Is this really what the world is coming to?

ElleB87

http://theweek.com/article/index/231954/pedophilia-panic-barring-single-men-from-sitting-next-to-kids-on-planes

So apparently 2 airlines have policies that adult men cannot sit next to unaccompanied children in case they're pedophiles. I think this is a BIG overreaction on the part of the airlines. If you were sending your kid on a plane (unaccompanied) would you insist that they could only sit beside a woman or other children?

Wzz

i think there are bigger things going on with the airlines than seat assignments. i thought that technically, the kids are supposed to sit as close to the flight attendant as possible. does it really matter if a single man cannot sit near a child? who will complain about this? you know who will complain? pedophiles.

FLANYTATOOGURL

I would never send my child on a flight by himself. But if I had to I would prefer him sitting next to a woman, not because of the pedo thing, just because I feel a woman would be a little more tolerant of a small child's shenanigans.

zsazsa-stl

WTH?  There are female pedophiles, too.  That is really offensive.

AuntFlo

I don't know, but I would be PISSED if I got stuck sitting next to an unaccompanied child.   I have no patience for other people's children.

AuntFlo

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_is-this-really-what-the-world-is-coming-to?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:47Discussion:1e3c2d23-65ec-4ec8-91aa-8af3848658f6Post:32fe5e23-d687-4f80-a786-00405d388082">Re: Is this really what the world is coming to?</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know, but I would be PISSED if I got stuck sitting next to an unaccompanied child.   I have no patience for other people's children.
Posted by AuntFlo[/QUOTE]

ETA: In other words, I am NOT down with OPC.

zsazsa-stl

I sat next to a 13 year old boy who was alone on my flight to Germany.  I was impressed that he never got up to use the bathroom anywhere between Atlanta and Munich.  I wanted to congratulate him on the feat, but I was afraid that would be creepy.  I offered him gum in the morning instead.

thejucheidea

I've been an unaccompanied minor before, twice with my younger sister in tow when my parents sent us from Tennessee to California to visit my great aunt. I would do the same to my kids and wouldn't care who sat next to them, male or female. The only thing I found annoying (and still do) is when people try to talk to me when I'm trying to do something else on the plane.

And FLANYTATOOGIRL, sometimes kids have to go on flights by themselves. Saying that you would NEVER send your kid on a flight alone sounds a wee bit judgy. My parents sent my sister and myself that way because they were business owners but wanted us to enjoy summer vacation even if we couldn't be with them, so they sent us to have fun. It was awesome and we felt so cool going through the airport alone. CERTIFIED 12 AND 8 YEAR OLD BADASSES.

FLANYTATOOGURL

In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?:[QUOTE]I've been an unaccompanied minor before, twice with my younger sister in tow when my parents sent us from Tennessee to California to visit my great aunt. I would do the same to my kids and wouldn't care who sat next to them, male or female. The only thing I found annoying and still do is when people try to talk to me when I'm trying to do something else on the plane.And FLANYTATOOGIRL, sometimes kids have to go on flights by themselves. Saying that you would NEVER send your kid on a flight alone sounds a wee bit judgy. My parents sent my sister and myself that way because they were business owners but wanted us to enjoy summer vacation even if we couldn't be with them, so they sent us to have fun. It was awesome and we felt so cool going through the airport alone. CERTIFIED 12 AND 8 YEAR OLD BADASSES. Posted by ahstillwell[/QUOTE]
I do judge! If that hurts your feelings, too bad so sad! I wonder how your parents would have felt if the plane crashed?

GBCK

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_is-this-really-what-the-world-is-coming-to?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:1e3c2d23-65ec-4ec8-91aa-8af3848658f6Post:5f4b1d9f-4c2e-4b28-8515-f93e4feb0e9c">Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?: I do judge! If that hurts your feelings, too bad so sad! I wonder how your parents would have felt if the plane crashed?
Posted by FLANYTATOOGURL[/QUOTE]

<div>About the same as they would have felt if the car crashed?</div>

FLANYTATOOGURL

Plane crash and car crash are two entirely different things.

GBCK

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_is-this-really-what-the-world-is-coming-to?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:1e3c2d23-65ec-4ec8-91aa-8af3848658f6Post:fbb427af-ac60-416e-94bb-1c9742b88c2f">Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?</a>:
[QUOTE]Plane crash and car crash are two entirely different things.
Posted by FLANYTATOOGURL[/QUOTE]

<div>Explain why it'd be different if my kid went down on an airplane vs died in a car crash?</div><div>
</div><div>Because I"m not following.</div>

hmonkey

if your kid died in a plane crash, you would be FAMOUS!

no one cares about a car crash.  unless it ends up uncovering a scandal that brings down the governor.

