Because you can’t take snacks through security, maybe? But I’d think there’d be a special request section of the reservations screen to indicate a child with special needs. They could have explained this to the gate clerk as well.
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. I’m sure the airline would have considered her request - allowing her to bring snacks for her own child.
I know they do make exceptions .. you just have to contact them and explain the situation. If they wouldn’t meet her request .. then why not take another airline (if possible). Sometimes that’s what it takes for airlines to get the message.