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Home » United Airlines » Parents Of Two-Year-Old Kicked Off United Airlines Blame Flight Attendants
United Airlines

Parents Of Two-Year-Old Kicked Off United Airlines Blame Flight Attendants

Matthew Klint Posted onDecember 15, 2020November 14, 2023 117 Comments

a man and woman posing for a picture

In multiple appearances on Fox News, the mother and father of the two-year-old girl who was ejected from a United Airlines flight for failing to wear a mask placed the blame on a lack of empathy from flight attendants.

Parents Blame United Flight Attendants For Ejection Of Two-Year-Old

For some background on the incident, see my post from yesterday.

The Orban family was traveling from Denver to Newark on United and their daughter was removed for failing to keep her mask on (and thus, they were all removed).

Appearing on Fox & Friends and later on Hannity, Eliz and Erhard Orban offered a bit more context for what occurred onboard.

Of interest to me was their (alleged) interaction with flight attendants. Eliz Orban shared:

“The moment that we walked upon the plane, the flight attendant asked, ‘How old is she?’ Like, no good morning no how are you, just how old is she? And she said she’ll have to wear a mask.”

The Orbans did not take it seriously, at first. Based on their past experience, they thought the flight attendant was joking. But the FA re-affirmed:

“NO, She’s going to have to wear a mask.”

They did not even have a mask for her. A flight attendant gave them one, but adult-sized masks are even more difficult to keep on than kid-sized masks. It is no wonder the little girl refused.

According to the Orbans, the FAs then refused to speak to the family again, though they did circle them like sharks until a member of ground staff came onboard to remove them.

The family also complained the flight was not full and they could have taken a row or two in the back away from other passengers if the mask issue was such a problem.

Note, the Orbans also confirm that United delayed their flight further to pull their car seat off because they had a two-hour drive home.

Finally, Eliz Orban alleged on Fox & Friends that their flight occurred on the same day an Instagrammer with 2 million followers livestreamed her flight from Denver on United with her two-year-old, who was not asked to wear a mask. Thus far, I have been unable to independently confirm that.

CONCLUSION

I have to smile at the optics of this situation. Cute little girl. Cute couple. No wonder the media just ate this up. Her video now has over 5 million views on Twitter and millions more on Instagram.

Personally, I can understand and empathize with their desire to travel to New York to visit grandparents, but not to go ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza…at least not now. But their cringeworthy reason for travel must be separated from what occurred onboard. As the complete story emerges, I understand that flight attendants were just following policy. At the same time, this is exactly what I was talking about in my earlier post on Scott Kirby’s leadership role at United.

No passenger should be barked at onboard. I would be ticked off too if instead of greeting me kindly, a flight attendant snapped at me as I boarded. These rude and ungrateful flight attendants should have no place in the skies. It was not wrong to remind the Orban family that a mask was required for their little one. It was wrong to snap at them, then demand that ground staff remove them, circle them like vultures, but refuse to speak to them. That’s the greater systemic problem to me than a little girl not wearing a mask…

Furthermore, if a two-year-old was allowed to fly without a mask just a few gates away, it really speaks to the inconsistency in which this policy is applied.

Flight attendants, is this what happened onboard? I’d love to hear your side of the story. Please reach out to me if you have a different recollection of what occurred.

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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117 Comments

  1. Michael Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    Hi Matt, looks like you’re quoting a parody account (@UnitedAirHelp) saying “Only the daughter is not welcome back”.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      Lol. Oops. Thanks Michael!

      • K Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 5:42 am

        To the idiots on here Your disgusting. I bet you wear a mask in the car by yourself. Brainwashed …a little kid can’t understand this and the masks are ridiculous anyway. If u want to wear one. Wear it. They are useless pieces of fabric. Go watch fauci lie some more.

        • shore land&marine Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 10:53 am

          U are proof positive in the USA that” U can NOT fix stupid”

          • Clive Rayman
            December 16, 2020 at 12:22 pm

            Good reply to K! LOL

          • Rod S
            December 16, 2020 at 5:43 pm

            Traumatic experience for these children sick sick society

      • raymon hewitt Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 5:52 am

        Everyone knows 2 and under means what it says just as 2 and over. I day over 2 is over . 1 min over 2 is over. I don’t see the difference. May be you are bias to United and Love Southwest . Just saying.

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 8:10 am

          Yeah, maybe that it’s it Raymon…

          • Lynette
            December 21, 2020 at 7:42 pm

            Teach your children right from wrong, so when they become parents they know what to do.

        • Keith Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 10:52 am

          I’m a flight attendant. I (and most other flight attendants I know) would never kick a two year old off the plane UNLESS the parents aren’t doing everything that they can do to keep the mask on the kid.

          As for the flight attendants being rude – we’re so sick of being the mask police. It happens on EVERY SINGLE FLIGHT WE WORK.

          We’re CONSTANTLY fighting with people about this. We tell people to cover nose. Minutes later we have to tell that person again. Minutes later we have to tell that person again.

          It’s exhausting, and we’re frustrated. With this issue, after days of it, it’s not surprising to find us start to be a little rude.

