In response to numerous complaints from first-class passengers about screaming babies on airplanes, Malaysia Airlines has announced that it is extending its ban on babies flying in the first class cabin. The airline already had a ban in place on Boeing 747-400 jets; now it plans to do the same on its Airbus A380 superjumbo jets.
Now, I know what you're thinking: That this policy is ballsy, harsh, reprehensible, and completely discriminatory ... and it's probably all of those things. But I also think it's brilliant. Here's why:
Just because your children are well-behaved and love to fly doesn't mean there aren't other parents who can't handle their children during flight. As a passenger -- usually in the economy section -- I've come to accept that screaming babies are part and parcel of flying on an airplane. I'm not thrilled about it, but I don't get upset about it. Sometimes I even ask if I can help. There's nothing you can really do -- save putting on some headphones and zoning off to your happy place.
But why should people who shell out big money to fly in comfort in first class have to tolerate such a thing? Many of the people in first class are there because they want/need to sleep on the flight. And it's nearly impossible to sleep when a baby is squalling next to you -- I don't care how sound-proof your headphones claim to be!
Here's the thing: Not every product, service, experience, etc. has to be family-friendly or even vice versa. Malaysia Airlines -- and any other airline that adopts a similar infant ban -- seems to be targeting a specific consumer: the childless passenger who will pay a lot of money to fly in comfort and quiet. If that's how they think they can make a profit, then they have every right to institute a baby ban.
But that also means a passenger looking for a more laid-back, family-friendly experience may feel alienated by this policy. Likely, they'll be looking to take their business elsewhere. And that might not be such a bad thing.
Image via Cesar Rincon/Flickr
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Comments 164
I have HAD to fly overseas several times- with an infant. i thank gawd that each time I have been blessed to sit next to people with a heart and not gigantic assholes clearly dipicted in this comments section.
You want to make sure you're not stuck next to someone as horrible as an infant? Then why don't you drive to your destination? Seems like forms of public transportation would be much easier, even better without your patronage.
As for the ban? Well, they are free to do what they want with their airline. I am completely free to not give them my money.
surfgrl60 you're an idiot !!! I think everyone would benefit if YOU didn't fly !!! Seriously no children under 5 should fly ???? WOW how about you teach your kids how to act and then maybe you'll change your mind !!! my son is 3 and we've flown with him since he was a few months old he's been on over a dozen flights AND never has he had a problem !!! he's never cried, never got up, never kicked the chair in front of him and never bothered anyone !!!!
Having a child free zone is a good idea, if it works for the airline.
I disagree that if children have somewhere to go the parents should just drive. Maybe you have all the time in the world to drive cross country, but not all of us do. And while you pay for you ticket, guess what, so do we! Me and my children. They have every right to be on that plane, just as much as you do. With your shitty attitude, I'm glad you choose to drive and not subject others to your rotten personality.
Being a single parent in the Military I HAVE to fly with my baby in order to get her to my parents house while I am out on deployment. I am not given the time to drive. Plus that couple of hours YOU are dealing with is alot less stressfull on the baby then the DAYS i would have to drive to get there. (Note: my baby has been flying since she was 6 weeks old and has never cried on a flight)
And as for first class being child free, go for it. But there is only a curtain between the two and I know babys cry louder than that.
Me : I quit flying. Because of bad parenting!
Tylersmom: I would pay BIG money to see a todder sit quiet for hours on a flight. I think you are full of shit. My dad worked for the airlines for 13 years. I have been on so many plane rides I have lost count. But I was a little older. My dad would have kicked my ass if I would have started crying and screaming. As any parent should. You sound like the type of parent that lets your kid on the plane do whatever. LIKE I SAID, I HIGHLY DOUBT that a toddler could sit quiet for hours! Did you fill him full of cold meds to knock him out!?
I am going to end this argument by saying EVERYBODY has a RIGHT to THEIR OWN oppinion. I prefer a kidless flight. THE END.
For WORK, surfgrl. If you are in the military, you can't just say "nah, I don't think we'll do that."
Wow, Rachel...I don't agree with her comments and agree they saying kids under 5 shouldn't fly isn't a resonable or logical statement, but wow. That was uncalled for.