ElementalMom

WestJet Sucks

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080807/science/vancouver_bc_breast_feeding_cover_up_west_jet

OTTAWA (CBC) - Another Vancouver woman has come forward to say she was harassed while breastfeeding in public. Vancouver teacher Erin Tarbuck told CBC News she was nursing her 11-month-old son on a recent WestJet flight as the plane was preparing for takeoff, when a flight attendant asked her to cover up.

Takeoff and descent can cause painful pressure in the tiny Eustachian tubes of children’s ears, so it’s common for mothers to nurse their babies, Tarbuck said, as swallowing helps ease the pain.

“[She] came up and said quietly, ‘You know, some men find the sight of a bare breast quite offensive. Can I offer you a blanket to cover up with?” Tarbuck said on Wednesday.

Tarbuck declined the offer of a blanket, but one was brought to her anyway. “I was pretty shocked,” said Tarbuck.

She later complained to WestJet’s head office and received a written response. “The rep defended what the flight attendant had done. She said we have to make our customers feel comfortable,” said Tarbuck.

WestJet couldn’t be reached for comment on Wednesday.

So my pal Krista, who is Canadian, sent them this…

Dear WestJet staff, I would appreciate you forwarding this message as I cannot locate a direct email for anyone, and my comments are too long to fit in the web comment form. Thank you so much!

Dear Sean Durfy, CEO,

I was so happy today to read your reply to the recent criticism of your treating breastfeeding women as second-class citizens. In an email to those questioning this behaviour your company representative stated “If a guest is engaged in an activity that makes others uncomfortable, or has the potential to make others uncomfortable, flight attendants have a responsibility to engage the guest in an effort to find a solution.” I was very relieved to hear this, as I frequently fly WestJet with my family and I have been made uncomfortable numerous times by other guests. You may want to stock up on more blankets.

First, fat people, are frankly, quite offensive to me and they make me feel very uncomfortable. Especially when they are eating, that smacking and slurping is really disturbing. I heartily support a WestJet policy that would assist me in feeilng comfortable by handing out a blanket along with their pretzel snack, so they can eat in comfort underneath a nice soft blanket, and I can be spared the sight of their wobbling jowls. Of course, I could look away, but for such a disgusting act, clearly more protection (for me) is needed.

Second, thin young girls. Need I say more? I’m a woman of a certain age and truthfully I can think of nothing that makes me more uncomfortable than some young whelp wearing a mini-skirt and a low-cut blouse. Probably two blankets would be in order, just to make sure their feet are covered as well, as I find pedicures have the potential to make me uncomfortable. (I love how inclusive and wide-reaching your statement above is!) And don’t get me started on how immodest exposed ankles are, I mean, can’t we all just follow a few simple rules of modesty that will keep everyone happy? What’s the big deal?

Third (and last, you’ll be happy to hear) I appreciate your support in covering with a blanket any couple that might be holding hands on the plane. Gay, straight, cover them all! I just don’t want to have to see THAT kind of behaviour on an airplane for pete’s sake. Disgusting.

I look forward to your support for my comfort on my next WestJet flight. I’m glad to hear you are not just considering one group of people’s comfort level and instead will fairly support ALL of our comfort, with your customers myriad definitions of politeness, modesty and appropriate behaviour, regardless of what Canadian law actually supports.

warmly,
Krista Cornish Scott
proud WestJet customer