yea its pretty bad

I have to agree with gillibean on this one. Getting on the plane and immediately noticing that someone is missing is an understandable mistake, but going that long...the child is 3. 3 year olds need pretty much constant care. How could they not notice.

I'm still confused about how they managed not to notice there was an EXTRA BOARDING PASS! I'm hypervigilant around my siblings (the youngest is 8), and my nephews, even strangers kids. It's just bizarre to me that people aren't as cautious with their own children. All it would have taken is 1 headcount while settling the kids into their seats or checking with the other parent to be sure that they do in face have the kids you think they have. Even Home Alone knows a headcount is important! Assuming things is always a bad idea and when it comes to the safety of a child especially in a busy airport, it's downright negligent. (I realize you agree but I'm ranting anyway)

i would think that the first thing you would do in their situation, would be to make sure that all the kids were in the right seats, and belted in. then give each and everyone of them a little assurance that the flight will be safe, because it is dramatic event for most adults, much less the kids. they obviously didn't, so i would lean toward neglect on two fronts.

Well that's assuming that they are accustomed to doing head counts.

They should have, however, made sure all the kids were buckled in and settled down. Then they should have realized the three year old was gone. And when I said 18 suitcases, I meant it in a "They had way too many suitcases," way.

Nearly every parents I've met does repeated head counts on trips. With five children, it is absolutely necessary.

This is neglect, after 40 minutes? I mean they would most definetly be sitting together... and how do you not notice one of your family members is missing?