COMMENTARY | USA Today is reporting Malaysia Airlines will no longer allow babies to be transported in the first class section of its Boeing 747-400 jets as well as their future new Airbus A380s. This has come as the result of first class passengers making complaints about having to, in effect, pay more for the "privilege" of enduring the noise of crying and screaming little ones.
Malaysia Airlines is taking a first step that will hopefully catch on with the other airlines, even though it will mean potentially more frustration for those in nonfirst class seating areas in the short term. Furthermore, it's time for the airlines as a whole to address the problem of crying babies and small kids in all sections of the airplane.
Being a good parent is the hardest job in the world. But when it comes to travel, those challenges of parenting are often put to the test because babies and small children are oblivious to those around them as they express their frustrations and pains in a cramped airplane. And for the flying public, even under the most ideal circumstances presently in coach class, travel is something to endure, not really enjoy. Coupled with screaming and crying children that interrupt one's quiet time, air travel becomes even more of an ordeal.
This is the 21st century, and it's time for airplanes, especially new ones coming off the assembly line, to include special soundproof areas for parents and their small children. A certain amount of tickets for each flight could then be put aside for these travelers. The air carriers should also address their current fleets by soundproofing part of their planes for these families. Consumers have even called for air carriers to have adults only flights, according to CNN.
Certainly, babies and little kids express their dismay the only way they know how, but parents are responsible for their small kids' actions nonetheless. Passengers' attempts at having some peace of mind while flying should be respected. .
Until soundproof areas of planes come to commercial aviation, if ever, parents should take the initiative to help alleviate the unwanted noise, which could include employing Dr. Karp's calming reflex techniques that help colicky newborns to quiet down and sleep better, according to Halo Innovations. Additionally, getting a baby to swallow can help rid the earaches associated with a change in air pressure, according to Frommer's.
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