Discretion or discrimination? Toddlers, toilets and temperamental travellers

Perhaps a better solution is to award first class seats at economy fare rates to babies and their minders, so that space and first class flight-attendant care is extended to them. This could well lessen the time it takes to reduce the crying of airborne babes. And in the end, everyone at one time or another has her/himself uttered the distressed cry of a child – even if, now, s/he is a ‘most important person’ puffed up by first class travel. Surely in such exalted space the now-grown-up man or woman can endure another’s baby cries? And surely, in any aircraft space it is not impossible to provide comfort and care for parents and child that lessens the possibility of tears and draws them to a swift close when they begin?

As for Depardieu’s discomfort, his treatment has been egregious. Perhaps he is boorish or rude, or was in this instance. We do not know. We weren’t there. Yet surely his distress is understandable. Discrimination on the basis of disability is transparently apparent in the treatment he suffered.

Anyone with a prostate problem is well aware of the need for ready access to facilities for urinating – often at emergency levels. In the French actor’s case, aircraft take-off was delayed. Even had it not been, going to the lavatory immediately before a flight will not necessarily solve the problem – similarly for pregnant woman, toddlers and any others who suffer from incontinence.

One of Gerard Depardieu’s companions fortunately had with him an empty water bottle, which he provided to his actor friend. Unfortunately, the bottle was not of dimensions sufficient to contain the Depardieu-stream, at least in its entirety. This is what caused the stream to extend into the passage way and the carpeting to suffer.

Hospitals and NASA rockets carry bottles and other implements manufactured specifically for the purpose. Patients and astronauts use them regularly, and without reported difficulty. Mountain climbers similarly are catered to – male and female, just as female astronauts are supplied with equipment that does the job without any need for the removal of outer clothing or moving from a stationary or in-transit space.

Aircraft carry sick bags to accommodate the risk of passengers requiring them. It is difficult to accept that carrying mobile facilities for urinating-in-situ is impossible, whether it be for man, woman or child.

Depardieu ought be applauded by all who care about the rights of aeroplane travellers to travel with comfort, and in comfort. Rather than rail against him as has been the universal reaction, or dismiss him as a drunken lout as has – unfortunately – been the response of too many to his plight, shouldn’t all be demanding that attention be paid to the passenger ‘caught short’?

Babies and those with a disability – even if it is, or especially if it is, one that causes discombobulation or embarrassment all around – have a right to equal treatment recognising and acknowledging the needs arising from their status. Airlines - like the rest of us – have an obligation to see that human rights do not end at the aircraft door.