Friday, August 15, 2008

Response From West Jet

Thank you for taking the time to write to us with your concerns.WestJet has a responsibility to act in the best interests of all guests on a flight. 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. Under the circumstances, we believe the solution proposed by our flight attendant was reasonable.

WestJet supports a woman’s right to breastfeed. We also support the rights of all guests on our flights to have a safe and comfortable experience while in our care. If at any time we decide that a situation exists which has the potential to interfere with the comfort of our guests, we have a responsibility to address it.

WestJet does not have a policy on breastfeeding. We do not feel one is required because we fully support it. At no time was Ms. Tarbuck asked to stop breastfeeding. We do not believe it is possible, or even desirable, to have a policy for every possible occurrence or situation that may arise. We believe and trust in our WestJetters, and empower them to make decisions based on common sense and good judgment. WestJet has responded to Ms. Tarbuck’s complaint by apologizing if Ms. Tarbuck felt the request to cover up was unwarranted. However, we believe the decision by our flight attendant was reasonable, and in the best interests of the other guests on the aircraft. Ms. Tarbuck was never asked to stop breastfeeding her child. WestJet supports the right of every woman to feed her child, whether by bottle or breast.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. I hope we can look forward to welcoming you aboard a WestJet flight in the near future.

Sincerely,

CharS
pecialist-Guest Relations
WestJet

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I fully concur and agree with West Jets policy and explanation. The comfort of all passengers must be considered and not just the assumed right of one person. It does not matter what the occasion may be, if my seat neighbours are uncomfortable with the issue and state so, than it is the duty of the Flight Attendant to mitigate the situation as best as they can.
That some people see this as an infringement of their right, is rather inmature and egocentric to say the least.
They are making a tempest in a teapot.
jmw

Louisa Claire said...

WoW Jan. May I ask when you last breastfed a baby? Have you heard the story of what occured? A woman who discreetly breastfeeds is being very considerate of those around her, as well as being a considerate MOTHER TO HER CHILD WHO NEEDS TO EAT! A woman who flaunts her breasts is another matter however this is not what occured in this situation. Moreover there was no indication that any of passenger was in fact offended or made to feel uncomfortable by this situation especially as she was sitting AT THE BACK of the plane. If your 'seat neighbours' are uncomfortable because they are being unreasonable then they are being unreasonable and should not be pandered to!