          • V
            December 16, 2020 at 5:17 pm

            I agree with Keith. I am a flight attendant as well. In every location you go, in any state and in most countries there is a protocol for mask use. This issue wasn’t about a 2 yr old wearing the mask. We get that it may be difficult for some 2 yr olds and older children to wear the mask. However, I have seen a 2 yr old wear a mask for a 3 hr flight. I have seen small children wear the mask for the entire flight, so why can’t the adults. Why are we constantly reminding you, the passengers about the mask, when you entered the airport there is a sign that states mask use, the gate agents make several announcements, the PA recording system in some airports make the announcement in the airports, when you are standing in the jet bridge waiting to board, you pass several signs and we make the announcement on the plane. And more importantly before all of that, when you purchased your ticket, you are agreeing to the mask use policy, which is clearly stated in black and white. If passengers don’t believe in the mask use policy, then don’t fly. The flight attendants are only doing their jobs in making sure the policy is enforced. We see the tricks the passengers play with mask. Its ridiculous and exhausting.
            We’re blamed if we don’t say anything and we are blame when we do. I have spoken to the parents of the small children I have seen wearing the masks and I’ve asked them what was said to the child to get them to wear it. The parents stated that they explained to their children why mask use was important and more importantly the children followed the parents example. Stop blaming F/As for doing their jobs. Take responsibility as an adult for your role.

          • Cyn
            December 17, 2020 at 2:50 am

            I’m a flight attendant as well I totally agree with what V said.

            You can agree or disagree about the mask, totally your call. However when you travel or go to an establishment that has rules in place, just follow them or choose not to go.
            Dispute your beliefs companies have rules, as flight attendants we are the messengers. And you know the old saying, “don’t shoot the messanger”

      • Alyssa Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 1:28 pm

        The little girl refused because SHE’S TWO. not because the mask was too big. Two year olds don’t understand logic or reasoning, they want to do what THEY want because they are learning about choice. Trying to MAKE 2 year old wear a mask is like trying to get a cat to wear one. Especially if the child happens to have SPD or ASD. And I find it rude that you say its their “alleged” story. Believe everyone except moms who are trying to protect their children.

        2 year olds shouldn’t be wearing masks anyways.

        • Cressida Reply
          December 17, 2020 at 11:33 am

          My two year old wears a mask just fine, and so do others that I see while traveling. I think the flight attendant’s point is that if you have one of those 2 year olds who refuse to wear a mask, that’s OK, but flying as a family is not an option for you (right now). Someday things will get back to normal, but for now there are rules. Period.

      • beth Reply
        December 25, 2020 at 11:59 am

        Happy covid to them. Darwinism at its finest.

    • BEVERLY J QUINN Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 11:22 pm

      A two year old is too young to understand the mask and can be frightened by it. Of course she was upset. A three year old is better able to understand. Change the age requirement.

      • R Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 12:24 am

        Absolutely unnecessary behavior by flight crew. How can you make 2 years old kid understand the necessity of wearing mask . They are too young Covid or No Covid. I think very rude that couple suffered embarrassment and had to escorted out of flight just because 2 year kid is not wearing mask. Where is empathy and great Customer Care. There JOB is to serve people that they should focus on.

        • Brenda Brown Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 3:28 am

          Sorry… I know I’m about to get skewered and will probably get death threats for voicing my opinion but…a little discipline on the part of the parents could have helped…instead a two year old child literally hijacked a plane because she didn’t want to wear a mask…boohoo…parents you KNEW that flying required a mask prior to leaving yet she didn’t even HAVE one? Then complain because they gave you an adult one? Little Susie there kept turning her head refusing to wear the mask and they were like, “ohhh….you don’t want to wear it? C’mon little Susie…put the mask on…” Then they couldn’t believe they were getting taken off….really? Moi? The look on little Susies face as she looked back to make sure mommy and
          daddy were behind her was pure contentment…When they had disembarked the first thing they did was hit the net to tell the world how rotten the airline was….anyone notice not ONE tear in her eyes? My heart goes out to the flight attendants that must get sick of arguing with people over masks and the other passengers who’s lives were disrupted because little Susies and Timmys rules the world these days….

          • Phantom legs
            December 16, 2020 at 10:19 am

            Exactly 100% Brenda. This is not new in December almost one year since the famous doctor leaked the info… Even carnivals have rules. Need to be x tall to ride.. seriously don’t understand what the parents are on….

          • Elaine Wright
            December 16, 2020 at 11:09 am

            AMEN!

          • Josh D
            December 16, 2020 at 3:34 pm

            I have a 27 month old who has flown several times through US airports over the past couple months. Let me be clear, there is a 0% chance we could’ve kept a face mask on him without resorting to duct tape, staples, and hand cuffs. Clearly the wizards behind this policy never had children.

            In late October, he did DEN-DFW on AA and DFW-LHR on BA. Those flights were specifically booked to use BA for the long leg as the UK exempts children under the age of 11 from wearing masks. He did not wear a mask on either flight (for more than a few minutes) and nothing was said.

            The return journey was through the same airports, but was AA for both flights. The ground crew in LHR made a big deal about informing us that masks would be required for the two-year old and verified we had one. A flight attendant DID ask the age of our children, but again, he didn’t wear a mask and nothing was made of it.

            At the end of November, he flew DEN-ORD-LHR on United. He didn’t wear a mask on either flight for more than a couple of minutes. Nothing was said. Return flights will be served by Lufthansa.

            To be clear, I am pro mask, and we encourage our two-year old to wear one. However, he is two.

