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
If surfgurl doesn't fly anyways, why is she bitching about children being on flights? I think if she has a problem with public transportation being open to the public, perhaps she should purchase her own airline for which she could create as many asinine, discriminatory rules she wants.
Surfgrl60-- Really? not all babies and toddlers are screamers on planes. I took both my daughters home for the holidays when my husband was deployed back in 2004. they were 2 yrs and 8 months old. I saw all the eye rolling when I got on the plane, but when we got off, all I got were compliments on how well behaved and QUIET they were. they are 7 and 9 now, and they are STILL well behaved on a plane! You want to fly with out your kids, good for you. you don't want to fly with kids with you, then don't fly, as you keep telling others.
Surfgirl-Impulse control and spell check.Thanks!
OR..parents could be responsible enough NOT to keep their baby in first class if they are crying..ditto misbehaving children, smelly, drunk or rude people. Seriously, guys. They shouldn't have to ban it because people ought to be more considerate. I used to fly all the time with my kids and if they were having a rough time, I moved to the back of the plane to deal with it.
"Surfgirl-Impulse control and spell check.Thanks!"
Ditto sass and abra. I haven't flown with my little dude yet, but if I had to, Sass, that's what I would do. We've taken trains during fussy times, and I spent a chunk of time bouncing and walking with him to keep him quiet. The problem isn't children or even "bad" children, but inconsiderate parents.
This is a rediculous arguement. They are free to do what ever they want with their business. I fly with my kids all the time and I honestly don't give a CRAP what other people think. I am not going to make a 3-day drive if I don't have to. When I fly it is with at least ONE of my 5 kids around Christmas time I will be flying with ALL FIVE.