness and not stifling the children and it gets to the point where children can get away with just about anything because we don't want to "burn them out on no".
If the parent had set expectations of proper behavior in the first place, this would never have happened.
I am sure my mother would have found a way to keep me and my twin brother quiet in that situation, even if it ment holding our forearms with her fingernails until we got the message.
Maybe the mother can get Mr. Speaker of Atlanta TB fame to take her case.
Emtee at 5:42PM on Jul 12th 2007
32. Really people, those of you who are saying that a mother and child should be tossed off of a plane because the child was only talking- get a grip on reality. Are you so stuck in your little uppity world that you think you should not have to deal with the inconvience of a child talking, or even crying for a few minutes? You are not that important and if you think you are, please join the ranks of Paris Hilton and find some "people to read that for you." If a kid bugs you so much what about a couple chatting in the seat next to you? Should we kick them off to. I know, lets just duct tape everyones mouth shut so no one can bother you.
Kids are kids, my parents were the strictest I know, but I certainly do not remember a time when talking was forbidden. Those of you who want separate sections for kids in all public places need to grow up. Mentally disabled people often do similar things so we should probably have a separate section for them as well. While we are at it, lets make a place for senior citizens because they move to slowly. Oh...wait didn't they decide segregation is illegal? maybe we can totally revert and turn children into slaves!
Stephanie at 5:48PM on Jul 12th 2007
33. What next?? are alzheimer patients not going to be allowed on flights? or should they be moved to the back of the plane as well..or what about handicapped?? should they be moved to the back of the plane because no one wants to deal with them?
This child is 19 months old..Shame on everyone that thinks they should.. what if it was a 9 day old baby? should we drug that one too? Maybe put our hands over their mouths? Come on people ..grow up!!YOU WERE A KID ONCE....SHAME ON SOCIETY and may god help you. and just because a child speaks does not mean they have bad parents no matter what age the parents are. I think all the self righteous people should be put in the back of the plane.
Patty at 6:01PM on Jul 12th 2007
34. bittles79, Marvie, and GLeez, I agree, it is unfortunate that your parents chose to be breeders and bring your little demon selves into the world. As for everyone else whose parents raised tolerant, caring individuals, please breed on.
Stephanie at 5:54PM on Jul 12th 2007
35. All the child did was say "bye bye plane", nothing more, nothing less. Both mother and child were the victim of a nasty flight attendant on a power trip throwing her fat ass around. The mother should seek punitive damages from the flight attendant in addition to free flights on Continental for life and the flight attendant should be terminated and not allowed to work in the airline industry again.
As to all you people who hate kids and side with the flight attendant, I hope the next flight you take crashes with you in it.
My E-mail address is andycyber@aim.com if anybody wants to E-mail me with their thoughts on what I just said.
white guy in Phoenix at 5:54PM on Jul 12th 2007
36. bittles79, so you were never a whiney little brat. Your mother must have been so proud. My wife and I will be flying across counrty on July 31 with our 6, 4, 2 year olds and our 3 mth old. I hope you're right in front of us.
big.poppa at 6:08PM on Jul 12th 2007
37. About back of the plane versus front of the plane: it's logistics people. The back of the plane (other than first class or special needs...which includes parents with children) get on board first to make loading passengers/carry-ons move more smoothly. As adults with children (and all the appropriate carry-on luggage) take much longer to board and get themselves settled, it makes since to have them board FIRST, meaning at the back of the plane (otherwise you have the front of the plane completely blocked by said parents).
In addition, the back of the plane is closer to the restrooms and the galley (aka, kitchen), which is more likely to be needed by parents with children, make it more accessible.
Personally, I'm anti having kids on a plane, especially very young ones or babies. These are young humans whose bodies are still developing. Why subject them to that kind of physical stress?
Lastly, why is the mother not traveling with diapers, spare clothing, food or diversions for the baby? How is that responsible parenting? I don't have children, but even I know that you ALWAYS travel with certain items. Lady is looking for a lawsuit to make a quick buck. Either that, or she's just another entitled soccer-mom who thinks her child is the sun, to be indulged on every whim and doesn't need to be taught manners.
sk at 6:29PM on Jul 12th 2007
38. No, the child WAS NOT being loud during the announcments, he was talking. Get it straight. This child AND her mother did NOTHING WRONG. The F/A needs to be fired.