        • Jennifer Scarponi Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 6:01 am

          What’s not being reported is that they were planning on NOT following the quarantine restrictions in NY by flying into NJ and only staying “for the weekend “ vs. quarantine for 7–10 days before they went walking around NYC.
          If the two year old is throwing a screaming fit and refuses to listen to Mommy and Daddy then it’s considered a safety hazard for the flight. Those parents should not have put a young child in such a position. You can’t blame the baby…

        • Shore Reply
          December 18, 2020 at 9:28 am

          NO refunds for stupidity! Stay home U silly cow. ..lol…

      • Rosa Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 4:43 am

        The parents don’t know the rule of 2 year olds need a mask, she should of had a mask on before boarding.

      • Jen Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 6:02 am

        What’s not being reported is that they were planning on NOT following the quarantine restrictions in NY by flying into NJ and only staying “for the weekend “ vs. quarantine for 7–10 days before they went walking around NYC.
        If the two year old is throwing a screaming fit and refuses to listen to Mommy and Daddy then it’s considered a safety hazard for the flight. Those parents should not have put a young child in such a position. You can’t blame the baby…

        • Hong Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 9:07 am

          As a season parent myself . The Lil girl parents too soft on their daughter . The United policy clearly states the mask rules b4 u bye the ticket plus upon when boarding to. Let’s not talk about their purpose of their trips because idiots self centered parents like them is why the COVID-9 is spreading . Bottom line, blames goes to the Lil Girls parents not the flight attendant period ……

        • Concerned citzen Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 5:23 pm

          First off all of you ppl or ( sheep) that believes this a pandemic.. How stupid can you be.. Brainwashed much FR. Covid is real and 99% of the time if you dont have a pre exisiting condition. You’ll live.. Imagine that. So back to parents about flight and flight attendant always two sides to every story but more often than not. FA’s and like bad police officers on a power trip. Grow up a do your job. Children under 5 shouldnt have to wear one. A d if you’re one of those people with pre-existing conditions then oi you shouldn’t be out and about. Heard immunity is the only way.. Yes ppl will die.. Oh and lion king was dead on with ” circle of life” or seperating the wheat from the chaff..
          Rant over
          Concerned citizen

      • Audrey Robinson Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 7:02 am

        Place blame where it should be…the parents. Theses mask policies have been in place for over 5 months. EVERY parent knows. If you have not placed a mask on your child PRIOR to flight, of course they will not wear one on flight. These parents knew that, and wanted to cause a problem. Bottom line- we are in a Pandemic, you should NOT be flying in the first place

      • Barb Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 12:50 pm

        As a healthcare worker
        We have issues with visitors! On 1 at a time. Signs posted everywhere! Still I have to be the police in my Covid icu
        It’s time consuming !
        I wish no visitors allied. Si I can care fir the critical patients

    • GM Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 12:44 am

      Oh my gawd their 15 mins of fame continues. At least the wife was coached and this video she looks upset not like the video she did herself the whole time while the incident was going on! Which imho I think they planned this all along to get publicity, money, free tickets. We’re in a pandemic unless they’ve been living under a rock. We all have to wear masks. The child is 2. They are the adults. Put the mask on the kid yourself not the pansy way the husband did it in the video while the wife spent the whole time filming.

      • Susana Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 1:25 am

        Well said!!! I thought that the while time I watched the sad attempt to place the face mask on the child. If they were really concerned about their child health they would have started getting her used to wearing one before the trip started.

      • Sue Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 4:45 am

        You have a certain amount of time leading up to the flight train your two-year-old to wear a mask if you can’t do it don’t fly it’s their responsibility as parents united did the right thing.

      • Tv Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 5:16 am

        Parents need to grow up and follow the guidelines like everyone else. If they can’t comply..and obviously it doesn’t take a genius to know a 2 year old won’t wear a mask…then don’t fly!

      • Trixietravels Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 8:49 am

        How are the Flight Attendants to blame for a company rule? Why are they rude and ungrateful? They are doing their jobs as required. Good for them. The parents definitely thought the rules do not apply to them. No masks and no quarantine. Please.
        Stop the whining. They have not stopped, and videos immediately..just stop.
        Stsy home if you cant quarantine and wh ed re a mask.
        We all know the rules for travel now, your 15 min of fame are over.
        Btw, airline people are essential workers and hundreds have been sick with covid with forever health issues and have died.
        But THEYRE UNGRATEFUL. SHAME ON YOU.

    • Kenneth Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 6:03 am

      This is one of the biggest problems in America people feel they are exempt from things we all must follow the rules and law more so when safey involved you should have prepared and got you child use to this know you going to fly if another’s person was there with there child not covered you would want then to cover to protect your family

    • Cassandra Medrano Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 10:10 am

      Unnecessary travel with an unmasked child? Of course the parents blame someone else, anyone else. So selfish to risk her life for an event she will not remember. Let them suffer symptomatic covid in justification of their individuality. The flight attendants are not required to risk their lives or mine for the indifferent idiocy of people who defy the pandemic as if it is personal. The child is a child. She did not put herself in that situation, her parents did. Their 15 minutes should have been spent with Child Services.

  2. A Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    Good for United. Everyone, including children, should have a mask on. If you can’t comply with a simple rule, don’t fly. Also, they clearly intended not to comply as they refused to even bring a mask with them for the daughter. I say ban the whole family, completely unacceptable behavior on their part.

    • CHRIS Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      @A. Yes, and we should put the whole family in jail for 10 years and at hard labor except for the 2 year old who should be sentenced to 15 years also at hard labor followed by another 5 years at a re-education camp.

