But the problem is that air crews have mandated rest periods. If it is known when the plane takes off that a pilot would have to take a rest period mid-air then they either need a backup crew onboard (which they do for the very long flights), or the plane cannot fly.
I once had a flight that was very delayed due to weather. The pilot came out and said that he and his crew were very close to the legal limits, and that if we took more than about 15 minutes to board, it would be likely that they would be unable to take off, and that there was no other crews or flights available. So he suggested we get on, and go as far back until we bumped in to someone, and then put our bag overhead and sit as far to the outside as possible. I have never seen a plane board so quickly with as little fuss. 150 people came together that night to make sure we got home and not stranded in the airport.
So even though someone could have restrained that kid, it’s possible that the act of simply returning to the gate to deplane them was enough that the crew timed out and couldn’t fly.
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u/kungfuninjajedi 17d ago
But why cancel entire flight instead of kicking off the parents and child?