Your child is watching. Are they learning, “best practices to get kicked off a plane”?

There is a video that went viral  about a mom demanding that a window seat passenger give up her seat so that her son could sit there. When the passenger declined, the mother continued her tirade with insults while recording the incident. She assumed the other passengers would rally behind her and her son. They didn’t.

Behavior like this is more and more common, everywhere. It becomes more intense and scarier when you’re on a plane with nowhere to escape.

Passengers and airlines are becoming fed up with unruly demanding passengers. According to the FAA Unruly Passengers website, disruptive or unruly behavior can land you in jail, fined or have travel restrictions imposed. What will you tell your child when you can’t fly to visit grandma this summer?

Here are 6 behaviors you don’t want your child learn:

  1. Demanding an upgrade. Politely requesting an upgrade is fine. If declined, calmly accept it. Or if seats are available, pay for it.
  2. Demanding someone switch seats with you. Politely requesting is fine. You can offer to pay for the cost of that seat. They have the right to decline, and you must accept it.
  3. Demanding refreshments prior to take-off. This is poor planning and irresponsible on your part. Pack snacks from home or buy them and pay double the price at the airport like everybody else.
  4. Permitting your child to kick, stick their foot between the seats or bang on the screen or tray table. You excuse this behavior because the space is too small; they need to release some energy. Not at the expense or comfort of other passengers. You need more space? Buy a ticket in business class.
  5. Watching videos or listening to music without earbuds. This is especially annoying and disrespectful after the flight attendant asks you to mute or use earbuds. If you didn’t plan ahead, some airlines will provide you with a set. If not, watch without sound.
  6. Encouraging your child to run into the aisle upon landing, using this as an excuse to deplane before it’s your turn. This is not just rude, but it is a safety concern. A passenger can accidently drop their bag from the overhead bin; bump into your child; you child may stumble… Teach them how waiting your turn works and why.

Related Article:  Seattle Times: Switching Seats

Most passengers are sympathetic to parents travelling with a child. It becomes frustrating when the parent ignores their child’s behavior or get defensive if politely asked to address it. Every situation is an opportunity to teach a child. #oldschool

3 Things You Do Want Your Children To Learn:

  1. Courtesy and consideration of others is necessary for a pleasant experience.
  2. Flight attendants and passengers don’t have to give-in like mommy does.
  3. You don’t always get what you want.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you’re thinking, “Easy for her to say, she’s probably never traveled with a child!” You would be wrong. I flew with two children (pre-video games). And when they stretched out or wiggled, I quietly explained why we don’t kick seats. These can be teachable moments.

Traveling with children can be challenging and unpredictable. But if you’re in a rage about whatever you aren’t getting, your child may apply the same strategy next time they want something from you.

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Photo: Pexels