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 can see where they are coming from, but the comments about kids under 5 not being able to fly is bull. I have flown with my 3 year old a few times and she behaves very well! No she's not quiet the entire flight (omg she talks!! what horror!!) but she doesn't scream or poke people either!!
Oh and all the "I paid for my ticket so blah blah." Omg shut up already. Do you think that the parents with kids don't pay for tickets? Get over yourself.
But when I flew first class with my 3 month old and got all kinds of dirty looks during boarding I was pissed. My son slept from before takeoff to landing, not a peep for over 3 hours. Suck it, business travelers! They were just jealous that THEIR babies were never so 'good'!
My family lives in Asia, so I can't just drive there. Don't forget that there are other coutries out there beside your own ;) It isn't as easy as you think for me to get mt relatives to get the visa to visit my family in the US.
I can understand the annoying babies concept, though.
The airline has to do what's best for the business. :)
I fly all the time with my boys. Have since they were 6 weeks old. My oldest is a great traveler. I will add he has ADHD and you would never know it on a plane. I get compliments on how good he is, have since he was little. I always have new things to do and keep him entertained. (Not louded toys either.)
I do the same for my 3 yr, but he is a little more disruptive, but really not bad. He talks louder than his brother, and will yell for a second if frustrated. But I also find ways to entertain and keep him quiet on the plane.
To ban kids under 5 yr, would mean my boys would not know their grandfather. He passed this year from cancer. He was unable to visit us, and I only have limited amounts of vacation. So I had to fly, and take the kids to him. These aren't just I want a vacation trips, but even on those, I pay for a ticket for myself and my boys. They have as much right to the plane as you do. Heck some adults are louder and ruder than any kids I have encountered.
I don't have any problem with a business making their own rules- that's their right. But seriously? People saying...."Waaaaah but those people in first class paid more for the extra room, etc.." When I flew by myself with my son at 10 months old, I PAID to upgrade to first class, so I'd have the room to quietly nurse him to keep him comfortable and quiet.
Also- driving 2 days (4 days round trip) to see my in- laws 3x a year or so, is NOT feasible- people only get so much time off work, ya know? We do our absolute best to keep our 2 year old entertained with lots of snacks and toys, and we certainly don't let him kick or poke people. But if he's going to be crabby, it is what it is.
The next time we fly will be the first time he's not a lap sitter- so we're kind of hoping he's more comfortable in his car seat.
Surfgrl60, judgemental much? There are times when it's necessary to fly. My DH is in the Navy. We live in WA and our families live in TN. When he actually gets leave, it's normally no longer than 8 or 9 days. Driving from WA to TN takes a minimum of 4 or 5 days, especially when you have 2 kids and one of them is potty training. If we were to drive that, we wouldn't even have enough time to drive there and back, let alone actually see anyone in our family. What should we do, never see our families? I saw that you said that they could just come and see us. Well, here's some news for you...DH's family can't afford to come see and us and my parents work and can't get the time off. I do everything that I can to comfort my kids and for the most part, they are good. If you want to complain, you can suck it. I pay for their tickets and they have as much right to be on the plane as you do. If you have a problem with my kids--or any others--flying, YOU can stick to driving and I'LL make sure that I get to my destination by flying.
Surfgrl. . . .why do you call yourself surfgrl when you live in freakin' Idaho?
My money is just as green as the other's paying for 1st class, so I would have no problem sitting there or having someone else & their baby do the same. With 19 driving hours between destinations it's easier to fly. Both my kids have flown multiple times and they usually sleep. I've gotten compliments how quiet they are. Sometimes babies cry, sometimes the guy next to you snores, or the woman in front of you smells like she swam in the perfume pool. Have some tolerance & patience, the flight will be over soon!