$30.00---------Sorry, but a child's safety is worth more.
Written: Aug 10 '01 (Updated Aug 15 '01)
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The Bottom Line
America West won't let your children connect and get "lost".
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| Full Review |
Please keep in mind when you read this: I am covering ONLY one aspect of America West, that is the subject of their policy on unaccompanied minors. I have recieved some poor ratings from those that say this review has nothing to do with America West.
There always seems to be decisions to make in the airline industry, some that I deem to be irelevent, (like menu selection), and then there are the very important decisions regarding safety,---that we all appreciate.
I am glad to see that someone had the b*lls to finally stand up and address a very controversial issue concerning children traveling alone. It most certainly has been a hot topic in the USA Today editorial section recently.
If you aren't familiar with recent events, America West has been attacked (unfairly in my opinion), for "mishandling" unaccompanied minors. Don't get me wrong, if you volunteer for the job---DO IT. I just don't understand the mindset of the parents that can fathom how this could come off without a hitch!! I mean, we are dealing with the airlines, human beings that ARE only humans, and capable of making mistakes and Mother Nature. America West Airlines made a mistake, just like everyone out there is capable of doing. It does bring up a very important subject that should be addressed. I feel that they have made a very important decision that will not allow kids to be placed on the wrong flight again--hopefully.
I realize that we live in a very advanced society and we automatically think things will go off without any problems. I also realize that there are many single parents out there that have limited options, but I still have to question the "what if's" that could change my plans. In my wildest dreams, I can't imagine putting my niece Brianna on a plane alone to travel----she is seven years old and very, very intelligent, not to mention a beautiful little girl. I, being a person that tries as hard as I possibly can to hide from denial, realize that there are perverts out there that prey on these types of situations. I also realize that Mother Nature can inflict some dangerous weather on us, causing flights to divert to another city or cancel. HELLO PEOPLE-----have you ever thought about WHAT your children would do if faced with having to overnight somewhere??? Sure you have, b*tch and sue the airline.
Most airline policies are the same as America West, for $30.00 you are guaranteed that your child will get from point A to point B and turned over to the designated party with proof of I.D.. The policy in the event of mechanicals or cancellations are pretty much the same across the board. Airlines have personnel that escort the child to a hotel room and stay with them overnight-----sounds strange huh? (Imagine how terrified your child is!!) Like I said, HELLO PEOPLE.......
Now, back to America West, they were just trying to keep up with the Joneses....the major airlines in transporting very young children. I commend them for standing up and hopefully setting a precedent across the system. I mean, adults have problems making it out there!! They are no longer transporting children traveling alone if they are making a connection. This is the smartest thing that I have heard in a long, long time. The latest incident involving the carrier involved children being placed on the wrong flight. Do I feel that they should've been put on the right flight? Of course I do, but accidents happen. I'm sure the little girls were traumatized....how could they NOT be? I know that when I am the Purser on a flight, it is stressful for me to know that I have a child onboard that is MY responsiblity to turn over to personnel at the gate. That is where my job stops technically-----but the human being in me is wondering who is sitting beside her/him, (believe me, I have moved children if I don't like their neighbor) and recently was brought to tears when faced with a ten year old girl that was hysterical because she didn't want to go home because she was being abused. A supervisor had to meet the flight because I had a very hard time letting her go----.
When an unaccompanied minor is boarded, we brief them extensively on the aircraft and safety procedures. No worries here----we repeat over and over how very important it is for them to remain onboard until we come for them. Well, you know how well kids listen, so this adds to the stress when the herd is running off. More times than not, I am grabbing the little devils when they are attempting to leave the aircraft!!
The point that I am trying to make in defense of the airlines is this: We do the best that we can. My complaint is this: Parents should accompany their children or hire someone to accompany them. We must come out of the fog of denial and realize that it is a BIG world out there and things happen. I am sorry to rain on parades out there, but I am just speaking the truth.
Hats off to you America West for putting the responsibility where it should be-----with the parents!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Member: tina mosier
Reviews written: 174
Trusted by: 180 members
About Me: MARRY ME----FLY FREE!!!!
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