Recently, on a brief Delta flight from Syracuse to JFK, a woman described as “overwhelmed” requested to be moved away from a crying infant. When the flight attendant denied her request—rightly so—she exploded in outrage, declaring that the flight attendant would be out of a job by tomorrow. Talk about entitlement.
Scenes like this unfold regularly in today’s air travel environment, where the understanding that “it takes a village” seems to vanish the moment people board a plane. Traveling by air is hardly a leisurely experience anymore, and it appears that many passengers, whether traveling for business or pleasure, tend to project their frustrations onto those around them.
Regrettably, babies and small children often bear the brunt of this impatience. Babies naturally cry, and energetic toddlers can be restless when confined to a seat for too long. The stresses of everyday life spill into airplane cabins, making for a potentially explosive mix.
The last thing anyone wants at 30,000 feet is for someone to lose control and create a dangerous situation for all onboard. Hence, the flight attendant, concerned about how the situation with the crying child might escalate, requested that the irate woman be removed from the plane. This is a standard procedure that crew members can initiate at any time.
This incident raises a couple of important questions: Why are more passengers seemingly unable or unwilling to sit near children? And what, if anything, can airlines do to address this issue?
To those who refuse to sit near babies or young children, I have a simple message: DEAL WITH IT. Unless you’re on a private flight or have your name literally on the aircraft, you have no say in where you sit. Buying a ticket doesn’t grant you special rights; it merely secures a ride from point A to point B. Seat assignments are at the discretion of the crew, and if you prefer to choose your spot based on who else is onboard, consider flying with airlines like Southwest.
Traveling quickly from one destination to another also means sharing the space with fellow human beings, including children. That’s just part of the experience.
As for the prospect of airlines designating “kid-free” zones, the outlook is grim. As reported by airfarewatchdog.com, the potential backlash from such a policy would likely result in a PR nightmare. While some international airlines, such as Malaysian Airlines and AirAsia, offer “kid-free” sections, domestic airlines have shown little interest in pursuing similar options.
Interestingly, many young children often display better behavior than some adults. Grown individuals throwing tantrums over a brief period of crying from a child need to take a moment to reflect. Lacking the patience and maturity expected in adulthood doesn’t give anyone the right to impose their frustrations on those around them, including families with young children.
So, how about taking a deep breath, enjoying your in-flight snack, and putting on your headphones? If that seems too challenging, there are always alternatives like Uber for a kid-free ride.
For those interested in starting a family, check out this post about the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit and learn more about the process. It’s an excellent resource to help navigate your journey to parenthood. Also, don’t forget to explore Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), a valuable option for those considering home insemination.
Summary: Traveling with children can be challenging, and the frustrations of adult passengers often lead to unreasonable demands. As air travel continues to evolve, it’s essential to accept that sharing space with families is part of the experience. Remember, staying calm and collected is key, and if you’re looking to start a family, there are numerous resources available to assist you.
Leave a Reply