Madam, - I must admit to having been a very satisfied, frequent traveller with the Airline of the Year (An Irishman's Diary, May 16th). I fly with Ryanair, on average, once a month and have rarely encountered any problems.
I was thus extremely disappointed at the treatment I received earlier this month from the steward on a flight from Dublin to Brussels. My two-year-old daughter had gone into the WC at the front of the plane to wash her hands. I noticed that a lady was waiting to use the WC so I went immediately went to get my daughter out. When she emerged she tried to go into the cockpit. Naturally, I started to take her away.
At this point the steward told me to "Get your bloody kid out of here right now". I asked him not to speak to me like that, or to refer to my child in such terms. He then said he would have the police arrest me immediately we arrived in Charleroi. At this stage I decided the best course of action was to say nothing and return to our seats.
I think that perhaps the Airline of the Year should sent its staff on a training course on relations with the public.
Living in Brussels and coming from Co Clare, I am totally dependent on Ryanair to get to Shannon, as other airlines choose not to service this route. After this recent experience I am hoping very much that another carrier will soon offer some competition on this route. - Yours, etc,
SARAH IRONSIDE, Brussels, Belgium.