Why I’m in Favor of Kid-Free Flights
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Every time the subject of children on airplanes comes up — which is a lot – people get very touchy. Even I went on a bit of a rant when Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom complained about being annoyed by kids on flights a while back. But guess what? I’m all in favor of kid-free zones on airplanes or even flights on which babies are banned, like a couple of airlines in Asia are implementing.
Not because I wish to accommodate those people who prefer traveling sans kids; because of us moms who have no choice but to travel with our kids. It’s hard enough flying with babies or small children without the added stress of being seated near someone who clearly wishes he were anywhere else.
Look, most parents of screaming babies hate being on that plane as much as the rest of the passengers. It’s awful being in that situation and unable to do a thing about it. What are you going to do: Lock yourself and the baby in the restroom until the “fasten seatbelt” light comes back on? Buy all the passengers a stiff drink as an apology? (I’ve heard of parents doing that, BTW.)
I’ve flown with my kids a lot, often by myself. I know it sucks to have the kid behind you crying or kicking your seat. I know it’s annoying to be showered with pretzel crumbs when the toddler next to you insists on opening his snack by himself. Let’s not even talk about diaper blowouts or spit up. But know this: that poor mom is probably doing the best she can.
But here’s something people should know, too: not everyone hates kids on planes. I have had the incredible good fortune to sit next to all sorts of kind strangers when traveling with my children. The off-duty pilot, who was extremely helpful and gracious about me nursing my baby inches away from him. The grandma happy to play peek-a-boo with a cranky infant. The purple-manicured teenager who held my son while — horror of horrors — I got airsick on an especially turbulent flight. Even the business travelers who helped me fold up my stroller so I could get through security without losing a child.
Thanks to these child-free strangers, the skies were a little bit friendlier for this frazzled, frequent-flier mom.
What experiences have you had traveling with your kids? What do you think about kid-free flights?
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So what a sec, I’m confused. you said you’re all for kid free planes but that you’re one of those moms who HAS to tug them along on your travels (I happen to be too, don’t worry!). But then you said those non mom friendly passengers made your trips more relaxing and comfortable. So to me it sounds as if you said you’re all for baby free planes because theres friendlier, kid free people around. But um, if there werent any kids allowed then you wouldn’t be able to travel. So having nice passengers wouldn’t matter because you wouldn’t be traveling. Right?
Yes, I want people who don’t like to fly with kids to have the OPTION to sit away from babies and families with kids. I think they should be charged a premium for it, though!
So the people who’ll get annoyed by kids will choose the kid-free flights, and those who don’t mind kids will choose the ones where kids are allowed. Seems like it could make things less stressful for everyone involved. Not a bad idea Abby!
why does anyone NEED to fly with a baby or toddler? unless it’s going somewhere for an medical procedure i just don’t see the NEED.
both my husband and i live in a country where our families are not. for the first 2 years we have made it known that if anyone wants to see their newest family member, they need to hop on a plane and come to us.
also, its not the babies or the kids that are really the problem. its the parents who don’t seem to care. on a 16 hr flight to Australia last year, a couple with twins happily slept most of the way while the twins screamed endlessly for hours next to them. the guy across from them ended up screaming out in frustration and was promptly told to keep it down.
Emma, what about the time my best friend’s mother passed away and I had no one to watch my children? Should I have told my friend “Sorry, can’t be there for you in your time of need. I have kids who might annoy people on the plane”? No.
And what about when family members can’t afford to fly to see you, but you can. Do you tell them tough luck because you refuse to fly?
I don’t think it’s a big deal to take a flight with your children. There’s preparation you can do to make it as easy as possible on you and others.
And it’s not always parents who don’t care. Sometimes the greatest parents even have kids who have a bad day, and sometimes that unfortunately coincides with the flight.
I think this article presents a great idea that could make people much happier.
http://www.travelingwithkids.com.au
The best idea is to create a travel kit for your child. In the travel bag include the “necessary” items such as pens, pencils, crayons, travel games and writing paper.
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