I think a lot of people missed the point - many news outlets slanted it that way. There was never a question of removing the child and parents because of the child crying. It is against FAA rules for anyone - even a 3 year old - not to be seated AND seat belted during take off and landing. Its advised that you keep your seat belt on when in flight, but not rewuired by the FAA. They boarded the plane at least 15 minutes prior to take off and then spent another 15 minutes after actual departure time trying to get said child in a seat belt. That's more than enough time to wrangle the child into the seat and seat belt or admit defeat and remove yourselves from the plane.

And I agree, where was the child seat? We always carried one on the plane, then were able to use it when we deplaned in the car we were using while visiting.

I agree crying children on a flight are not fun, but rules are rules. You wanna ride, fasten the seat belt. Doesn't matter if they cry or not, strap 'em in.

I, too, saw the family on GMA the next morning and that child wouldn't sit still then. Looks might be deceiving, but from all that transpired on the plane and on the tv - looks like a simple case of a 3 year old definitely running the show.

If they file a lawsuit, can the judge throw it out as frivolous?