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POLL: Should Alaska Airlines Have Kicked Fussy Toddler Off Plane?

An Everett man says the airline's crew kicked him and his son off the plane after the little one refused to buckle his seatbelt. Did they make the right choice?

Sitting near a crying or fussy toddler can turn a two-hour flight into a transcontinental one.

And I'm a parent.

When I fly, I try to make sure my little one follows all safety precautions. Moreover, I try to keep her happy/entertained/distracted/sleepy enough to spare my neighboring flyers.

To date, my wife and I have been lucky. Our kid seems to enjoy flights, and we don't ask questions.

But what happens when a toddler becomes so unruly that the pilot has to kick the young one off the plane, as was the case last Saturday at Sea-Tac International Airport?

Mynorthwest.com first reported an Everett man and his 3-year-old son were kicked off an Alaska Airlines flight.

(Click here to read the entire story)

Mark Yanchak says his son was fussy during takeoff. However, the little one buckled (no pun intended) after his mother -- who was sitting in first class with the couple's other son -- came back with water and a pacifier.

But by then, the crew had already made a "judgment call," the airline explained to mynorthwest.com, and directed the plane back to the gate.

The man and his son were required to exit the plane. Alaska's reasoning? The boy refused to buckle during takeoff, so it was a matter of safety.

But Yanchak says the crew got impatient and overreacted.

So we ask you, Patch users, who do you think was correct in this situation? The airline or the family? Let us know by taking our poll and talking about it in the comments section.

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Winona Jacobsen May 19, 2013 at 10:43 am
Quinn’s comments regarding Laurie Carter’s article are totally out of touch, not onlyRead More with the subject of the article, the timing of the article, the content of the column, but everything else she references in her diatribe. When she refers to “this week’s article”, the most current was Carter’s article on the US Postal Service’s efforts to alleviate community hunger with their food drive. Laurie went on to let us all know that if we missed the deadline, then we still had options available for donating to our local food bank. The same article also announced the open house that the Greater Bonney Lake Historical Society will hold on Monday, May 20th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Bonney Lake’s old city hall at 19306 Bonney Lake Boulevard. That certainly doesn’t sound like any kind of park commentary to me. So why the rant, Quinn? Maybe she was referring to the previous week’s article that gave a brief history of the infamous “Gnome Project”. Good Grief! Does that sound like some kind of subversive plot hatched by one of the most dedicated citizens I know and a very talented and active city councilman? Ease up, chill out, and try smiling once in a while, Quinn. Life should be relished, and when you can find something that brings joy to others and can light up a child’s face yet still give a reason to go out and explore our city’s natural park areas, we benefit with exercise, fresh air, a touch of whimsy, adventure, and the thrill of discovery. Hooray for the Gnomes of Bonney Lake, most of our city council members, and the mayor for seeing the humor and recognizing the widespread appeal this has. It has generated interest in not only our town, but even internationally. It has brought in visitors from other communities. That, my friends, is the beginning of another form of economic development that parks can add to our city. We can see that at one of the major retailers that have been marketing gnomes here in Bonney Lake. You dare to presume all of what Laurie Carter cares about, yet you obviously have no clue. She has been one of the most hard working, dedicated, inspiring citizens I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and been honored to work with. It was a very sad day for the people of Bonney Lake when she decided to step down from her city council position. She made every effort to know what her constituents thought and valued their opinions. She never hesitated to make phone calls or knock on doors to find out what the people wanted. Her donations of time and dollars for the disadvantaged and the children of our city are legendary. Her concern for Bonney Lake has many dimensions, and I am thankful that she continues to be active in our community even if she no longer sits on the dais of the city council.
Sherry Creson May 16, 2013 at 11:03 pm
This is not the first time or the first person Quinn tried to hurt. I think she has a bitter andRead More evil heart. Instead of building and supporting the city, she prefers to tear down anything good and honorable. I'm so glad the voters saw fit to pass her by when she ran for election! With her attitude, it would have been detrimental to having a nice city to live in! Stuff a sock in it, Quinn!
Tami Cutler May 16, 2013 at 05:15 pm
Quinn you poor bitter old hag. I feel sorry for you.
Monica Fitts May 18, 2013 at 03:42 am
I will never forget you David. We were connected through a tragic event that at times just feelsRead More like yesterday, and then you were taken from this earth by another tragic event. The 28 years inbetween went to fast. You were humble and down to earth. I feel as though you were surprised at how many people you touched in your 41 years. It was evidence at your service that you are loved by many, and you will never be forgotten.
DavidandKelli Flores May 15, 2013 at 11:32 am
I love and miss you my little brother Davy.:(