Traveling with toddlers can be quite a challenge, and the added pressure of air travel often heightens the stress. Parents must navigate a myriad of concerns, from managing fussy little ones to dealing with fellow passengers who may not appreciate the noise. Most importantly, there is the expectation of accessibility to restrooms on board—right? Not always.
In a recent incident shared by Carla Jensen, she recounts her experience traveling home from a family visit with her two-year-old granddaughter, Lily. The trip was meant to be a delightful adventure, but it took a turn when they boarded a five-and-a-half-hour flight from Halifax to Calgary. Lily ended up wetting herself during the flight after a flight attendant prohibited her from using the business class restroom.
Anticipating the frequent bathroom needs of her young granddaughter, Jensen had opted for seats near the business class area, believing this would ease access to the restroom. However, her proactive planning did not sit well with the flight attendant. “When I tried to take Lily to the bathroom for the second or third time, the attendant said, ‘You can’t come up here anymore,’” Jensen recounted. “I explained that she’s a child and I booked these seats specifically for that reason, but the attendant was firm in her response.”
Frustrated yet wanting to keep the peace, Jensen returned to her seat. With the restroom at the back blocked off by a beverage cart and the front restroom off-limits, Lily attempted to hold it in but unfortunately had an accident in her seat. Having been potty trained for several months, this incident was distressing for both of them, and Jensen hadn’t packed a spare outfit or pull-up, given that it had been years since she last traveled with a young child.
Using napkins to clean up as best as she could, Jensen informed the flight attendant about the accident. The response was minimal; while one attendant later offered a complimentary blanket for Lily, the little girl spent the last three hours of the flight in discomfort.
As a parent who frequently travels with young children, this scenario resonates deeply. The fear of a potty emergency in-flight is a reality that most parents dread. Kids who are already toilet trained may feel embarrassed or upset if asked to wear a pull-up for precaution. Moreover, how often is too often to request bathroom access? As long as there is no safety concern like turbulence, those facilities are there for passengers to use.
Jensen reached out to the airline about the incident, but they have so far declined to provide a refund, offering instead to send some items to Lily along with a $200 voucher, which Jensen rejected. She highlighted that this was not merely about the financial aspect but rather about the treatment they received. “A little common courtesy would have gone a long way,” she stated. “Passengers in business class shouldn’t be treated as if they are more valuable than those in economy.”
Fortunately, Lily seems largely unfazed by the experience and cherishes the memories made with her grandmother during the trip. “It was a fantastic trip,” Jensen shared. “Lily performed on stage with the dancers and can’t stop showcasing her new dance moves.” For parents and grandparents planning summer travels, Jensen’s advice is to opt for seats in the back of the plane to avoid similar situations.
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Summary
A recent incident on a flight highlights the challenges parents face when traveling with toddlers. After a flight attendant denied a child access to the bathroom, the young girl experienced an accident in her seat. The grandmother expressed her disappointment in the lack of courtesy shown by the airline staff, emphasizing the need for better treatment of all passengers. The story serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by families during air travel.