Comments on: A Pot-Stirring Pilot and Crying Babies http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/ Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:20:16 GMT http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Amber http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-25202 Amber Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:02:47 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-25202 I've had many bad experiences flying due to bad parenting. The worst was the mother with two toddlers sitting in front of my husband and me. The mother put on headphones and ignored the children as they beat on each other. When it came time for drinks, the seats in front of me were rocking so bad that I had to keep a hand on my nerve-soothing wine. Once that drink was downed, the couple behind us bought us two more drinks. I do believe flying is one of the best forms of birth control. I’ve had many bad experiences flying due to bad parenting. The worst was the mother with two toddlers sitting in front of my husband and me. The mother put on headphones and ignored the children as they beat on each other. When it came time for drinks, the seats in front of me were rocking so bad that I had to keep a hand on my nerve-soothing wine. Once that drink was downed, the couple behind us bought us two more drinks. I do believe flying is one of the best forms of birth control.

]]> By: Bridget http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-16106 Bridget Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:09:47 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-16106 I love the idea of a family friendly and a child-free zone on planes. I've been suggesting that for a couple years now and am thrilled so many agree- parents and those not travelling with kids. One suggestion I have for the airlines too that could help is to charge the regular airfare rate for ANY passenger, regardless of age. Infants/toddlers may sit on laps for part of the time, but they still take up space and should be seated for take off so they should pay for a seat. Giving discounts or not charging infants just encourages parents to travel with their little ones. If they had to pay regular price, they may not travel quite as much with the kids. The airlines that are struggling financially right now could recoup a lot of money by doing this too. Sure, some people might throw a fuss, but we'll get over it just like we'll get over the baggage fee that is being introduced right now. I truly think the airlines should at least pilot this idea on a couple aircrafts and see the reaction they get. I love the idea of a family friendly and a child-free zone on planes. I’ve been suggesting that for a couple years now and am thrilled so many agree- parents and those not travelling with kids. One suggestion I have for the airlines too that could help is to charge the regular airfare rate for ANY passenger, regardless of age. Infants/toddlers may sit on laps for part of the time, but they still take up space and should be seated for take off so they should pay for a seat. Giving discounts or not charging infants just encourages parents to travel with their little ones. If they had to pay regular price, they may not travel quite as much with the kids. The airlines that are struggling financially right now could recoup a lot of money by doing this too. Sure, some people might throw a fuss, but we’ll get over it just like we’ll get over the baggage fee that is being introduced right now. I truly think the airlines should at least pilot this idea on a couple aircrafts and see the reaction they get.

]]> By: Roger Dodger http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15677 Roger Dodger Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:53:35 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15677 With the advent of charging for the FIRST checked bag, surely the bellies of the planes will be significantly empty and the overheads will be over flowing. Whiners may go below OR we could outfit the baggage area with a MsDonalds like play area and let the screaming weenies stay there until the area is unlocked at touch down, at which time the parents will go below and retrieve the brats whilst we deplane in an orderly and efficient manner, like we used to before car seats and strollers, etc. With the advent of charging for the FIRST checked bag, surely the bellies of the planes will be significantly empty and the overheads will be over flowing. Whiners may go below OR we could outfit the baggage area with a MsDonalds like play area and let the screaming weenies stay there until the area is unlocked at touch down, at which time the parents will go below and retrieve the brats whilst we deplane in an orderly and efficient manner, like we used to before car seats and strollers, etc.

]]> By: Heather http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15572 Heather Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:35:28 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15572 On a short trip (an hour and a half) from Charlotte to Orlando, there was crying on the plane practically non-stop. Not to mention, I had two children in the seat behind me who had never been on a plane OR to Disney World, so needless to say, they were constantly asking if the plane was going to crash, why it was shaking, and the age old question of "Are we there yet?" These kinds of things are to be expected on planes and even though I don't have children and don't plan on it, I understand that through the eyes of a child a plane can be a scary and exciting thing. After the hundredth and one time my seat got kicked from behind, I was using all the patience in my being to refrain from turning around and kicking back, but then I thought about the first time I went to Disney World, how excited I was and how that drive that took nearly half a day (or more) would have been much easier on my parents had we just gotten plane tickets. In the grand scheme of things a screaming child or two or five on your flight isn't the worst thing that could happen. You should be happy you're in route to your destination instead of delayed in an airport terminal with them. Earplugs could be your best friend. If those don't suffice, invest in some headphones that block out noise. And quit 'yer bitchin' about kids on a plane. I would prefer that to a lot of things any day. On a short trip (an hour and a half) from Charlotte to Orlando, there was crying on the plane practically non-stop. Not to mention, I had two children in the seat behind me who had never been on a plane OR to Disney World, so needless to say, they were constantly asking if the plane was going to crash, why it was shaking, and the age old question of “Are we there yet?” These kinds of things are to be expected on planes and even though I don’t have children and don’t plan on it, I understand that through the eyes of a child a plane can be a scary and exciting thing. After the hundredth and one time my seat got kicked from behind, I was using all the patience in my being to refrain from turning around and kicking back, but then I thought about the first time I went to Disney World, how excited I was and how that drive that took nearly half a day (or more) would have been much easier on my parents had we just gotten plane tickets.

