No LUV Here: Southwest Airlines Kicks Toddler Off Plane

Not having watched the video, I can’t speak to the attitude or behaviour of the FA. (In my opinion, the majority of today’s FAs have very poor skills in the art of customer service) but I can say this... If the child was over 2 yrs old and was NOT belted in a seat at the moment that the FA was required to signal an all clear to the captain, the outcome was then being determined by FAA regulations and not the FA. Period. End of story. No FA wants to risk running afoul of FAA safety rules. Having said that....I call BS on the entire issue when, if the child had instead been just shy of her 2nd birthday, she would have been allowed to be held on her father’s lap during takeoff and landing whithout anyone batting an eyelash. It’s an absolutely ridiculous rule but it is there, and must be obeyed by any FA who wants to remain employed. Let’s all get our panties unbunched now, eh?

Here is what I think. There are numerous comments on rules (which most of you commenting on them don't even understand) and who is to blame the parent or the Airlines. Obvious by the video that the Flight Attendant had no-wiggle-room or kindness or understanding but all the power and that is a shame on her. So the child was upset for a moment it happens and just exercise a little patience even if you don't want to. Once the Flight Attendant returned with her "enforcer" and the child was calm that should have been the end of the entire situation. Bad judgement on the Flight Attendant, the enforcer, and the Pilot (who is never REALLY in control of much). For those of you wanting them removed (Jason Texas) you obviously do not have children and probably never should but for all of you, please feel free to remove you screaming ass kid from the movie theater, the restaurant, any and all waiting rooms, church, and any other place where NO ONE WANTS TO LISTEN TO YOUR OUT OF CONTROL CHILD. Patience, respect, understanding, and helpfulness might go a long way in a less than perfect situation.

I have to believe the bigger issue here is just how the parent handled the situation. Sure, a 2 year old could act out and stand up in her seat. How did the parent react? (I don't know, I wasn't there.) I've been at enough restaurants where kids are running around, screaming, like they were in a playground, while the parents sit, oblivious. The FAA requires all passengers be seated and belted. I don't know how much discussion or how many times the flight attendant had to tell the parent to comply with her instructions. I have to believe it was more than once or that the flight attendant had reason to believe that the situation wasn't going to improve. As an airline captain myself, I support my flight crew. I've also learned that if a situation isn't good on the ground, it's not going to get better in the air, when you and your problem are locked in an aluminum tube at 37,000 feet. You think that going back to the gate is bad? Try diverting to another airport. I'm sure there is more to this story than a blogger's interpretation of a passenger's video which probably didn't document behavior leading up to the deciding event.

@Peggy, I've read many posts for which I merely blow them off. But your post takes first place from my view. Your belligerent outlook is offensive. I'd happily cooperate to be escorted off any of your flights. Simply put, I expect better service and respect as a passenger. You were no more present in this situation than others, so you hardly have a right to talk as an eye witness. You can assume and you can be entitled to your own opinions, but you are far from entitled to your own facts. I hardly would characterize the flight crew as first-responders. They are no more heroic than the countless passengers and other citizens that we're killed or hurt 9/11. I refuse to put them any higher as you seem to attempt to do. At 525-550 mph I hardly think a seatbelt is there for speed or impact safety at that rate. I agree and understand why seatbelts exist but I'd suggest a better analogy. But the video recording comment....wow... talk about incorrect information. It's hardly illegal. It may be a breach of contract (with the airline) but recording a public event or place from the view of public is better characterized (in most cases) as an absolute right. Failing to obey airline policy, if such exists, of this nature is not illegal. The federal government has no legislative / statutory law regarding such actions. However, there are some laws regarding audio recording, particularly when done covertly. So far it appears the mobile phone is hardly covert. I'm sure you have been employed in the industry a long time. How that time has impacted you I do not fully know. But, I feel I deserve better.

You people have ZERO clue as to what the FAA allows us to do. Are you telling me you strap your two year old into a seatbelt going 30 MPzh but not in a plane going 525 MPH.? Are you that daft? WHO is the parebt here? Take charge, the FA wass doing her job, and just so you know if you took a video of her NOT telling the father to strap her child in??? Guess what she gets a huge fine from the FAA and possible suspension. We don’t go thru 6 weeks of trading to serve you a GD Coke, we go to save your life in an emergency situation, or a medical emergency ! How the hell would YOU like to be video taped while you are doing YOUR job??? And BTW this Hooters Hooker forgot to tape the ENTIRE scene where the father was screaming! The child over two MUST be in a seat for SAFETY reasons, not because the flight crew is trying to act like GOD. I think maybe you all might want to remember 911 where THE FLIGHT CREW were the FIRST responders who all lost their lives. Get with it you all have no idea what you are talking about, and I hope I am working a flight and you get fined for illegally video taping a flight crew.