*Barbie*

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_is-this-really-what-the-world-is-coming-to?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:1e3c2d23-65ec-4ec8-91aa-8af3848658f6Post:32fe5e23-d687-4f80-a786-00405d388082">Re: Is this really what the world is coming to?</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't know, but I would be PISSED if I got stuck sitting next to an unaccompanied child.   I have no patience for other people's children.
Posted by AuntFlo[/QUOTE]

<div>^^^i2i.</div><div>
</div><div>I'd be ok if the kid was well behaved. There are plenty of a-hole adults on planes, and the kid would take up less room in the seat next to me. </div>

Wzz

i wouldn't want my kid flying as an unaccompanied minor. then again, i don't have relatives or an ex husband who lives out of state who need to see my children.

i'd rather sit near a kid than a very large adult, because i always get stuck sharing my seat with some other guy who needs my leftover space.

FLANYTATOOGURL

If my child died in a plane crash because I was too lazy or preoccupied to accompany him on a flight, I would never forgive myself! I would spend the rest of my life wondering how terrified he must have been, all alone with nothing but strangers around him. It would tear me up inside. Also nobody puts their kid in a car with random people and atleast in a car accident you have a high chance for survival. A car accident usually happens in an instant, how long does it take for a plane to fall from the sky? It isn't instantaneous! Plus, more than likely the parents are in the car with the children. I can't believe I would even have to explain the differences, it is obvious. If y'all would send your child in a plane by himself / herself that's your decision, but I prefer being with my child in any situation that can turn into a dangerous one.

*Barbie*

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_is-this-really-what-the-world-is-coming-to?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:1e3c2d23-65ec-4ec8-91aa-8af3848658f6Post:5e2d218a-f563-4637-b3b0-bfb90d211fd4">Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?</a>:
[QUOTE]I<strong>f my child died in a plane crash because I was too lazy or preoccupied to accompany him on a flight, I would never forgive myself! </strong>I would spend the rest of my life wondering how terrified he must have been, all alone with nothing but strangers around him. It would tear me up inside. Also nobody puts their kid in a car with random people and atleast in a car accident you have a high chance for survival. A car accident usually happens in an instant, how long does it take for a plane to fall from the sky? It isn't instantaneous! Plus, more than likely the parents are in the car with the children. I can't believe I would even have to explain the differences, it is obvious. If y'all would send your child in a plane by himself / herself that's your decision, but I prefer being with my child in any situation that can turn into a dangerous one.
Posted by FLANYTATOOGURL[/QUOTE]
your child would die in the plane crash because the plane crashed - it doesn't matter if you're present or not. your presence is not going to prevent the plane from crashing. 

NOLABridesmaid

Dead is dead. Does it matter if it's a plane or car?


Is your kid ever going to take a field trip for school? They ride on buses without seat belts, and you probably aren't going to be on the bus with him or her.

FLANYTATOOGURL

In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?:[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?:If my child died in a plane crash because I was too lazy or preoccupied to accompany him on a flight, I would never forgive myself! I would spend the rest of my life wondering how terrified he must have been, all alone with nothing but strangers around him. It would tear me up inside. Also nobody puts their kid in a car with random people and atleast in a car accident you have a high chance for survival. A car accident usually happens in an instant, how long does it take for a plane to fall from the sky? It isn't instantaneous! Plus, more than likely the parents are in the car with the children. I can't believe I would even have to explain the differences, it is obvious. If y'all would send your child in a plane by himself / herself that's your decision, but I prefer being with my child in any situation that can turn into a dangerous one.Posted by FLANYTATOOGURLyour child would die in the plane crash because the plane crashed it doesn't matter if you're present or not. your presence is not going to prevent the plane from crashing.nbsp; Posted by Barbie[/QUOTE]
Yes if the plane crashed every person on the plane would die, but atleast I would be with him! I would not want to go on living without my child.

FLANYTATOOGURL

In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?:[QUOTE]Dead is dead. Does it matter if it's a plane or car?Is your kid ever going to take a field trip for school? They ride on buses without seat belts, and you probably aren't going to be on the bus with him or her. Posted by NOLABridesmaid[/QUOTE]

NOLABridesmaid

Flany, I was responding to this comment that you made.

but I prefer being with my child in any situation that can turn into a dangerous one.


How is this possible once your kid grows up? Yes, protect your kid as much as you can, but you can't control every situation.

