Monday, September 20, 2010

Rebel with a Cause (Part 2)-My Complaint

 Here's the statement I submitted to Delta.  If I receive a response, I'll post it!  Thanks everyone for your support!



One of the flight attendants tried to force me to take my baby out of a carrier while I was breastfeeding.  At this time, the plane was NOT taking off, landing, or taxiing.  In fact, the seat belt sign was off.  She was rude, was disrespectful, bullied me, and had me escorted off the plane with my baby when we arrived at our gate.  Separated from my husband and 2 year old, they had no idea what was happening and it scared my daughter.  Then we almost missed our next flight and were not able to sit down to eat lunch, since I had to make a statement with the Memphis police and airport security.

I have shared this with my friends on Facebook and others have received similar treatment by a Delta attendant.  Another Delta agent shared the FAA regulations with me and I learned that I had not violated it in anyway and was unjustly put through this situation.

I'd like to receive a response from Delta and to have this attendant held accountable for her actions, so she will not treat any other vulnerable mothers on future flights this way.  It's hard enough to travel with children.  This treatment was unacceptable.


Jen Starks, Owner www.ecologicalbabies.com ecologicalbabies@gmail.com 850.284.5887

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. I've been dubbed the "letter queen", fondly, by friends. I don't believe that "bad behavior", being disrespected, or not getting what you have paid for are fair acts by the company or employees! Good For You!

gail said...

Very well written letter, especially under the circumstances. What a traumatic experience ~ glad you are taking positive actions rather than remaining silent. This is really an unbelievable story. I wish you and your family well. And I hope you hear something positive too from the airline company. Please keep us all posted.

princess granola said...

every time i think about this my insides get all jumbly! you are handling it so well. well-written and i'm looking forward to the response.

Tanashia said...

Jen,
So sorry to hear about this. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for not giving in. I cannot imagine how stressful this was for you & your family.

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone!

Maureen said...

Way to go!!

Kimberly said...

Nicely written! I hope they respond positively and immediately!

Jessica Morrison said...

You go girl! I think it's great that you stood up for BFing in public. People just need to get over this whole silly commotion about breastfeeding in public. Sometimes I just want to move to Europe :-)

Sarah Seifert said...

I hope they read your blog where it is very clear that you did NOT inform the flight attendant you were breastfeeding when she initially approached you, nor were you breastfeeding on subsequent encounters with this flight attendant. I believe that provides a clearer picture of what happened that day than the letter you sent to Delta.

Sarah Seifert said...

p.s. I'm a breastfeeding, cloth diapering, baby wearing mama myself.

Anonymous said...

Telling the FA that she was breastfeeding should not matter. The plane was not taxing, taking off or landing so she was allowed to have her baby in the sling at that time.