One of the posts is on breastfeeding during take-off and landing and addresses the issue you raised: http://www.phdinparenting.com/2008/11/08/breastfeeding-during-take-off-and-landing/

(editing to fix link)

The ONLY problem I ever had was a single leg on Frontier when a FA told me it was against policy to allow the baby (16 months) to nurse on take off, that I would need to hold him upright. Thank goodness it was early in the day and he was in a happy mood, content with crackers and grapes.

I did tell the FA that I was an experienced traveler with extensive nursing time logged and that I’d never heard such a rule (and haven’t ever since, either.)
“Well, that’s the policy,” she said.
I complied.
But I didn’t like it.

Thanks again for all of the great info.

With Lufthansa, both within Germany, and over the Atlantic, no one said anything. They did give me the infant belt, which we used, even while nursing, with no problems, although on the last flight, we did find out that over 2 must be in their own seat during take off and landing… but the flight attendants gave lots of gummi bears so he was happy..

We had no issues at all on American airlines either..

I have to say that I was a bit nervous to breastfeed my well over 2 year old in the plane, and in America, but I am so happy to say that it was all a good experience, and I am happy to get the image out there..

Airline companies can take the customers point of view into consideration in decisions that they make, as long as it doesn’t violate the rights of other customers. What if a customer hated the sight of black people? Would it be appropriate for them to act on that complaint? Breastfed babies have a right to nurse anytime, anywhere and airlines should respect that and respectfully tell those that complain to look the other way if they have a problem or offer that person a change of seat if possible.

With regards to nursing covers, I am not a fan of them. If someone else wants to use one, that is their right. However, I will never use one because I think it is important to normalize breastfeeding and not send the message that it is something shameful or to be hidden.

You had covered up quite a good point. Actually the Airlines Companies has to take care of their customers and from the customers point of view, the airline companies takes any type of decision that might be offensive or objectionable to the customer, which may be the case with breastfeeding, so as a customer we can take any objections against the company but can make a request about it or if we still feel uncomfortable with the decision of airline company against the breastfeeding, we can make some other arrangement like the one which you have detailed out completely.

Just three months back, I was traveling from Iowa to California by American Airlines, and fortunately, I had a breastfeeding cover or you can say baby shield along with me, which I bought from http://www.babyboo.com/. The baby shield was quite helpful as it shield the baby from loud noises and lights. The fabric looks like an item of clothing and is of breathable fabric, so I had a very good traveling experience with my baby without any uncomfortness and problem.