In the grand scheme of things a screaming child or two or five on your flight isn’t the worst thing that could happen. You should be happy you’re in route to your destination instead of delayed in an airport terminal with them.

Earplugs could be your best friend. If those don’t suffice, invest in some headphones that block out noise. And quit ‘yer bitchin’ about kids on a plane. I would prefer that to a lot of things any day.

]]> By: Tonya http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15530 Tonya Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:14:37 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15530 It really depends on the situation, and being a mother of an "easy" child and a "difficult" one who travel internationally, I really do understand others' annoyance. But a lot of times, it's not the kid being noisy or irritating that bothers me - it's the parents not doing anything about it that irks me! Believe me, I have offered to drug some kids, and scared a few parents in my time. A soundproof section is a good idea for the truly uncontrollable kids and parents. It can double as a time out room as well. It really depends on the situation, and being a mother of an “easy” child and a “difficult” one who travel internationally, I really do understand others’ annoyance. But a lot of times, it’s not the kid being noisy or irritating that bothers me - it’s the parents not doing anything about it that irks me! Believe me, I have offered to drug some kids, and scared a few parents in my time. A soundproof section is a good idea for the truly uncontrollable kids and parents. It can double as a time out room as well.

]]> By: Norma http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15519 Norma Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:40:14 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15519 I think that it totally depends on the child. My daughter has been traveling since she was 1 year old and she is the best! We always receive compliments from passengers telling us how absolutely wonderful she is. She mostly sleeps thru our flights but if she is up, she is easily entertained by a movie, toys or crafts that we pack along for that purpose. We have NEVER had a problem. However, there was one flight that we were on and there was this child a few rows behind us that was just crying almost non-stop and it was the most aggraveting thing in the world. I can only imagine how bad it was for the passengers sitting just next to their row. I adore kids but that child would not shut up. Of course, she ended up waking up my little girl but I gave her a snack and put on a movie and she just relaxed. But I was really upset because she had woken my baby up. So if you have one of these kids I would certainly appreciate a special "family" section on the airplane for you and it has to be soundproof. I think that it totally depends on the child. My daughter has been traveling since she was 1 year old and she is the best! We always receive compliments from passengers telling us how absolutely wonderful she is. She mostly sleeps thru our flights but if she is up, she is easily entertained by a movie, toys or crafts that we pack along for that purpose. We have NEVER had a problem. However, there was one flight that we were on and there was this child a few rows behind us that was just crying almost non-stop and it was the most aggraveting thing in the world. I can only imagine how bad it was for the passengers sitting just next to their row. I adore kids but that child would not shut up. Of course, she ended up waking up my little girl but I gave her a snack and put on a movie and she just relaxed. But I was really upset because she had woken my baby up. So if you have one of these kids I would certainly appreciate a special “family” section on the airplane for you and it has to be soundproof.