    • Kelly Loeffler Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      Or… people that are terrified of the cooties should stay home or wear their face diaper quietly, while people that aren’t afraid can live their lives as they wish… like the whole premise of the USA. Maybe you are from Venezuela or Cuba ?

      • Jim Reply
        December 15, 2020 at 5:33 pm

        And while you are practicing your “freedom to travel”, the privately owned United Airlines is practicing their right to protect their staff and well-behaved passengers by denying service to typhoid Marys.

      • Tyrone Reply
        December 15, 2020 at 9:53 pm

        Typically couch quarterback comment, your perfect world does not exist, and honestly you must have never dealt with a two year old.

      • 747always Reply
        December 15, 2020 at 11:07 pm

        Except since you don’t wear a mask you’re putting others at risk. It’s quite easy to understand even for someone like you.

        • Julissa Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 6:23 am

          I know it! It is so hard to give directions to follow to a 2 years old in the terrible twos! So we are in a world pandemic! We should try to avoid unessential travels honestly yes!!! Specially with little kids! We are the adults, we are the responsibles! This is not a tantrum rule, this is a prevention , this is a fact for our own safety and security we do not have to be neglected. I won’t blame the two years old, I won’t blame the airline who care for the safety and security for their crew and all passengers. Sorry parents but this is not the best time for travel just for fun , consequences happens and it could be worst than this! We just have to wait a little bit more and if we all take dare of ourselves, very soon we will be back to normal!!!in a regular time this would be ridiculous and unfair but right now this is what it is!

      • Erock Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 3:25 am

        Oh jesus, give it a break. You wear a mask because you give a crap about other people. Look at Australia and New Zealand, everything is opening back up and covid is almost completely gone. Proof is in the pudding, if we had a higher compliance rate we’d probably be in the same position as them. Instead we have a bunch of babies who are buying into a false political narrative.

      • shore land&marine Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 11:21 am

        U are More proof positive that” U can’t fix stupid!” Hopefully your in the 95% club & have NO passport to spread the perception of American ignorance seen by the rest of the world ! Stay home! Is what most idiots like U should do! As U would be just another embarrassment to the USA & Americans that actually have a basic understanding of biology & science. Our sincerest sympathy 2 U. As it must be painful to be as ignorant as U. Considering the citizens of many poorer Asian & African countries seem to have been better educated than U

    • Mo Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      You are an idiot stupid no brainer

      • Romi Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 7:45 am

        Depends on the type of three year old because my son is autistic and I can’t keep him from wearing the mask. I wonder if they have some type of policy for kids with special needs.

      • Hope Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 9:00 am

        You know what else would have helped in this situation? The car seat. I’m not sure why they chose to check it instead of bringing it onboard, but it’s a lot easier to get compliance from a 2 year old who is strapped into a 5 point harness. The way they treated the mask makes me wonder if the seatbelt was going to be optional, too.

    • GMR Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 9:49 pm

      That’s not the point. The point is United is inconsistent with the rules and regulations. Several videos have been posted and witnesses have attested to children (2yrs old and above) have flown with no mask. United is known for nasty, rude service anyway. I’m not surprised.

    • B-Rad Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 11:16 pm

      Go get wrecked you nitwit

      • Jon D Lenihan Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 4:18 am

        They were on a flight, during a pandemic. They didn’t bring a mask for the child. They wouldn’t/couldn’t persuade the child to wear the mask that the airline provided.
        The masks are to protect the others on the flight.p
        “Circling like sharks” lousy metaphor. People who work in service sector jobs are “supposed to” accept bad behavior. Only badly behaved people say this.

    • Paganh8tr Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 12:17 am

      This is the kind of compassion and reasoning skills of pagans. Your hysterics find voice in a virus that kills .001% of the population. We may someday be free of the China virus, but we will always have to contend with the walking brain dead

  3. Ryan Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    The fact that would go on Sean Hannity’s show is proof positive that they are really just douches who were looking for a fight and the corresponding notoriety.

    • Derek Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      What does going on Hannity have to do with anything other than you spewing your political agenda?

      Can you Dems give it a rest for once? You lie that you want unity, but then blast anyone who goes on a show hosted by a Republican

      Yes, the parents were wrong. They should have flown Delta. But that in no way mean you should go on a political rant

      • ptahcha Reply
        December 15, 2020 at 3:42 pm

        The fact that would go on a TV show is proof positive that they are really just douches who were looking for a fight and the corresponding notoriety.

        • B B Reply
          December 15, 2020 at 5:01 pm

          Bottom line MASKS ARE REQUIRED PERIOD, Checking in for a flight it has to be acknowledged. If you don’t play by the rules then you cannot play. Flight attendants get tired of being face mask Nazis. I understand it is tough to enforce with a 2yr.old. I guess you should stay home.

