A few months ago the budget airline AirAsia X announced quiet zones on flights. They implemented the policy this month. The airline will charge a surcharge fee RM 35 or RM 110, which is about $11 and $35 respectively. The child-free zone on AsiaAir X are rows 7-14, just behind the premium seats. Travel surveys reveal that the number-one complaint from frequent-air travellers is children. Not airport security, not poor service, not flight delays, but children.
It's curious that some Asian cultures believe crying babies are a sign of good health, but just not on airplanes (see the slide show). The airline's statement regarding the new feature is also curious. "Simply because we know that sometimes all you need is some peace and quiet for a more pleasant journey with us." Read that again, "sometimes all you need is peace and quiet," .... not all the time, just some of the time?
Malaysian Air announced in 2011 and 2012 they will provide kid-free zones on long haul flights in the upstairs lounges on 747's and A380s. This is not out of the scope of expectations as it is a sectioned-off area in first class. But, have we reached a point in air travel where one has to arrange and pay for peace and quiet? Will US carriers use this as another way to bring in more money?
From experience, it's not always the children who are loud. I was recently on a night flight from the big island of Hawaii. At the time of the flight, Hawaii was under a tsunami warning, and everyone was a little tense wondering if a big wall of water would consume the airport before the plane would get the thumbs up to take off.
Before the wheels left the tarmac, the cabin filled with the most horrific sound. We all looked out the window to see if something from the seashore, like perhaps a telephone pole or a boat, was being pushed along the asphalt by a tsunami. Then we realized the sound was coming from inside the plane. A passenger across the aisle from my husband and I was snoring louder than the tsunami sirens. Worse yet, he knew it and was prepared. He was fast asleep and his ears were securely covered by noise-cancelling headphones.
For the rest of the flight, nothing could soften the horrific gurgling, snorting and choking sounds from the man's throat. We hoped he might wake, and feared (some secretly hoped) he might stop breathing given the decibels and the seriousness of his affliction.
Alas, he slept soundly, while we all scorned his existence. What would AirAsia do in this case? Remove him from the quiet zone? Even the air crew on our flight tried to nudge him and bump his elbow with the drink cart, but nothing worked.
It's impossible to control every aspect of air travel. AirAsia's quiet zone may drift quietly off into the abyss, to the same place hot meals, warm towels and personalized service now live. Or it may become the next price-gauging scheme to keep one airline brand or another in the air. A better idea is to give all passengers noise cancelling headphones as they board (or rent them on the plane). Then we can all travel in our own quiet zone.
As for parent's travelling with small children who might fuss. Other than when tots kick the back of the seat or run through the aisles, which is just bad parenting, children cry on flights usually because of ear pain from the pressure changes. The other cause is boredom, which is an easy fix.
Here are some tips from my own experience as a flight attendant and a parent who travelled with my children across many time zones (often without another adult to help me).
Five tips for fuss-free travel
1. Childrens' tiny ears do not adjust well to pressure changes during take off and landing. A pacifier, nursing, a baby bottle of water, a sippy cup with small-holed spout and even sipping from a thin cocktail straw can help comfort babies' and toddlers' ears during take-off and landing. For older children, give them a sugar-free lollipop or gum during take off and landing to ease the pressure.
2. Hot drink cup trick. Soak a paper towel with very warm water, wring it out. Push it down in the bottom of a coffee cup (repeat for second cup). Place the cup over one's ear. The steam and warmth will ease the pain and create a vacuum, which will help clear the ears. "The essential to budget travel is to approach onward. When it comes to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved vacations and/or going to see new destinations we have never been before, the reality of expense and budgeting is often in the back of our minds. Preparation and spending our travel budget properly is a consideration for most families. Lowering consuming and prices, while still enjoying your vacation to its fullest, is the key to assured achievements and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thought regarding protecting money while traveling is simple: Even if your personal budget is highly tight, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also recalling that while traveling, no matter whether on a funds or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel charge!..". Be careful not to let the warm water drip near a child's skin.
3. Ear plugs called EarPlanes with a ceramic filter that slows the change in pressure. These Navy-pilot tested ear plugs balance the pressure changes gradually. These are essential for adults and children who have sinus troubles, and they come in all sizes. Link here for more details.
4. Benedryl. Some parents may flinch with this suggestion. On the advice of my pediatrician, I used this when my child was getting over a cold (and for myself too). If your child has a head cold or allergies that may cause excruciating ear pain, a very small dose 25 minutes before landing helps (please, ask your doctor for advice). Nasal sprays and saline also work, but they are messy for children.
5. Break the boredom barrier. Think of how bored you are when travelling, now think of how that is compounded for a child during a flight. First, set the expectation. Polite behavior before, during and after the flight will be rewarded. Tell your children what they can expect from the flight -- short or long, plane changes or direct, and what will happen in the plane. There a lots of good books on the subject. Here are just a few on Amazon.
When travelling with my children, I rewarded them often for good-plane behavior and set up a routine, just like at home. They knew when to expect lunch, quite time and play time. And, good manners to the crew and fellow passengers were acknowledged. Before leaving the house, I packed each boy a prize bag with healthy snacks, a few treats, small prizes and flight-friendly toys. Every 30 minutes or so there was an activity to keep their attention. They quickly learned that air travel was fun, not a trip to boredom land.
Thank you for your interest in this story. Proceeds for all Examiner.com stories written by Kimberly Lord Stewart are donated to charity for an educational farm for children in Colorado ( Ed and Ruth Lehman Longmont YMCA). Link here for more information, subscribe for regular story updates, and follow on facebook. Thank you again. Every story and photo click will go far to help children's health and wellness.
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