United again, I swear I will not fly that damned airlines ever especially on international flights, Emirates fills that role.
American upgraded me on a return flight from China, but not my son. “HEY”, I yelled, “I’m not traveling business class without my S, ah........Are those the warm mixed nuts???. Actually, he was in Roach Class row 1 and I was in the last row of business. Many seats open, but they wouldn’t upgrade him (18 years old). I splurged and rented him a seatbelt for the flight....
He didn't exactly ditch him - I mean, the kid as still on the plane.
Is entrusting him to the strangers seated next to him wise parenting?
For this dad, it might have been a pretty good option. Who would do a better job parenting, him or some random stranger who can afford to fly to China? It might not have worked out great this time, but I like the odds.
How hard is it to look menacing and say "Shut up kid"?
Step 2: Tell the flight attendant that you are willing to swap seats with the dad so he can take care of his annoying brat.
Step 3: Insist that the flight attendants baby sit him
Step 4: Put him in the overhead bin (or put him in the bathroom and wedge the door shut.)
OK, that last one is probably a felony, so don't actually do it. Put in headphones, go to sleep, and dream about doing it. (That might actually be what he did.)