[jimworcs]

I remember that thread well Phx..but I think you will find that my response was somewhat different. In that case, this was my response

However, I strongly suspect that whilst you may think your actions were entirely reasonable and did not justify Continentals behaviour, you presented to them in a very different way to the way in which you perceive you presented yourself. I base this on your post. You may think this post outlines how reasonable you were and how unreasonable Continental were. In fact, your post presents you as neurotic and unreasonable... you should reconsider if you think it is in your child's best interests to present this "drama" and a crisis of such proportion that she is in need of Post Traumatic Stress counselling. Vietnam, 911, Iraq.. are events of this magnitude. Being asked to leave a flight because a Flight Attendent was upset with you is not, I am afraid, of the same magnitude and your suggestion that it is, is franky ridiculous.

I still maintain that an airline has a responsibility to the child, if they accept them as a passenger, however, I think my response to the previous complaint that you cite, illustrates that I can differentiate. In this case, what the OP was asking for is entirely reasonable, and a little reassurance would have gone a long way. Even Justme.. who in general is (by Delta standards) at least, partially customer friendly, took a line which is indefensible. They clearly do not see the child as a customer, and are prepared to see the child suffer, but blame Expedia. I think my suggested response was perfectly fine, but offered a guarantee that the child would not be left with strangers. Not one of the Delta people, even Justme, were willing to offer that reassurance.

As for this...

It seems to me the OPs have the mindset that the only assistance would be to provide them with adjoining seat assignments now rather than wait

I don't get that from the post... not sure how you have arrived at that conclusion. I am sure if Delta had given the mother a guarantee she would not be separated from her child, that would have sufficed.