      • 747always Reply
        December 15, 2020 at 11:08 pm

        Hannity is a liar and a troll. If you can’t see that Hammity and Fucker Carlson spread so much hate and disunity, keep your ridiculous “you dems preach unity” argument to yourself

        • Derek Reply
          December 16, 2020 at 1:56 pm

          The exact same thing would be said about the other hacks such as Maddow. Even Jake Tapper has been spewing lies this year

          Saying only one side are hacks makes you seem like a partisan hack

    • Sandy Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      I agree

      • Dr. Exhausted Reply
        December 22, 2020 at 10:40 pm

        @Kelly L. You’ve certainly towed the Trump line, simply stating what you’re told to say because for whatever reason there is a cadre of you and fellow Reps/Senators who are afraid of Trump and doing the correct and ethical thing – protecting your constituents. That behavior is pathetic and cowardly. I would hope someone who is serving as an appointed Senator, or who aspires to be elected, should be capable of an independent thought. Since this is all a “hoax”, will you let everyone know you have no intention of getting vaccinated? Right. Come to my (or any) hospital and I will drag you through every ICU so you can see firsthand how devastating your misinformation crusade has been and then we can go to another hospital across the street and you’ll see the same thing. So all of the people you see there are all in on the “hoax”. In fact, so much so they DIED for it. I generally don’t wish ill will upon others as I am a healthcare provider, but you or a close family member needs to get infected with COVID. Then, have difficulty breathing requiring the last available ventilator to put you on, and you stay intubated for about, say, three weeks. Then you can have a long tortuous recovery with some ongoing chronic symptom — and when all is said and done, you will be the one who has suffered greatly, not your constituents. When you are wheeled out of the hospital having lost an unintended 30 pounds and so fatigued you can barely sit upright, you should have a press conference right there, to let everyone know just how much of a hoax this is, having (not) seen or experienced any of it. All of the healthcare providers who tirelessly cared for you despite knowing you denigrated their professions by spewing lies and propaganda – just like you were told to do. Remember, you need to say what you’re told to say — this is a “hoax”. You and your minions have brought disgrace to the word “hoax”.

  4. Neps Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    I have no doubt that my mask will protect me onboard from a 2-year old because the govt and UA told me so. After all, who am I gonna believe? Them, or my lying eyes…

    https://videopress.com/v/4egEyh2b

  5. ChiFlyer1979 Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    I couldn’t agree more with Ryan’s comments. They were out to pick a fight and where else to do it but Hannity and Fox News. They need to accept responsibility: 1) flying with a child… during a pandemic; 2) presumable disregard for NY quarantine requirements; and 3) not bothering to research the airline’s policy for masks. I think someone would have to be living under a rock to not know that masks are required to fly. (and – FYI – I hate them and, largely, think they are BS but nonetheless comply when I want to fly).

    To Matthew’s point the “greater systemic problem” is that we live in a world where people refuse to accept responsibility for their actions and someone think that tweeting or recording video or going on the news somehow exempts them following the rules. And still, rather than owning up to their poor judgment, they continue to play the victim. I feel sorry for the little girl as she’s surely headed down a path to bratdom.

    • UA-NYC Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      +100 – surprised they didn’t go right to Newsmax or OAN

  6. Tennen Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    I really hope that UA banned them (well, the parents, at least). Seriously, they didn’t even have a mask for her?

    How do we know that the FA snapped at them? Yes, it does happen, but tbh, the couple’s credibility is zero. They took 4 flights this year, and each time, they had to acknowledge that they knew the requirements. They didn’t bother to read or they just didn’t care (probably the latter, due to the nature of their NYC trip).

    If they were treated so poorly, why didn’t other passengers come to their defense in their (heavily edited) video? Surely, they would’ve included that kind of response. Unlike Matthew’s photography incident, they got kicked off while in their seats – PLENTY of witnesses to voice outrage.

    • Sandy Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 10:33 pm

      I agree They want that almighty dollar filmed on her phone . I don’t know about you folks but whenever then I’m getting on the airplane I don’t turn my phone on and video the whole flight or what goes on as soon as I get on the airplane this was all done for all the hype and hoopla that everybody’s doing which is a bunch of garbage They knew the rules! They didn’t even Have a mask for her so come on people give the airline a break

    • Wendy Tibbetts Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 4:21 am

      Not surprised by UA. This is the airline industry people!
      What customer service??
      Look 2, 4, 6, whatever age, kids have to be taught. PERIOD.
      Guess what, gotta a grandson, mask wearing is an issue, and this kid is ADHD, but parents stick to your guns, no mask, no go… this kid throws his tantrums at home. Misses quite a lot too.9
      This entire thing seems to rehearsed imo.
      Smh…

  7. Pete Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Whereas other media outlets may have sympathized with kicking off a two year old…they went to the only places where they wouldn’t have been called out on taking a leisure trip to NYC during these times. Total media whores.

    • Derek Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      Nothing wrong with taking a leisure trip now. I took one in July. Matthew has taken a few as well this year.

      I’m not going to lock myself up over something that has next to no chance of killing me, a healthy soon to be 38 year old. I am living based upon reason, not fear. The family has every right to do so as well. They probably should have taken a leisure trip to a location that is more accommodating than NYC now, a state without the coronavirus quarantine requirements (i.e. Texas or Florida)

      • Pete Reply
        December 15, 2020 at 2:18 pm

        I’m sure we are all happy that you have been so healthy and are so sure that every one around you will stay just as healthy as you.

        May your delusion serve you well if anyone you love end up on a ventilator. No empathy then…unless you’re a COVID denier in which it’s all a hoax right?

