I vividly remember a time when I was on a commercial flight, feeling overwhelmed just four weeks postpartum and still recovering from a C-section. When I requested assistance from a flight attendant to store my carry-on in the overhead compartment, she coldly refused, asserting it wasn’t her responsibility. Thankfully, a kind stranger stepped in to help. This experience left me pondering why parents and their children are often treated as if they don’t belong on airplanes.
It’s baffling that some individuals perceive children as nuisances or even as if they carry a contagious disease. Let’s not forget: we were all kids once. Children may not have the same rights as adults, such as voting or driving, but they certainly have the right to exist in public spaces, including airplanes.
While I can understand the desire for a peaceful dining experience at a high-end restaurant, where a screaming infant might disrupt the ambiance, airplanes are fundamentally different. They are public transportation systems designed to accommodate everyone, including families. Those who believe children should be barred from flying must also think that adults should be prohibited from public spaces until they reach a certain age—which is absurd.
Intrigued by how much of the airline industry thrives on fares from families, I sought data on the percentage of airline passengers who are children. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a definitive statistic. However, I discovered that some airlines are even considering options to separate families from other passengers. It’s astonishing that such a privilege is being contemplated for those who lack the patience to endure a child’s presence on a flight.
What I find perplexing is why airlines aren’t taking a different approach—especially since every child over the age of 2 must pay for their tickets. This means they deserve the same level of comfort as adults who often glare at them for being less than perfect. While airlines offer a variety of alcoholic beverages and gourmet meals, where are the kid-friendly options like mac-and-cheese or milk? If airlines are so concerned about the comfort of their adult passengers, why not cater to those who are more tolerant of children rather than creating spaces that exclude them?
In a 2017 Expedia study on airplane etiquette, 59% of passengers expressed annoyance toward “inattentive parenting,” or parents who seemed unable to manage their crying or unruly children. Interestingly, 55% of respondents reported being irritated by passengers with poor hygiene, and 49% were bothered by loud or intoxicated travelers. It seems outrageous that some adults believe they’re superior to kids on flights. Children may not yet have the maturity to behave like adults, but it is our responsibility as grown-ups to understand that they are still learning.
Moreover, if a program is instated allowing passengers to pay to avoid sitting near children, how will seating be determined? I doubt families will be seated in the more desirable sections of the plane. This raises the question of whether such policies discriminate based on age, effectively relegating families to the back while business travelers enjoy their wine in peace.
Airlines must do better and should not foster an environment where children are treated as second-class citizens simply because they don’t always behave perfectly. Kids will be kids, and even the best parenting can’t guarantee flawless behavior. Those judgmental passengers should take a moment to reflect on their own upbringing before criticizing parents who are doing their best to manage a challenging situation.
In summary, our society should embrace the reality that families, including children, have every right to travel and enjoy public spaces. The next time you find yourself on a flight with a child, remember your own childhood and the patience it takes to raise the next generation. For more insights into family and parenting, check out our post on fertility boosters for men, or learn more about pregnancy and home insemination. Explore this authoritative resource to deepen your understanding of parenting-related topics.