Stuck on the Tarmac?
Yesterday's New York times has a story about passengers stuck on the Tarmac for 5 hours who organized a revolt:
"What made the Continental flight somewhat different was that passengers organized and protested by clapping in rhythm and drumming on overhead bins. Finally, the pilot, worried about mayhem, called the police."
"We did not have water, food, toilet paper” on the plane, ... “The toilets were clogged and completely unsanitary. Moreover, there were a number of children and older and special-needs passengers, including a diabetic and a pregnant woman, who desperately needed attention.”
While 5 hours clearly seems over the top, it's not unusual to be stuck on the tarmak for an hour or two. What would you do if you were stranded on the tarmak with your kids for an extended period of time? Here are some of our suggestions:
- If the plane door has not been closed yet, ask whether you can let your children walk and play on the jetway. Flight staff are often cooperative (they don't like crying children either)
- Try walking your children up and down the aisle.
- Get your children involved in some positive play with the neighbors in front of and behind you. (Peekaboo is hard for even the most stoic travellers to resist). They'll be a lot more understanding when your children have a difficult time later if they've seen them being cute.
- Even though you're frusterated, try not to let your kids know it. They'll only pick up on your mood.
- Resist the temptation to load your kids up on juice or sugary snacks, it will only make them harder to control later.
- Engage your kids in quiet play. If they're old enough, try making up stories about why the flight is delayed (maybe squirrels in the cockpit?), where the plane should go instead, or make a list of things you would pack if you were staying at your destination for a year.
0 comments |
Posted on August 15, 2007 |
Save to del.icio.us
Subscribe to our feed