        • Derek Reply
          December 15, 2020 at 2:57 pm

          I have been healthy since my trip

          I’m also intelligent enough to actually look at data and see there was next to know threat to myself and my wife to take a trip to Marco Island in July. I also have not visited my grand parents since this began, as they are in a higher risk group

          Best $4500 I ever spent going to the JW Marriott as I recharged my batteries before the hurricane season heated up (yes, I am a hurricane forecaster)

      • Bob Reply
        December 16, 2020 at 4:50 am

        I agree as they have clearly shown they belong in a state with the other kool aid drinkers. Appearing on Hannity, what a joke as they are not news but an entertainment program for kool aid drinkers.

    • Kelly Loeffler Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 3:16 pm

      So, have you left your house this year??? Any time that you left your house (except for life and death reasons), YOU were on a leisure trip. Pretty much everything can get delivered these days, so there’s no reason to go out of your house either… unless it’s LEISURE.

      • 747always Reply
        December 15, 2020 at 11:40 pm

        What? That logic is even more specious than any of the other rubbish youve spewed here. Since you believe this is a hoax why dont you volunteer on a Covid ward? Oh right, cant put your money where your mouth is. LOL

        • Dr Exhausted Reply
          December 22, 2020 at 10:50 pm

          @747always – you called it. I’ll remember the next time I leave my house to shop for food that it’s just a leisure trip. After all, it’s all about me, I don’t care about my fellow citizens.

      • Dr Exhausted Reply
        December 22, 2020 at 11:19 pm

        … and you think you are the kind of moral leader we need representing us? Just when I think you couldn’t sink any lower, use poor grammar, shop at Dollar General and The Gap, and otherwise use stupid irrational rhetoric, you surprise us with more. So assertive when you’re hiding behind the safety of a blog. Too bad you couldn’t have been more like that and made eye contact and looked your opponent in the face when you kept repeating the same lame line you’re told to say no matter what the question was. Apparently you were wearing your invisible “face diaper” that night because I don’t recall you saying anything of substance.

  8. Christian Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 2:27 pm

    On Fox twice, eh? That strongly implies that they’re firm believers in personal responsibility – for other people. They’ve clearly illustrated that rules are for little people, not themselves.

  9. Paolo Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    Regardless of the politics of the parents, the FAs/Airlines lead with their chins on these apparently random/arbitrary determinations, if only because the application of the rules is so inconsistent. The description of them “circling like sharks” has a ring of truth about it: it’s an image we’re all familiar with. Of course the fruitcake zealots like Hannity are going to run with it , and try to make it into an issue of huge importance…rather than the reality: some petty martinet FAs overreacting in the context of unclear company policies/ travel rules.

  10. Kelly Loeffler Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Its all fun and games for these companies and employees that go along with their silly rules…. until someone gets killed over stupid rules like these. Like the guy working at Dollar General a couple months back… killed. Also, personally saw an employee in a Gap store get his nose broke by a customer when he started bugging him about wearing a face diaper. Cops came and wanted witnesses, told them I didn’t see a thing, since it was the idiot employees idea to think that he was best to determine the health protocols for all of the customers in the store. Pretty sure he will get a nice settlement himself from GAP company…. at least if he’s smart enough to hire a good attorney.

    • Jerry Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      Perhaps if your governor had implemented a statewide mask mandate, your run-in at DG wouldn’t have been so contentious.

      More importantly; however, I’m just amazed you’ve had time on the campaign trail to even go to Dollar General. Surely some of that Wall Street money you got today could pay for a staffer to go run errands for you!

    • 747always Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 11:11 pm

      Yeah don’t wear a face diaper like Rudy and Trump. The difference is they get the vest treatment through the tax dollars you pay. But keep Being a Trumpette. If you perform well Trump might even grope you for a free. And we know that will keep you going for a year.

    • Dr Exhausted Reply
      December 22, 2020 at 10:59 pm

      … and you think you are the kind of moral leader we need representing us? Just when I think you couldn’t sink any lower, use poor grammar, and otherwise use stupid irrational rhetoric, you surprise us with more. Too bad you couldn’t have made eye contact and looked your opponent in the face when you kept repeating the same lame line you’re told to say no matter what the question was. Apparently you were wearing your invisible “face diaper” that night because I don’t recall you saying anything of substance.

  11. CHRIS Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    @Tennen. I’ll bet you support decriminalization all kinds of theft, assault and drug use……but don’t have a mask for your 2 year old or give an interview to the “wrong” tv channel…..oh that’s the chair! Whats wrong with you? If they denounce their sins and genuflect at the altar of wokeness, will you forgive them?

    • Christian Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      Following the rules and not acting like snowflakes when you have to like everybody else isn’t being woke. I’m sorry they felt so special – they ARE influencers, after all – but sometimes the rules have to apply to them too. They managed to complain/scam their way out of the rules before but that doesn’t always work. Sometimes the snowflakes just have to put on their big boy pants and man up. That’s just part of living in a society with rules.

  12. Santastico Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    What really bothers me with all this BS is that all the news are about passengers NOT wearing mass being removed from the plane. What are the gate agents doing that they don’t block people without a mask to board the plane? The family didn’t even had a mask for the girl so the gate agent saw her boarding without a mask and was fine with that but the FA was not. Shouldn’t they both follow the same rule?

  13. Dan Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 5:43 pm

    The CDC recommending 2 year olds to wear masks is the problem here. Its impractical in a lot of situations and there is data to prove its not needed. The WHO’s recommendation is 12 and up, with age 6-11 based on if it can be worn appropriately/effectively and risk , and 5 and under should not be required to wear one. The CDC’s rule basically means United has to require 2 year olds which is just not reasonable. Again, there is data to prove it.