FLANYTATOOGURL

In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?:[QUOTE]Dead is dead. Does it matter if it's a plane or car?Is your kid ever going to take a field trip for school? They ride on buses without seat belts, and you probably aren't going to be on the bus with him or her. Posted by NOLABridesmaid[/QUOTE]

Stop acting like a buss or a car is the same as flying 2000 feet in the air.
Like a school buss is ever going to get hijacked right?

FLANYTATOOGURL

In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?:[QUOTE]Flany, I was responding to this comment that you made.but I prefer being with my child in any situation that can turn into a dangerous one.How is this possible once your kid grows up? Yes, protect your kid as much as you can, but you can't control every situation. Posted by NOLABridesmaid[/QUOTE]
I said child not teenager or young adult.

thejucheidea

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_is-this-really-what-the-world-is-coming-to?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:1e3c2d23-65ec-4ec8-91aa-8af3848658f6Post:ed229e98-31aa-450d-9f09-df4923987180">Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?: Like a school buss is ever going to get hijacked right?
Posted by FLANYTATOOGURL[/QUOTE]
<a href="http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/outlaws/chowchilla_kidnap/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/outlaws/chowchilla_kidnap/index.html</a>

FLANYTATOOGURL

OK find me 5 more stories like that. Also why do you care how I feel, don't try and justify the fact that your parents liked to send their children away because their business was more important than their children being safe.

thejucheidea

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_is-this-really-what-the-world-is-coming-to?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:1e3c2d23-65ec-4ec8-91aa-8af3848658f6Post:1057d0fd-25c8-479f-bdd3-7cef5744af51">Re:Is this really what the world is coming to?</a>:
[QUOTE]OK find me 5 more stories like that. Also why do you care how I feel, don't try and justify the fact that your parents liked to send their children away because their business was more important than their children being safe.
Posted by FLANYTATOOGURL[/QUOTE]
My parents liked to send us away to our aunt and uncle who took us to awesome theme parks and beaches while they worked hard to provide for us. How dare my parents work and still let us have fun instead of making us stay in sweltering middle Tennessee every summer because their business was primarily a summer business. What horrible parents they are. By the way, they would usually fly out a week or two weeks after us and we'd fly home together. Longer vacation than them, f'yeah!

1. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-08-27-atlanta_N.htm">http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-08-27-atlanta_N.htm</a>
2. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/School-bus-driver-describes-attempted-hijacking-121570794.html">http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/School-bus-driver-describes-attempted-hijacking-121570794.html</a>
3. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cnn.com/US/9511/hijacked_bus/pm/">http://www.cnn.com/US/9511/hijacked_bus/pm/</a>
4. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=91707&page=1#.UCrufUSoBUg">http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=91707&page=1#.UCrufUSoBUg</a>
5. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960528&slug=2331607">http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960528&slug=2331607</a>

GBCK

so, you're arguing that airplanes are worse, not because statistically they're more dangerous (because we all know they're not), but because planes are more likely to be hijacked than autos and because you don't want to grieve so you want to die and only bad parents do things like divorce, have long distance relatives and jobs.

Got it.

VarunaTT

I guess she's never heard of carjacking either.

FLANYTATOOGURL

When did I say anything about divorce? Plane crashes are fatal like what 99 of the time! You can not argue that, car crashes are not. I will never send my child on a plane without me or his father, why does my opinion on the matter get attacked, but when wzz posts that she wouldn't send her child on a plane alone not one person said anything to her? I get that I'm new here but that doesn't mean I should get jumped if I disagree with a more frequent poster. Some of y'all need a good night with your man or at least a vibrator. Seriously.

6fsn

I can't believe the argument is whether a kid dying in a plane or a car is better. 

I'd be pissed if I had to sit next to an unaccompanied minor simply because of my genitalia.

PMeg819

I know women can be predatory, but in my experience men on airplanes tend to behave more I appropriately on planes than women. Sadly, I've seen more men be predatory towards women than women towards men (thankfully never children). That said, it's profiling. It's not right to deny boarding or change someone's seat for anything other than a safety reason. That being said, unaccompanied minors are always going to be there. I think part of it is dependent on the child (are they kid who will speak up, are they well behaved, etc). It's the parents job to know that their child is going to speak up if they are uncomfortable. UMs piss me off though because people think FAs are there just to be servants. No- they are there for safety reasons and if someone thing happens or someone needs emergent assistance, they need to attend to that not babysit your kid. Last thing- as a frequent flyer if I choose a seat at checkin, I want that seat. One of the benefits to being an elite flyer is that you get first choice in seats.