Mom sparks firestorm after posting photo from international flight without seat for baby
A mother traveling overseas with her baby and young child is facing online criticism after criticizing Delta Air Lines for cramped seating — despite not purchasing a separate seat for her infant.
Mely Skoglund shared a photo on Threads showing herself crouched on the floor of an economy row while her children slept across the window and middle seats. The post quickly went viral.
“12 hours flying Delta Airlines back to US was sold out, so we have no extra room. This is our situation,” Skoglund wrote. It’s unclear exactly where she was traveling or whether she purchased tickets for both children, but it appears she had seats for herself and her older child.
The post sparked debate online. Some users criticized her for not buying a separate seat for her infant, arguing she shouldn’t expect a free seat.
“I’m so glad I was raised by a mother who bought the correct number of seats for the number of travelers and didn’t expect a free seat,” one user commented.
“What part of SOLD OUT didn’t you understand?” another asked.
Others defended Skoglund, pointing out that Delta’s policy allows children under 2 to fly on an adult’s lap either free or at a reduced fare.
“All children fly free under 3, don’t be a jerk just because you grew up more privileged than others,” one user wrote.
“First of all, that’s a baby — she doesn’t have to buy a seat. She bought the correct number of seats for herself and her toddler,” another noted.
Delta has not confirmed the authenticity of the photo but emphasized that passenger safety is its top priority. The airline reminded travelers that lap-held infants must remain in the adult’s lap, and adults are limited to one lap infant per seat unless a separate ticket is purchased with an FAA-approved child safety device.
The airline told the Daily Mail: “We strongly insist that customers remain in their seats with seatbelts fastened, unless they have a specific need that requires movement about the aircraft.”
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