I was once assigned a seat in the second last row of a plane, in front of a row of children who were travelling as unaccompanied minors.
My initial reaction was dread, imaging that the kids would be shouting, kicking the back of the seat and generally disrupting my flight. In fact, they behaved incredibly well.
The children – perhaps aged 10 or 11 – didn’t know each other, but struck up a conversation, which I couldn’t help but hear. Turns out they were both members of “broken” families. One was on his way to see his father in Sydney, the other was returning from a trip to see his mother in Brisbane.
They were perfectly smart, dare I say, well-adjusted young people, and rather than hate the experience, I think I learned something.
I tell this story because I’ve been reading – again – about rowdy children disrupting adults on planes. The latest news is that Indian budget carrier IndiGo has adopted a “quiet zone” policy for premium seats, in a part of the cabin where children under 12 are not welcome. Other airlines, including Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia and Scoot, have similar areas on some flights.
I was reminded of the campaign by eccentric CNN presenter Richard Quest to ban children from business class.
Quest’s argument was that business class flyers pay a premium for peace and quiet so they can sleep or, as the name of the cabin suggests, do business.
In 2012, Quest wrote: “Allowing babies and young children to travel in business class has always struck me as an odd policy. The airline sells you a very expensive seat that turns into a bed; it promises you a delightful ride across oceans and continents, and then promptly sells an adjacent seat to someone who more than likely will keep everyone awake.”
He added: “I have no problem with children in first class – that is just a product of money and if you are rich and daft enough to pay for little Johnny or Esmerelda to have a first-class bed you have more money than sense, so go ahead. Other rich people won’t thank you, but you can fight it out among yourselves.”
Despite the pleasant experience I described earlier, I have had a few bad flights due to crying babies or children running about the cabin. And as an often full-fare-paying business-class passenger, I would certainly be annoyed if that were to happen on a long-haul flight while I was trying to sleep.
Are no-go zones the answer? Or maybe childless planes? After all, several cruise lines operate kids-free holidays, and nobody complains about that. But going on a cruise is a treat, and there are options to suit all types of travellers. Sometimes flying is a necessity and there is only one choice, and we’re all in it together.
Update: Some airlines are embracing their younger passengers, as this Emirates commercial featuring Jennifer Aniston and a child actor demonstrates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz_qZQbiZuA
Another comment from Facebook:
There’s a difference between a crying baby/toddler and badly behaved children who need supervision. But wherever they sit, respect for each other in that long cigar tube is essential
A comment from Facebook:
Mmmm, loaded question for me. I always book my seats (economy) at the back of the plane as it is usually the quietest. I did have a flight last year, I was next to the last row. The last row consisted of mum, young child, maybe 3yrs old, dad and a boy a bit older. Young girl kept reaching through the seats and prodding me in the face. When I tried to speak to mum she just laughed it off as…kids will be kids, isn’t she cute… No, I was trying to sleep. I understand it can be difficult for parents when their children cry due to maybe ear problems with the pressure but when they are just messing about, kicking the back of the chair etc..that is the parents responsibility. Saying that I have been on plenty of flights where the children just get on with it.