A husband and wife boarded their flight on American Airlines from Charlotte to Jacksonville along with their 4 year old and 2 year old and two grandparents. American kicked them off because their two year old wouldn’t keep her mask on. They had no issue on their inbound flight, just their onward connection. And the woman says her daughter was eating, which is allowed.
American Airlines staff in Charlotte reportedly threatened to ban the whole family from the airline. American, though, tells me that “The family is not banned from flying with American if they are willing to comply with our face covering requirements for future flights.”
Leshinsky said her daughter, Makenna, was eating a snack when the flight attendant asked if she had a mask.
“My daughter was literally chewing,” Leshinsky said. “The stewardess said, ‘you are going to have to put her mask on.’ I said, ‘I will as soon as she’s done eating.’”
Leshinsky said they tried getting Makenna to put on the mask, but she wasn’t having it.
“She would leave it on for a little bit and then she’d take it off because she wanted to eat, and we would keep trying to put it on. We were bribing her,” Leshinsky said.
Leshinsky said the crew brought a Federal Air Marshal on board to talk to the family.
According to American Airlines, they “offered to rebook the family on another flight to Jacksonville.” They family, though, says they “suggested we all get back on the plane but leave [their two year old] at the airport.” They rented a van for the six hour drive home.
American says they’ve refunded the Charlotte – Jacksonville segment of the family’s tickets.
@AmericanAir all for a two year old! pic.twitter.com/mwNMUaVJ2e
— Briana Leshinsky (@breelee93) December 29, 2020
According to an American Airlines spokesperson,
American Airlines requires all customers age 2 and older to wear face coverings at airports and on board aircraft to keep all customers and team members safe. This policy is based on CDC recommendations due to the safety risk of asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission. Our professional flight attendants try to work with parents of young children and recognize ongoing compliance efforts when families are traveling with us.
Our customers overwhelmingly support and follow this policy and have been clear that they feel more safe when everyone is wearing a face covering.
This isn’t the first time that American kicked a two year old off a flight for not wearing a mask. American’s policy, at least, is clear: “A face covering is required while flying on American, except for children under 2 years old.” Although masks can come down briefly while eating.
United Airlines kicked a two year old off a flight this month for not being willing to wear their mask even though United’s published policy said that masks are required for children over two.
I’m in favor of mask-wearing, though most of the masks people wear aren’t very good. They may offer limited source protection. Travelers should make an effort to wear better masks. I’m not in favor of kicking off families whose two year olds can’t wear masks. The preponderance of evidence highly suggests that the risk of spread from a two year old is very low.
Families with young children should fly Delta Air Lines which exempts young children unable to wear masks for their facial coverings requirement.
Shame on American Airlines
2 year old can not understand to keep a mask on!!!
@ Sean – Minimum wage for F/A? We have a friend who is a AA F/A for over 30 years and she works about 100 hours a month and makes over $100K a year. And that’s minimum wage? Sign me up!
@ Carrie Manning – I don’t know if these people have never had children or they beat them to submission. I think a lot of F/A are on power trips and want to intimidate anyone they can. I guess a 2 year old can’t put up much of a fight. The sooner AA goes away along with all of their flight crews the better the world will be.
@ Mary MacMahon – It’s all about power. I’m a F/A and if you don’t do as I say I’ll kick you off the flight and ban you for life. I’m in the process of banning AA from my life!
Everything is coming along PERFECTLY as government has foreseen.
What a joke! I flew American on December 23, absolutely NO social distancing enforced while boarding and deplaning, I was not asked to fill out any forms about my health and the economy section the people were packed in like sardines! American Airlines could have cared less about my safety and health!!
Can anyone explain to me why the world is so afraid of a flu virus that has a 98%-99% recovery rate? Why are we not cowering in fear over the regular flu ? It kills people too. Why are we not cowering in fear over motor vehicle accident deaths? What about heart disease, cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and the thousands of the other things out there that can kill you?
Those of you that want to live in fear stay home and leave those of us who love to live life alone!
Since when has the supposed benefits of the minority out weighed the real benefits of the majority!
If you think that you are high risk then it is your responsibility to protect yourself, which means you isolate, you wear a mask, you social distance. The rest of us will probably not miss the negativity that you spread!
As far as American Airlines is concerned no one will miss them if they go out of business and maybe a better company would take over. It would just be one more large corporation not sucking off the government tite (aka the US tax payers). Large corporations should be the absolute last that get any aid from the government when there are so many small local business businesses that deserve the help because of all the stupidity and ignorance out there!
People f**king die every day no matter what is done to prevent it! This is not the Black Plague which killed healthy people as well as those that had health issues.