  14. CHRIS Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    It is a 2 year old. Would all you feel better if the was 1 year and 11 months? But rules are rules….I’ll bet anything that most of you were faux outraged whenever a video surfaced of an 80 year old being patted down by TSA. Those rules are stupid but a 2 year old mask rule is okay? Knock it off. If you’re unable to weather covid, stay home until you are vaccinated. The rest of you, live your lives.

  15. Craig Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    There are several parts I would like too address. As a former crew member
    there have been many occasions where passengers, would board an aircraft
    and not return a gesture or greeting. We have a grandson that would ask for his mask when leaving the house (ie kindergarten). That’s from his parents
    explaining the reasoning for wearing a mask. Granted it may have taken
    a period of time for my grandson to get accustomed to wearing it

    It’s just a matter of explaining too our children the reasoning of all of this.
    Also crewmembers were only following company policies.

  16. Zamzad Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    So ultimately, they were more ticked off that the flight attendant spoke in a mean way to them, and that gets them the foot in the door on Hannity to make it into something else.

    People like this are just SO tiresome.

  17. J.Denigro Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    This couple knew in advance a mask was required.I admire the Airline for sticking to there Policy for trying to protect Passengers from COVID….They did there job as required unfortunately there are Individuals that feel they are entitled to “special privileges without any consideration for other passengers….

  18. MeanMeosh Reply
    December 15, 2020 at 11:31 pm

    You are largely assuming that this couple is telling the truth about this interaction with the FAs. That’s hardly a given. Considering these are “influencers”, I don’t trust a word they’re saying without independent corroboration. Frankly the whole story reeks of an intentional ploy to generate clicks.

    Now, I can personally attest that mask enforcement on children is grossly inconsistent. AA couldn’t care less on two flights. AS ground personnel gave us a hard time about our four year old, but onboard crew could once again care less. That is a problem that needs to be addressed.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 15, 2020 at 11:40 pm

      You are right, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. However, I do so because I have experienced the same sour greeting and it breaks my heart. These FAs should be ashamed of themselves. Most are so wonderful and lovely…but those bad apples are still prevalent.

  19. Elisap Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 12:53 am

    I can’t believe United took such a stance on this little girl when on Dec.12 I was on a United flight and the crew said nothing to a man who removed his face covering for the majority of the flight. I finally complained and they were more interested in my name after I said I took pictures of the individual not wearing his face covering. Why the inconsistency?

    • David Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 6:39 am

      Mind your own damn business and stop taking pics of people not wearing masks.

      • Shore Reply
        December 18, 2020 at 9:37 am

        Keep taking those photos! Don’t like It? Stay Home! USA 5 % of the world population & 25% of the world’s covid 19! More proof that ignorance, $ & egocentric entitlement still can NOT fix stupid.

  20. Wendy Tibbetts Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 4:22 am

    Not surprised by UA. This is the airline industry people!
    What customer service??
    Look 2, 4, 6, whatever age, kids have to be taught. PERIOD.
    Guess what, gotta a grandson, mask wearing is an issue, and this kid is ADHD, but parents stick to your guns, no mask, no go… this kid throws his tantrums at home. Misses quite a lot too.9
    This entire thing seems to rehearsed imo.
    Smh…

  21. Dee Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 6:34 am

    Lots of left wing mask shamers on here. Way to follow the science.

    • Shore Reply
      December 18, 2020 at 9:44 am

      Well there is a glimmer of hope in that ” ignorant egocentric American whiners” are a minority everywhere! As NO country is exempt from a certain % Of the population being on the low end of the IQ spectrum.

  22. Ting Eng Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 7:48 am

    Flight attendants are there for your safety! Don’t make them be the mask police! If your child doesn’t want to learn to wear a mask then don’t fly.
    Why did the f/a even have to give the girl an adult mask? They didn’t bring masks for her in kids size? Sounds like they weren’t even gonna let her wear a mask in NYC. They just wanted publicity and 2 mins of fame. I have a family member died from covid. This virus is serious! Teach your child to wear the mask!

  23. Will Ruiz Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 7:51 am

    Here’s a question other than “how can you make a 2 year old wear a mask?”

    If the virus was killing children, would you then find a way to have your children wear mask?

    Here’s another question. Will that 2 year old child remember, or appreciate the trip you’re taking him/her on?
    No, he/she will not, so why not find a babysitter who you trust, so you won’t even have to worry about that child having to wear a mask on a plane.

    You know the regulations, you are not excluded from such regulations, so don’t put yourself in that situation, and then have the nerve to go crying to the media about it!

  24. roger Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 10:03 am

    Always Two sides to The Story and more than likely the ‘cute Couple with sweet Daughter’ are playing the Sympathy Card and throwing In a little to embellish Their side of the Story now that they are before the cameras. United like many other Airlines have a REQUIRED Mask Policy…..REQUIRED is the Key Word……If You as a Passenger cannot Comply, Stay Home or find alternate Means of Transportation. The ‘cute Couple or sweet darling, beautiful terror of a Two year old does NOT dictate Policy’. FACT. The BS needs to Stop. (Politically correct……Hell If I care whether You like It!)

