There's nothing a parent dreads more than having their kids throw a tantrum on a plane. There's literally nowhere to go to calm your kid down, and you're forced to unleash your angry-mom-side in front of everyone. If you're not the parent, this makes you wish you never booked the vacation you've been looking forward to in the first place.
Several airlines have been experimenting to find a solution to all this, and it's sparked a huge online debate.
Most airlines don't have a specific policy on bringing young children, but some, like Malaysia Air, have banned infants from first class.
Eithad Airways offer a "Flying Nanny" service on its longer flights, where childcare professionals assist parents and entertain children during the flight.
Many people argue that banning children altogether is completely discriminatory, and nanny services are too expensive. So is a win-win situation possible?
Indian airline IndiGo has created a "quiet zone" in its cabins where children under the age of 12 are not allowed to be seated, and now other international airlines want to follow suit.
On one side, you have parents arguing that children are part of society and have the right to the seat parents pay for, while those who travel without kids argue that child-free zones will make for a better travel experience...
People took to Twitter voicing their support for child-free zones:
Just flown 7hrs with whiny whipper snappers from NYC to Madrid. Barely got any sleep. I say yay to #childfreeflights !
— MelissaJGonzalez (@MelJenGonzalez) May 14, 2017
Another airline has created #childfreeflights this is my dream! Would pay extra for this option. <3
— rowynn (@rowynn) August 8, 2017
A toddler isn't going to remember a holiday. But yes a child zone on a plane would be good #childfreeflights
— Sophie S. (@ThatIsSoFee) August 4, 2015
Other people were furious about the idea:
If you don't want to hear kids stick some headphones on, they pay for their seats too #ChildFreeFlights
— Victoria 🌻 Bradford (@Viccuso) August 4, 2015
#childfreeflights Such spoiled brats and no not talking about the kids listen up snowflakes if you can't handle being around babies then you are not an adult!
— Shauna (@Commonmama2) November 25, 2017
If screaming children are an annoyance to you, you might aswell never leave your house. Period. #ChildFreeFlights
— Steven Espley (@bcfcespley) August 4, 2015
