Autistic Boy and Mom Kicked Off Plane
- added June 25, 2008
- 3 responses
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- shroomfairy
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There were no weapons on board or concerns about terrorism, but an American Eagle flight about to take off from the Raleigh-Durham, N.C., airport was turned back to its gate on Monday to remove two passengers.
The culprits? An upset, autistic toddler and his mother.
By all accounts, two-year-old Jarret Farrell wasn't a happy traveler. But his mother, Janice Farrell, who said she tried everything to calm her son, believes there was no reason for the airline to kick them off the plane.
The airline disagrees, saying they were removed primarily because Janice Farrell kept her carry-on bag on the floor in front of her seat, but that Jarret's behavior added to the tense situation.
"The child had been crying and screaming uncontrollably, to the point where the child's well being was in question," American Airlines, the parent company of American Eagle, said in a statement. "Though, ultimately, the parent's violation of FAA regulations was the cause for removal, both situations contributed to an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe atmosphere for our passengers and crew."
By STEPHANIE DAHLE and JONANN BRADY
The culprits? An upset, autistic toddler and his mother.
By all accounts, two-year-old Jarret Farrell wasn't a happy traveler. But his mother, Janice Farrell, who said she tried everything to calm her son, believes there was no reason for the airline to kick them off the plane.
The airline disagrees, saying they were removed primarily because Janice Farrell kept her carry-on bag on the floor in front of her seat, but that Jarret's behavior added to the tense situation.
"The child had been crying and screaming uncontrollably, to the point where the child's well being was in question," American Airlines, the parent company of American Eagle, said in a statement. "Though, ultimately, the parent's violation of FAA regulations was the cause for removal, both situations contributed to an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe atmosphere for our passengers and crew."
By STEPHANIE DAHLE and JONANN BRADY
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- shroomfairy
- 2 months ago
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I have worked with autistic children at my job and this just sounds like a very insensitive situation.
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- shroomfairy
- 2 months ago
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Tthat's ridiculous. There's always some kid crying or screaming when I'm on a plane and people just ignore it.
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- greenneyedd
- 2 months ago
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I have two Grandchildren that are autistic- This is the worst thing anyone can do to a parent of an autistic child - to embarass her because she child has a meltdown is horrible !- Where were these people trained to deal with customers at? Have they ever heard of customer service ? being a caring human being? couldnt they see she was in need of help - why didnt they assist her - people need to learn to toleate a little more from others - I dont think there was a safety issue -The attendent could have helped with helping her to stow her bag - What about having them change seats to a more private place to let the mother deal with the child - It it so wrong - I will be writing the airlines and others that need to know that to treat these parents this way is wrong - These brave parents who raise these beautiful children should be given the respect they deserve- not dissrespect
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