Jennifer at 6:16PM on Jul 12th 2007
39. I'm sick and tired of these little brats being coddled by their parents, then they sue because they weren't treated fairly. I am sure that this kid acts up ALL the time b/c parents are more interested in being friends with their kids than disciplining them. That kind of behaviour would NEVER have been tolerated by my parents, or by any of my friends' and cousins' parents either, when I was growing up.
You people who insist on dragging your small kids on airplanes are just plain selfish. You think that the whole world has to kow tow to you and your screaming little brats just because you made the ill advised decision to bring them into this world in the first place. Then you subject the rest of the passengers to the whining. If you want to travel with the kids, DRIVE.
I abhor air travel when there are babies and toddlers on board. I'm sick of having my seat kicked. I'm sick of listening to obnoxious battery operated games. I'm sick of listening to screaming and crying. I say drug the brats to keep them quiet.
I agree w/ whoever it was earlier who said that parents w/ kids should be put at the back of the plane. It has NOTHING to do w/ discrimination. It's for convenience, efficiency and logistics. Let the rest of the passengers have some peace for a change! IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU, PARENTS!
queenbead at 6:18PM on Jul 12th 2007
40. I'm glad that airlines are finally taking steps to make these inconsiderate parents realize that not everyone finds their little "angels" as cute or entertaining as they do! About time for parents to take responsibility and make their kids BEHAVE! I fly alot, and it takes all my patience sometimes just to keep from chewing some of these "parents" out! Travel prepared, bring crayons, books or a toy, do not expect other passengers to tolerate your screaming, kicking loud, rude little brat, because YOU don't want to take responsibility! You go Continental!
sandra ramos at 6:35PM on Jul 12th 2007
41. I agree with Marvie and G Leetz...Nothing I hate worse than trying to have a nice meal somewhere and someone's letting their brats run amok and scream and yell...People don't make their children mind anymore..Parents today are raising screaming, uncontrollable brats. There is nothing wrong with telling your child NO, and there is nothing wrong with making them sit quietly..Shame on the mother that took this child on that flight and brought nothing to entertain, nor feed him with...While we can't blame the child, the parent is really at fault...We aren't making people responsible for their poor parenting...If you have to have a license to marry, hunt, fish or own a dog..you should be licensed to have children..there would be alot less problems...
pammylyn at 6:37PM on Jul 12th 2007
42. A baby is a baby, for God's sake. The kid was not harming anyone. Toddlers do repeat things over and over, folks. The attendant over reacted and is some kind of nut.
Have some patience, folks. Yes people have rights too but we all have to learn to live together.
If this mom was not watching her child and letting rum amok on the airplane, that would be a different matter.
David S. at 6:36PM on Jul 12th 2007
43. I think some of you people have it a little bit backwards. When you fly, take a train, a bus, or a cruise ship, you are choosing to go out and be among your fellow humans. Not all of your fellow humans are anal retentives. Some of us are young, some old, some are loud, some of us smell bad.
If you are not comfortable mingling with non-anal retentive humans then YOU should charter a private jet when you fly.
I hope the woman sues for a bundle and gets it. It's a clear breach of contract to take her money for a service and then refuse to provide the service for a frivolous reason.
Darkmanwp at 6:54PM on Jul 12th 2007
44. I think Marvie is a selfish,inconsiderate B-----.
I have been flying with my two boys since they were two weeks old. And I have encountered the most selfish people and flight attendants over the last nine years. Both my boys thank God are angels on the plane. But I have seen adults talk louder during the safety speech, how come those people didn't get kicked off. Kids are precious gifts from God. That Flight attendant should be fired and Kate Penland should sue the airlines. Its hard enough for mothers who have to travel with kids by themselves. I really Hate selfish inconsiderate people. By the way I always fly first class with my kids, If you pay for the tickets, no one has a right to tell you were to sit6. Maybe Marvie you should consider locking yourself in a box, since you can't handle kids, because kids are So kiss my A--.
sandra at 7:18PM on Jul 12th 2007
45. Dear Queenbead,
You suck, people like you should be put away. I am so fucking sick of selfish bastards like you. I lived 8 hours away. What do you propose I did with my kids when i need3ed to get to florida when my mom was dying of cancer. You are on a way way street straight to hell.
sandra at 7:19PM on Jul 12th 2007