MyAirline apologises over safety belt row

 

MyAirlines has apologised over an incident involving a family and the airline’s seat belt policy.

The airline also promised a thorough investigation on the matter and take corrective measures.

"Subject to the investigations, we are committed to learning from this experience to enhance our services and ensure a positive travel experience for all passengers," the company said in a statement.

The incident involved a couple and their child, who had just turned two, on a flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur on May 24.

According to the couple's account of the incident on Facebook, the cabin crew had instructed them to secure their child to the seat.

Following this, the couple requested a safety belt extension over concerns that their child was not independent enough to be seated alone.

Restless child, safety rules

This request was denied because of airline policy and safety rules.

When the plane was taxiing, the child started to cry and became restless. At this point, the cabin crew requested the couple to ensure the child was properly seated for take-off.

However, when the couple was unable to comply, the captain announced over the PA to request the passengers to be properly seated or they would be removed from the plane.

"I thought that, based on what I watched on the movies and the news, you will only be asked to disembark if there was a terrorist attack," wrote the husband on his Facebook page.

The husband said the incident was very embarrassing but they managed to comply, albeit with protests and crying from his child, and the take-off was successful.

Their ordeal continued even after they landed when a group of ground staff tried to convince them to delete video clips of the incident.

"In conclusion, if you plan to travel with MyAirline with a child who is two or three years of age and cannot be seated independently like a robot, you should reconsider and choose another airline.

"For now, MyAirline is a firm ‘no’ for me and my family because they are not child friendly," wrote the husband.

In their statement, MyAirline explained that according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) rules, children below 24 months must be seated with their parent or guardian with an infant seat belt.

However, children above 24 months old must be fastened with seat belts in their own seats for safety reasons. - Mkini