Freedom Airlines, a subsidiary of
The Mesa Air Group and operating a commuter flight for
Delta Airlines, booted a nursing mother from an October 13 flight after she refused to cover up with a blanket.
Emily Gillette boarded the Freedom Air flight in South Burlington, VT's International Airport with her husband and 22-month-old child. There was a three-hour delay but eventually the plane readied for takeoff. Ms. Gillette began breastfeeding her daughter. A flight attendant approached and directed her to cover up with a blanket. Emily thought she was being discreet enough and declined the use of the blanket. The flight attendent allegedly declared that she was offended and the family was then asked to leave the plane.
(there's more...)
Neither Delta nor Freedom officials returned calls Wednesday seeking comment. Freedom Airlines spokesman Paul Skellon said Monday that he was aware of the incident.
"A breast-feeding mother is perfectly acceptable on an aircraft, providing she is feeding the child in a discreet way that doesn't bother others", Skellon said. "She was asked to use a blanket just to provide a little more discretion, she was given a blanket, and she refused to use it, and that's all I know."
About 30 women and men (and of course Toddler-Americans) gathered at the Delta Air counter in Burlington on Wednesday to support Emily Gillette. They sat on the floor and women nursed in plain view of passengers and ticket counter workers. Some passengers were openly supportive of the protest. Some were just confused.
Photo copyright Burlington Free Press 2006
Sharon Panitch, a Burlington mother who organized the nurse-in, held up a sign reading, "We've heard of no meal service, but this is ridiculous! Let nursing mothers nurse!!"
"I was horrified that a mother could be humiliated like that," said Caroline Beer, 34, of Burlington, a mother who was part of the nurse-in.
Ms Gillette states that she has filed complaints against Delta and Freedom Air with the Vermont Human Rights Commission as public breastfeeding is covered under Vermont's Public Accomodation Law.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a mother may breastfeed her child in any place of public accommodation in which the mother and child would otherwise have a legal right to be.
Emily Gillette said of the nurse-in:
"They're so awesome," Gillette said. "I'm so grateful. I'm just really moved by it."
Want to let Delta and Freedom Air know what you think? Follow the links for contact information:
http://www.delta.com/...
http://www.mesa-air.com/...
(Be sure to mention Freedom Air as this company operates under several names)
Sources:
Burlington Free Press
WNBC.com
UPDATE:
There have been several comments regarding the age of the child (22 months). Kossack Tom P has added a link to LaLeche League International regarding extended breastfeeding.
To quote Tom P,
Now, no more comments about the age of the child please.