The government is not looking out for you, all they want to do is control you and because of compliancy and ignorance they have found a way to do it. The government should fear and serve the people, not the other way around!
I will not apologize for what I have said because the ignorant minority should never control the educated majority and if it is the majority that is ignorant then God save us all!
I work for AA and this is disgusting. Kids don’t spread covid and are at little to no risk getting it. Leave them alone. Its hard enough traveling with kids (I have 6) let alone dealing with mask nazis. I’m embarrassed and ashamed of this company.
Shame on American Airlines. Things have gotten so ridiculous and too actually suggest leaving their two year old child behind. Why would you even try putting a mask on a little kid it’s just B.S.
Good! Next time rent a car and drive. I have no sympathy or empathy.
” … even though United’s published policy said that masks are required for children over two.”
There are two ways people can interpret that:
1. “over two” means three years old or more.
2. “over two” means you have passed the moment in time when you became two years old.
This is why it is better to be more clear: “two years old or more.”
Also, parents who are going to take two or three year olds onto airplanes should prepare them for mask wearing WELL in advance of the trip so the child is used to it by the time the family travels, not make boarding the airplane the first time the two year old has a mask on. Get the two-year-old mask rebellion done earlier.
Troy: A 98-99% recovery rate means 1-2% of the people die. I’m not personally willing to take that gamble. Yes, the big bad gummint sometimes has to take steps to guide the behavior of people not willing to be responsible for what their actions do to others. This disease has health consequences that are terrible for some and your freedom and liberty does not give you the right to endanger others.
Garyleft your an idiot. 2 years old and 3 years old don’t have the brain power of why the need to keep a mask on. What the hell is wrong with you. People are so driven stupid. Some people have to get from one place to another for some reason or another. If your wearing your mask then your protected you dumb ass. Wash your friggen hands and protect yourself. But to put this pressure on a child is ridiculous.
@ Richard Moore – I don’t think that Gary was defending the action of AA. He was reporting what happened. Get a grip!
Shame on American Airlines for kicking a two year old off the flight for not wearing a mask.
Let’s use some common sense here and humanity.
Stop the over reactions.
Very sad to hear this.
I will never fly AA and neither will my family.
@richard moore Not all parents raise little snowflakes that will grow up confused about which bathroom they’re supposed to use. Don’t be a moron.
@richard Do 2 and 3 year olds have the brain power to realize why they must wear shoes and clothes? How simple are you? It’s no wonder why kids these days are confused about which bathroom they’re supposed to use, don’t blame the kid blame the parents.
Some folks should be spayed/neutered.
My husband and I contracted Covid 19 due to American Airlines’ negligence on Flight 515, Nov 24, from Cancun to Phoenix. We travelled with a group of 14, to Cancun from Nov 16 to Nov 24, all on separate flights, different times and dates. . My husband had wheel chair assistance that whisked us from ticket counter to gate, with private shuttle to and from Cancun Airport to the Royal Haciendas. We both tested positive with symptoms beginning Nov 28. This was after we arrived at the gate at Cancun International and were forced to be transported in a bus (cattle car) from the gate to the plane’s steps on tarmac (no jet way). We were packed into a bus for 20 to 30 minutes. Despite our masks and face shields there was no opportunity for social distancing. Four days later, on Nov 28, my husband and I both became symptomatic, and tested postive. My husband aged 77 with COPD and multiple comorbidities was hospitalized but survived with continuing issues. None of the other of our group of 14 has had any positive symptoms. All are well of the 5 aged in 70’s, 5 in 50’s and 60`s, and 4 in 20`s. My husband and I intentionally drove from Tucson to Phoenix, to obtain a DIRECT first class flight, so as to avoid other airports and minimize exposure. American Airlines was negligent in packing us into a bus to transport us from the gate to the airplane on the tarmac. Consequently, we were infected with the Covid 19 virus on Flight 515, Nov 24, from Cancun to Phoenix. American Airlines did not protect us or consider our safety.
Vivian@chuvi.net
Too much drama. And Liars to boot. Air Marshall’s don’t deal with this stuff for one, for two I see these parents ALL THE TIME…SUSIE IS EATING, SUSIE WON’T LISTEN TO ME..GET REAL! AND THE AGENTS SUGGESTED THAT THEY LEAVE THE CHILD BEHIND!? RIGHT? DRAMA.
By the way…most kids are more compliant and understanding than adults. However, if they don’t have good examples traveling with them that’s an issue. Do NOT think that children don’t have a brain! They do, but I question when the brain begins to decompose? I.E. adults!?
AA execs should be hunted down and executed!!!!
/Foul-youll-see/ Go Troy Go!
Yes I was on my way to China from mci and while I was at the airport in Chicago they had a problem with the computer on the plane I woke up and asked airline stewardess could I please exit the airplane because I have a severe heart condition she open the door and kick me off the airplane and just a few steps after playing a class with a heart attack is this the way you treat one of your flight passengers I will never fly that airline again the airline stewardess was very rude and hateful
Troy- No need to apologize gor what youve said. You should never apologize for stupidity. Though in place of an aoplogy perhaps an education would be good.
This makes not every fly using them. Disgusting!
They knew the rules when they ordered their tickets. The toddlers in my family were taught to wear mask with no problems. As a parent they know what their child can and can’t do, because they ignored the policy EVERYONE on the flight was inconvenienced. I have no sympathy….none.
CDC also recommends 6 feet apart. You’re fucking with us right AA?
American airlines has lost their minds same as all the other Liberal lefts collectives. I can now CROSS AMERICAN AIRLINES OFF MY LIST OF COMPA IES I WILL NEVER USE AGAIN!
American airlines has lost their minds same as all the other Liberal lefts collectives. I can now CROSS AMERICAN AIRLINES OFF MY LIST OF COMPANIES I WILL NEVER USE AGAIN!
There is no evidence to suggest a two year-old without a mask could not spread COVID exactly as any other person in there household, including their adult parents, without a mask. It is not like the parents are wearing masks at home, with the kid, even if they keep a mask on in public. This is stupid, Cissy Leshinsky is clearly exaggerating and lying about so many things here I can’t feel sorry for her.
weah weah 2 years old weah weah. I do not care. I do not want to get sick and then get other people sick cause your brat doesn’t want to wear a mask. Stay at home if your kids can’t wear a mask. End of story .
So you sit in the Terminal waiting on your flight all seating is every other chair. This is to keep you safe. LOL. Then you go on the plane and get packed in there. They are so concerned about our safey. Just 5 minutes ago I couldn’t be near you but now that I’m on your plane we can sit next to each other. What’s next the wash your hands police. Maybe they can block off every other uninal in the restroom. I don’t want someone pissing next to me. LOL….
I blame the parents for putting their small children in these positions and then they want to point the fingers at anyone else but themselves. If you need to fly because you need to for work or some emergency I can understand that totally, people need to work and make money. But if you are selfishly going on vacations and trips you really can wait on until this runs its course then shame on you. These people in these airline industries are only doing what they were directed to do to keep everyone safe. And if you don’t understand that being almost a year later and over 300,000 people dead then you will never get it. Keep your children at home and out of harms way and nothing like this would even touch the news stories. Bottom line be better parents, you are supposed to be the smart ones, so shame on you, take ownership!!
Expecting a two year old to wear a mask is moronic. Why would anyone fly with these fools?
I absolutely will avoid American Airlines from now on! Masks should be worn by choice and children should never be expected to wear them! Shame on you American Airlines!
United and American both need to just go away for good. Worst two airlines in every aspect… but especially flight attendants. Done with both of them for good.
Goodness! I will sell all my AA shares right away. There is no way in good conscience I keep AA shares.
As per her comment, “she will put the mask on when she is finished”, is refusing to do what the flight attendant is asking. I have empathy for people traveling with children. However, rules are rules for a reason. Not according to what people think they should be. And flight attendants do have final authority with enforcement. Sure, I’ve had hard ass flight attendants with various things (unplugging cords, texting, standing for restroom) but I respect their authority and do not cause disruption out of respect for fellow passengers. Even when racism is involved, but that is a story for another day. These passengers chose to follow their own rules, and as such, were kicked off the plane. I’m sure this woman will be using her law schooling and start a movement. Because after all, her needs outweigh the needs of the other 100 plus passengers, right?
They have 5hese new masks for unruly 2 year old. They come with a bottle of ether.
@Vivian Uhlig “My husband aged 77 with COPD and multiple comorbidities” given these circumstances you decided to travel internationally and you *blame American Airlines* for catching Covid-19..?
According to WHO In general, children aged 5 years and under should not be required to wear masks. This advice is based on the safety and overall interest of the child and the capacity to appropriately use a mask with minimal assistance. There may be local requirements for children aged 5 years and under to wear masks, or specific needs in some settings, such as being physically close to someone who is ill. In these circumstances, if the child wears a mask, a parent or other guardian should be within direct line of sight to supervise the safe use of the mask…. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-children-and-masks-related-to-covid-19
@ George h if airlines are trying to survive then they should have better customer service whether they’re first class or coach (there hasn’t been first class flights in years) because they do need to make a profit.
@L and @TS I suppose you can eat with your mask on..I assume you have never encountered a 2 yr old when they’re hungry. That will make them annoying.
@tom you obviously don’t have any children.
@jed Did you even read the woman’s complaint? The child was eating.
@FatLip you are badmouthing a child? You have no parenting skills whatsoever.
@Thomas if speaking out your opinions make a person a grumpy old man then you must relate or I bet you are the spoiled brat.
Give the family a break! I know you are all concerned about your health. I am too.. Please put yourselves in there shoes for a moment. The whole family was wearing a mask and she was agreeing to put on the child’s mask when she was done eating. That’s the real issue with the Mother of the child. That she was asking the stewardess to let the child eat first without the necessity of being rude. The stewardess could have been reasonable while, and only while, the child was eating. I don’t know about you all but I cannot eat with my mask on. Let’s stop bickering about the child not wearing a mask and consider that she was eating. God bless
Did anyone else notice the time stamp on the one video was 9:49p ? What 2 year old is up that late without being in a meltdown? Why did the parents and/or grandparents choose such a late flight to travel with a 2 year old, especially knowing all the requirements, knowing how well their child was at behaving and obeying? I hate to invoke “Karen” but I bet the 2 year old was not entirely the issue here, but one of the adults attitude and /or belligerence towards gate staff and flight crew.
People getting angry about a two year old not wearing a mask, chastising the parent and the child and suggesting they should have just stayed home….that works two ways….if you are so freaked out about people/children not wearing a mask then YOU should stay home then you will have no worries…works that way, too!
Who ever thought it was a good idea to give flight attendants the authority to terrorize passengers over a 2 year old’s behavior should banned from making decisions..
Just comply and you won’t have a problem! It’s not that entire plane’s fault because you have no control over your 2 year old!
I really don’t like kids and avoid them any way I can. But, come on!!, banned for life cause I’m absolutely positive a 2 year old has a complete understanding of the severity of the situation.
I remember when I was active duty and flying home from Japan. We got kicked off a flight cause the flight attendant overheard me tell my wife not to order any alcohol, because I felt we had enough and needed to be presentable when we landed in the u.s.
The airlines take everything way out of context. I really could care less if AA goes under and can’t recover. No one should be in business with that kind of customer service.
Yes, a lot of people act entitled but, at this point, I can’t blame them with how far the airlines take a problem and stupid and over bearing they exact revenge.
THE CDC DOES NOT RECOMMEND FLYING DURING THIS SURGE IN COVID!!! STOP FLYING AND KEEP YOUR ASSES AT HOME!
These flight attendants and airport crew members have enough to contend with. You mofos sound stupid AF!
If you’re gonna fly with kids, feed them before they get on the damn plane and give them some melatonin for God’s sake! Your PRIVILEGE obviously does not extend to any AIRLINE. TFOH…
This is ridiculous. She is 2 years old and eating. It’s called common sense or have the flight attendants and executives at American Airlines forgotten this. You cannot expect a 2-year-old to wear a mask all the time.
Well why did they fuss over this,if everyone wore a mask if the 2 yr old had Covid ,If masks work noone else would have gotten it. Or if the 2 yr old didn’t have Covid and someone out of the rest of passengers had it,If masks work the child would not get it..
ITS ALL ABOUT CONTROL TO ME….THIS WHOLE MASK B.S HAS GOTTEN OUT OF CONTROL… i may just have to find another airline myself..I dont want to be scrutinized over a piece of cloth no matter what the issue… this is a Joke!!!!
We all should ban flying on AA for life and put them out of business!
There are 2 sides to every story. Personally I believe a 2 year old complying with ANYTHING is nothing short of an act of God…mask, seat belt, hat, mittens, shoes, pants…if a 2 year (over or under) doesn’t want to comply you can pretty much guarantee a tantrum of some sort.
Some parents work through those tantrums gently and succeed in helping the child comply. Others try gently without succeeding. And still others believe a 2 year old is capable of making their own decisions and its usually the parents that throw the tantrums when outside individuals won’t make exceptions for their perfect little snowflake.
I also believe not everyone in large maskless crowds are going to contract COVID but im not going to tempt fate either. I dont NEED to travel for any reason. Even though I may WANT to travel.
I live in a large tourist area as well, so when I walk outside I wear a mask because I don’t trust the selfish individuals who put their personal WANTS above the greater NEED of caution.
Sadly thats what the bottom line is, no one is willing to compromise anymore. Person A believes everything is fake news and dies whatever they please. Person B is following every mandate to the extreme. And neither is willing to compromise. Not back down, not give in…compromise. which means to are willing to look at things from all angles, not just from your particular perch.