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Southwest incident

December 24, 2011 by heather in Nicholas Update
Southwest incident

Thank you everyone for your support of Nicholas.

We are now home safe after our flight back from Disney World.

Nicholas is doing well, but Heather is still shaken by the incident that occurred on Southwest Airlines.

As you all know from meeting Nicholas personally or from reading his website, Nicholas has been in rapid decline with his Batten disease over the past few months.  We were able to bring him down to Disney World this past week looking to create more memories with our family, understanding all too well how short life can be.

We cherish every moment we have with our children, as do all Batten parents (even when those moments can be tough, we know that everything is temporary).

As you may know, we had an unfortunate incident on Southwest airlines on the way back.  We feel terrible for what Nicholas had to go through, but we also understand that other Batten families likely struggle with similar situations.  We hope that by being open with these events, it will shed some light on what some people with disabilities encounter.  No day is easy, but we try to make the best with what we are given.

God bless and Merry Christmas!

We are happy to be safe at home.

Click here to learn more about Nicholas and his journey:

 

Heather had some tough moments:                                                                                                                                                                  How Southwest forced Nicholas to sit:

 

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  1. Marilyn Log in to Reply

    What a beautiful little boy....Merry Christmas from Canada

  2. Susan ab Log in to Reply

    Im real sorry that you had to go thru that with Southwest. These people just dont THINK! How could they see the posotion that ypur son had to endure and sumise they made a smart decision? I cant fathom it. Southwest, hoping ypu do a good deed and quickly.

  3. Dwight Log in to Reply

    Merry Christmas to Nicholas and family. While this was an unpleasant experience for everyone, it really sounds like the flight attendant had the best of intentions in mind and wanted to ensure the safety of this child rather than make him or his family suffer intentional discomfort during the flight. I travel quite often with my little one and made sure that her car seat is airline certified each time we fly. As a Flight Paramedic, I know first-hand what happens to children in unapproved seats when involved in any accident. Lessons learned by all, but unfortunately at the expense of Nicholas' comfort. I will think of this event and pray for Nicholas as I hold my little one tonight. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

    • Joanna Log in to Reply

      I find it hard to believe that this flight attendant used any sort of common sense. YES, it is imperative that an approved child-restraint seat be used when traveling by automobile. But in the event of an air crash, would Nicholas have truly been safer in his parents' lap than in his seat that at least allowed him to be upright? Probably not. To Nicholas' family: I hope you had the merriest of Christmases in spite of this ordeal! My husband and I will add Nicholas to our prayer list.

    • Wow Log in to Reply

      OMG Dwight.... taking the side of the flight attendant in this case? I'm speechless. Does he look comfortable to you? As a parent, you should be ashamed of yourself. Best of luck to you Nicholas and family, I hope SW sees the error of their ways in this case.

  4. Pat Log in to Reply

    I'm not sure if the flight attendant had the best of intentions or if she/he was just being a bureocrat, following instructions without taking into account Nicola's safety and comfort. Southwest has a reputation for making knee-jerk decisions without any type of sensitivity or even common sense. Nevertheless, I'm hoping that this lamentable experience will provide some food for thought for this company -and one that will help children with illness and/or disabilities. In this Christmas day, I wish Nicholas and his parents a beautiful and joyful day, one filled with love and kindness, surrounded by friends and family that love them unconditionally. May the good Lord bless you and all.

  5. Joe Blow Log in to Reply

    A $100,000 contribution from Southwest Airlinesmwould seem appropriate.

  6. Mindy Log in to Reply

    As the mother of two in Heaven my heart goes out to you. Southwest has been a pain in many sides over the years and it continues to decline. I wholly recommend Frontier; I fly with a special needs child (not physical) and they have gone out of their way to make the experience as pleasant as possible for all involved. Merry Christmas, and continue to love that beautiful child in that perfect way you do.

  7. Anonymous Log in to Reply

    Merry Christmas. Enjoy your time with Nicholas! He is a gift from God. My son is having his first birthday party with Jesus today! My daughter is having her fifth party with Jesus! We are blessed every day knowing that they are with Jesus. We are blessed every day that we are enjoying our four other sons. God bless!

  8. Andria Log in to Reply

    I'm so sorry for what you went through with your flight. It's difficult enough traveling with children, and when a child has special needs, an extra degree of common sense is in order. Sounds like someone didn't get that memo, and you suffered the consequences. It needs to be understood that often, when a person has needs that have to be met with special equipment, there is no such thing as an airline approved device, and accommodations need to be made. It's likely that changes in policy will be made across the industry because of your ordeal, so at least perhaps it wasn't in vain, although that's little comfort to the parent who had to watch a child go through it. God bless you all, we wish you a safe and happy holiday.

  9. Jim Log in to Reply

    I am so sorry for what you went through on the return flight from Disney. My hunch is that the stewardess, who is probably a nice and well-meaning person, is feeling fairly rotten right now, and wishes that she had used some common sense at the time, instead of reacting the way she did. Please try to focus on the good memories of the trip, not the disappointing finish. God bless you and your family.

  10. Barb Log in to Reply

    What a beautiful little boy your little Nicholas is. Your incident on the plane is unfortunate, but at the same time perhaps it is being used to propel your family and Nicholas' disease into the public view. I hope that there is someone who is reading this who can fund your research. I had never heard of Batten disease but am now aware because of Southwest Airlines' conduct. God uses evil for good and I hope that this incident will be used for great good to further your promise to Nicholas. Bless you!