  25. pelican55 Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 10:25 am

    The CDC guidelines CLEARLY state on their website that children 2 yrs and older must wear masks in public places such as airplanes, and other establishments that require masks to be worn…

  26. Ray Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 10:37 am

    I have twins and they are 2 and they have mask. We are they parent and when we tell them to do something it is expected to be done, and what I feel right here is PRIVILEGE!!! and just a sympathy plee. people still think this is a joke but if the child was to get sick then they would try to blame the airlines. So get over it get your child in the habit of waring a mask and stop trying to be attention seekers

    • Lou Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      Is this when they realized their kid wears the pants of the family?
      Stop blaming flight attendants for doing their job when the parents clearly can’t do theirs.

      As a Healthcare worker, I’ve seen 2 month old babies with covid, so there IS a reason for the masks.
      A two year old is old enough to understand listening to mom & dad. Whether the parents enforce it, is another thing.

  27. Laura Martin Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 11:35 am

    2yrs old SHOULD NOT be forced to wear a mask. Even WHO and the CDC doesn’t recommend it. They are still babies not 30yr olds. They don’t understand. Yes parents can try and make them wear them but let’s be real if a toddler is upset the parents has to calm them or every old fart around them has a comment to make that prob doesn’t have kids to begin with. If you have your mask on what are you so worried about since you believe they save you?? Think about this is you can…. you are on a flight with your precious mask on 🙂 The flight attendant comes by and serves you a snack. Everyone takes one. You eat with your mask off for over 30 to 45 mins (and yes I just flew and this happened on all 4 flights with United). Don’t you think when you take that mask off and remember you are prob sitting with a stranger elbow to elbow, don’t you think you are spreading germs around them or do you think you have some imaginary shield over you ?? Now to ask a child that has only been on planet earth for 2yrs to wear something over their face for more than an hours flight is ridiculous. Some kids comply most don’t at that age. The rules should be 5 and over. CDC and the WHO even agrees.

  28. TJ Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 11:35 am

    I hope that girl got covid and gives it to her grandparents. Damn people are idiots l, especially this family. I’m in no way surprised the US has the highest numbers. USA USA, WE’RE #1. TREMENDOUS NUMBERS, NOBODY HAS NUMBERS AS BIG AS THE US.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 16, 2020 at 11:53 am

      Exhibit A: Everything wrong with America…

      • Louis Jenson Reply
        December 23, 2020 at 9:42 pm

        You’re the idiot TJ

  29. JoEllen Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    “Outrage” and “horror”…. the usual over-used buzzwords with everyone who simply don’t want to comply or feel put-out or exempt because they are called out for their error.

    Other news sources say the parents were premier members with United and that this was not their only flight since Covid-19 restrictions started. They had no knowledge of what the airlines are requiring for children until this flight ?? Yeah, right. As well, apparently the child was introduced to the mask for the first time onboard this flight. They did not have their child wearing a mask anytime before this…. something they should have been “training” her to get used to at home or public places at least a week or two beforehand. I get it that two year olds have a 30 second attention span but others have been successful with their children onboard.
    I’m sick of these entitled brats (the parents) not being able to do exactly that – PARENT…. instead letting the 2 or 3 year old dictate how the day is going to go and then with unmitigated gall blaming everyone else for their poor parenting. A planeload of people shouldn’t have to deal with the disruption of tantrums and meltdowns by adults and/or children.

    • Shore Reply
      December 17, 2020 at 11:46 pm

      Bravo!

  30. COWGIRL12 Reply
    December 16, 2020 at 11:27 pm

    I believe that the airlines are just doing this because they just want their money. They should have just hurried up and just give the couple their refund, and their luggage if they were going to kick them off the plane because of the stupidest reason. THE AIRLINES CAN NOT FORCE A TWO YEAR OLD TO WEAR A MASK BECAUSE THAT CHILD TOO YOUNG TO WEAR A MASK. IF THEY WANTED THE PARENTS TO COVER HER FACE SO BADLY, THEY SHOULD OF ALLOWED THAT TWO YEAR OLD WEAR A FACE SHIELD AND NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT IT SO MUCH! STUPID AIRLINES PEOPLE !!

    • Shore Reply
      December 18, 2020 at 9:14 am

      NO refunds for stupidity! Stay home U silly cow. ..lol…

  31. Kitkat Reply
    December 17, 2020 at 1:05 am

    Cray Cray has just walked into the house. By the way, you are Cray Cray.

  32. Charles Crossman Reply
    December 17, 2020 at 8:12 am

    Racism

  33. Tracy Reply
    December 17, 2020 at 11:09 am

    At the top of the article, it states that when the very first Flight Attendant told them the baby needed a mask, the parents did not take it seriously — they thought it was a joke. Really? A Flight Attendant would joke about something like that? The parents are idiots and pushing the window of their 15 minutes of fame (which is already 14 minutes too much). The first thing they did was go to the internet to rant. And the fact that they had no intention of wearing masks in NY, shows that they’re not responsible, and certainly not responsible enough to raise a child. And to those of you who believe this pandemic is fake, wait until you get it and have to suffer through it, or watch a loved one die. Then it may become clear to you idiots that this is real!

    • Louis Jenson Reply
      December 17, 2020 at 11:26 pm

      Anyone here heard of any cases of the flu since this whole covid thing started? Or even just a small cold?

  34. mona Reply
    December 17, 2020 at 10:18 pm

    The parents are irresponsible and by rights they should have been kicked off

    • Louis Jenson Reply
      December 21, 2020 at 5:05 pm

      Over a stupid mask thing, Mona!?

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