Business Trips

I recently flew American Airlines from Los Angeles to Chicago to Philadelphia on my way back from a business trip. I spent most of my time in L.A. meeting clients and, in the evening, catching up with administrative work.

I was staying at the Le Merigot in Santa Monica and would end the day on their outside patio, balancing accounts and enjoying the wit of Neil, the bartender at the property. The Le Merigot is a home away from home and has a great staff of employees, headed up by their general manager, Paul Hortobagyi, and their public relations director, Debra Matsumoto. I will be reviewing the property for a GTtested very soon.

On my return flight, parents entered the first-class cabin, each carrying twin infants. The mother sat in row one and the father in row five, next to guess who? Me! I was fine, as I had downloaded Season Five of 24 and was engrossed most of the flight until my battery died. The baby was mostly unhappy but occasionally slept.

As it turns out, the couple wanted to sit next to each other, which probably would have helped calm the twins, but AA would not allow them to do so as there are not enough oxygen masks in first class. Then, I imagine, you would go to coach?

I suggested the father walk the baby up and down the aisle. There is a lot more for the baby to look at back there, I mentioned. He walked him, but stayed in first class. When the flight attendant moved the beverage cart across the aisle because the Captain was coming out to use the facilities, she asked the gentleman to sit or stand behind the curtain.

“Do you think I am going to storm the cabin with a baby?” he said. I just cringed. I have to hand it to the flight attendant. She simply told him that these were the rules and there were no ways around it. Others may have had him restrained for that kind of comment, and I’m not kidding!

The reality is terrorists have used pregnant women, children and the mentally challenged in their attacks. So nothing surprises anyone anymore.

I had become chummy with the flight attendants. When I went up the first time, I joked, “Nice nursery you have. I mean first class,” and they chuckled. Then we had a conversation about holding infants versus purchasing a seat and putting the child in a car seat. I told them that in a crash or a loss of altitude, which does happen, those babies would not survive. They agreed. FAA, when are you going to do something about this? This very scenario was highlighted in a Jeff Bridges movie, Fearless.

Any parent who carries a baby on their seat in a plane is not thinking of their child’s safety or best interest. Saving a few dollars is not the best way to ensure the safety of your child. I am pleased to tell you that I bought seats for my daughters when they were young, and it was for safety. Remember, children are used to car seats, as they sit in them all the time, and this method definitely helps calm them.

Please don’t carry your children on planes for the sake of the child and the other passengers on board.

– Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO