Would Not Remain Seated During Taxi And Takeoff

Recently, we reported on a move to get airlines to eliminate special seating fees so parents could sit by their children. But even that would not help in a situation where the captain of an Alaskan Airlines flight reportedly returned his plane to the gate and bumped a cranky 3-year old ... and his parents ... off the plane.

According to a story from Seattle radio station KIRO, the problem was that the young boy, seated by his father by the way, would not remain seated and seat belted in as the aircraft taxied for takeoff. The pilot decided he would rather deal with the issue on the ground than in mid flight.

Federal regulations require passengers to be seated with their seat belts fastened for takeoff and landing. Airlines that are unable to enforce those rules risk punitive measures from federal regulators.

Still, the family involved says they aren't happy about the turn of events and believe that the airline's crew overreacted. Alaska Airlines offered to accommodate the family on a later flight, but they declined, saying they were unsure if the boy would be up for an attempt at another airline flight.

There’s no word on whether the pilot was applauded by the rest of the passengers for his actions.

FMI: www.alaskaair.com