Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Misconduct
Human Factors; Procedure; Company Policy
A five year old UM (Unaccompanied Minor) was roller skating during service. I discovered her in her skating gear and roller skates as I was completing my service at row 19. There was very mild turbulence. Passengers in rows 20-21 reported that she had fallen several times during flight and they had assisted her to the lavatory while in skates. Unbeknown to either of us flight crew; she had the roller skates in her backpack rather than a carry on. She took her seat as I pulled the cart back to the galley; and my other Flight Attendant kindly convinced her to return to her normal footwear. She assisted her with the removal of the roller skates. The passengers that assisted the UM during service were given complimentary beverages as a gesture of gratitude. There were many concerns as to why she was flying alone. It was very difficult getting her to understand the safety briefing; why she had to remain seated; and keeping her from getting off the plane without a gate agent. She was weighed down with a backpack including the roller skates; as well as a carry on. She tripped multiple times over her luggage on the ramp. She refused to allow anyone to touch her bags. She claimed that I pushed her as she fell over her roller bag in front of myself and the other Flight Attendant. A gate agent in Seattle guided her into the terminal. The UM clearly did not comprehend the safety concerns and ramifications of her actions. I recommend implementation of a safety comprehension assessment of UMs before ticketing for both guardians and UMs.
Flight Attendant reported an Unaccompanied Minor failed to understand and refused to comply with safety instructions; resulting in disruption of service.