  11. Denise Log in to Reply

    God bless you and your family.

  12. Gemma Log in to Reply

    I am stunned after having learned your story. It is truly unfortunate that this event had occurred, but as you can see, many are behind you with support. As another woman posted, encounter your family & son's brutal experience isn't necessarily in vain, there is an upside to it all. As you said, your encounter has indeed shed much light on these very important controversies. Im confident to say I can speak for many as we hope to see some concrete efforts to make revisions in order to avoid another catastrophic event, such as yours. I hppe to see Southwest & other neighboringAirlines with similar rules & regulations (as obsurb as they seem) will follow through with their promise to our society. I wish you all the love, support & comfort in this difficult & emotional time.

  13. Mandy Michael Log in to Reply

    Dear Nicholas & Parents of Nicholas, I read with sadness the recent episode on Southwest Airlines. Sad, in many respects and on many levels. Nicholas, I am so sorry that you had to endure the discomfort you experienced, and Mum & Dad I am saddened that 'there is nothing ' as of yet to make what should have been this wonderful memorable flight for you all. I say as of yet, because as a former Southwest Airlines Customer Service Supervisor, I certainly know that airlines ( Southwest in particular) has a heart for all passengers but especially those with different challenges. I know first hand how difficult it is to transport a child with 'special needs'.. and as such I 'set about' finding out 'why' nothing currently exists to better transport immobile passengers, and then to 'put into motion' an idea that I had, that would do just that. So, after several years in the making, a huge amount of time and personal expense, I am ready to 'remedy' the seat situation, benefiting all passengers everywhere. It is with warmest best wishes for a brighter future, Mandy

  14. Melissa Log in to Reply

    I was a witness to the event and it was sad because of the way the attendant and supervisor handled the situation. At first it seemed as if they wanted to work with the family but by the end, they were getting rather rude. And it would have been different had they not already flown one way using the same seat. You can't let tem go one way and then not alloew them to return. They ride was a struggle for them and many of us felt helpless but disgusted at the final outcome and how it was handled. Coming from a family with 2 severely disabled children, I felt for the family and understand why they are trying to bring awareness to the fact that there is no reason to make things more difficult for a family that already faces many challenges. I hope Nicholas had a great Christmas and I wish you all a Happy New Year.

  15. Jane C Log in to Reply

    I am so sorry that you had that experience. Nicholas is a gift from God and is very fortunate to have such wonderful and dedicated parents. My thoughts are with you all.

  16. Let's Just See Log in to Reply

    I wonder if there will be some sort of "sorry" from SWA not that this story has hit the fan? Keep us posted.

  17. Sue Bez Log in to Reply

    I am so sorry that you all had to go through this ordeal. I wept when I saw the picture of Heather breaking down but I wept even more when I saw how little Nicolas had to lay in that seat. GOD bless you all.

  18. Brandon Log in to Reply

    So sad i will not be flying southwest anymore good bye southwest

  19. ashley Log in to Reply

    im so sorry for what you are experiencing, he is a beautiful child.. life is great and memories of love will live forever you are my number one role model.. i dont know how you do it.. you are a strong women. keep up the good work.. have faith. love my family ashley,marques,jermiah, and alizay

  20. Brittany Log in to Reply

    I have to write Southwest about this!

  21. Sherry E. Log in to Reply

    My heart goes out to you. My 10 year old son is Autistic and I know how difficult any change in routine especially traveling can be. People who do not live with this everyday don't always realize the daily challenges and struggles parents face.Nicholas's story brought tears to my eyes because there are still people in this world who are cruel and heartless to kids with disablities!!As parents we worry about other children bullying and being creul not ADULTS!! In this day and age, shame on the pilot and crew of your flight and the entire airline. I know that rules have to be followed but they are also made to be broken. Lighten up and listen to what a parent of a specila need kid says!! They know what they are talking about!!

  22. Daniel Log in to Reply

    Again SWA has shown their stick to the rules colors. I am a retired Paramedic and if Dwight thinks for a single minute that the flight Attendant and CSR supervisor did the right thing, you are wrong. As provider of health care you do everything you can do to make the patient comfortable and accommodate their special needs when necessary. I very sorry that Nicholas was treated that way and that is the very reason I will not travel by Southwest Airlines ever again, because several years ago I had to escort a patient with special needs and could not afford an air ambulance the family spent several days on the phone trying to find a way to get their 17 year old home to die. Well long story short, SWA said that they would take him home. The family was very excited and when we got to the gate with the young man they saw all of the equipment needed to care for him they said no he could not fly on their plane. Even though they had gotten approval from Dallas for the trip and the equipment we need to travel with him was FAA approved. Well I hope you had a very merry Christmas and I will be praying for your family. Oh as for the other patient,

  23. Daniel Log in to Reply

    Oh as for the other patient, United Flew him home First Class at no charge to the family or myself and partner round trip.

  24. Nancy Log in to Reply

    I can't believe the Southwest flight crew. They must not have children or know anyone with special needs. Life is difficult enough and to make it more difficult for this family is so rude and heartless. Nicholas and his family deffinately didn't deserve this. I would hope that Southwest Airlines will make a sizable donation to Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation to help to find a cure so other children won't have to go thru this disease or crule treatment. I hope your wonderful memories of Disney with the family will help you to forget how awful Southwest Airlines was to all of you. Our prayers are always with you and you are terrific parents. Love from your cousin's Bruce, Nancy, Wendy, Brian & Anastasia

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