]]> By: cc taylor http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15506 cc taylor Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:32:38 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15506 Isn't there a book or some sort of web resource that will help new parents (or unconscious ones) prepare to take their kids on flights? With tried & true ways to help kids deal with pressure changes (gum, bottles, etc.) and suggestions to deal with sleeping, toys to bring etc.? Maybe the airlines could supply that sort of info under FAQs or as a pop-up when purchasing a child's ticket. As a child who traveled back & forth to Australia before the age of 4, I remember (& sympathize with kids) how dreadfully boring it was but that the airline did supply a little box of wings, playing cards, etc. Giving those out is a great idea. However, I get irked as hell reading these posts of select parents who tell us to "get over it". The sense of entitlement is mind-boggling--that since we were all kids once and all children are so magnificent should make us tolerate a miserable flight is absurd. We have other priorities in life that are equally important as your kid's right to travel: sleeping so as to be refreshed when we touch down, preparing for the meetings/work we have when we arrive at our destination, maximum comfort for the steep price of our ticket, etc. And you can bet that if the shoe was on the other foot and your kid DID fall asleep on a flight and the passenger seated next to/behind them was rowdy/loud talking/inebriated, and disturbed your kid you'd have PLENTY to say about that... Isn’t there a book or some sort of web resource that will help new parents (or unconscious ones) prepare to take their kids on flights? With tried & true ways to help kids deal with pressure changes (gum, bottles, etc.) and suggestions to deal with sleeping, toys to bring etc.? Maybe the airlines could supply that sort of info under FAQs or as a pop-up when purchasing a child’s ticket. As a child who traveled back & forth to Australia before the age of 4, I remember (& sympathize with kids) how dreadfully boring it was but that the airline did supply a little box of wings, playing cards, etc. Giving those out is a great idea.
However, I get irked as hell reading these posts of select parents who tell us to “get over it”. The sense of entitlement is mind-boggling–that since we were all kids once and all children are so magnificent should make us tolerate a miserable flight is absurd. We have other priorities in life that are equally important as your kid’s right to travel: sleeping so as to be refreshed when we touch down, preparing for the meetings/work we have when we arrive at our destination, maximum comfort for the steep price of our ticket, etc. And you can bet that if the shoe was on the other foot and your kid DID fall asleep on a flight and the passenger seated next to/behind them was rowdy/loud talking/inebriated, and disturbed your kid you’d have PLENTY to say about that…

]]> By: Trina Taylor http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15439 Trina Taylor Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:58:46 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15439 Yes we need children only areas especially for long haul flights. It makes travelling hell for other passengers if you are seated near a screaming child. What annoys me is seeing a child asleep before a flight then wide awake screaming for the whole flight. Some parents hevent got a clue how to pacify or prepare or equip for the trip. I personally would never fly with a young child the dangers of flying with such precious cargo these days is a gamble. Some parents are selfish and think only of themselves. Ive had some dreadful trips next to inconsiderate families with hellish spoilt children. Whwn you stand in the que waiting to board you pray Oh please no, not near that family. Yes we need children only areas especially for long haul flights. It makes travelling hell for other passengers if you are seated near a screaming child. What annoys me is seeing a child asleep before a flight then wide awake screaming for the whole flight. Some parents hevent got a clue how to pacify or prepare or equip for the trip. I personally would never fly with a young child the dangers of flying with such precious cargo these days is a gamble. Some parents are selfish and think only of themselves. Ive had some dreadful trips next to inconsiderate families with hellish spoilt children. Whwn you stand in the que waiting to board you pray Oh please no, not near that family.

]]> By: David Viland http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15375 David Viland Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:35:47 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15375 I find it very sad to see all the disparaging remarks about children. We were all children, and most of us have children. Yes, most of the time the braty kids are braty because of inadequate parenting skills. When I encounter noisy braty kids on the plane, my first reaction is to note if this seems to be a parenting problem. If it is, and the disturbance is affecting me I'll often say something like, "Ma'am, I'd really appreciate it if you'd deal with your child who is continually kicking my seat." Usually it tones down the problem significantly. Having said that, I do agree that designated sections for families with children is a good idea. (Then maybe some of the parents would get a dose of it themselves.) But it probably is not as practical or as needed on shorter flights, of say under 90 minues. I find it very sad to see all the disparaging remarks about children. We were all children, and most of us have children. Yes, most of the time the braty kids are braty because of inadequate parenting skills. When I encounter noisy braty kids on the plane, my first reaction is to note if this seems to be a parenting problem. If it is, and the disturbance is affecting me I’ll often say something like, “Ma’am, I’d really appreciate it if you’d deal with your child who is continually kicking my seat.” Usually it tones down the problem significantly. Having said that, I do agree that designated sections for families with children is a good idea. (Then maybe some of the parents would get a dose of it themselves.) But it probably is not as practical or as needed on shorter flights, of say under 90 minues.

]]> By: patti http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15368 patti Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:59:29 +0000 http://rickseaney.com/2008/05/30/a-pot-stirring-pilot-and-crying-babies/#comment-15368 Folks, it's not the kids that make flights so miserable. It's the overly permissive parents who think their Little Angel is being cute and adorable when really Little Angel is in need of serious supervision and even discipline. So I vote for a Parent's Section and make them take their kids with them. My worst experiences with kids on planes have ALL been due to inattentive or overly permissive parents. If you're three years old and your mom lets you kick the seat (or worse, like the lap child that was grabbing beverages off of the console in First Class and spilling them on me: his mom didn't say "sorry", just said "he's so speedy!") then youre going to kick. If your mom punishes you for unruly behavior, you'll behave on the plane. Folks, it’s not the kids that make flights so miserable. It’s the overly permissive parents who think their Little Angel is being cute and adorable when really Little Angel is in need of serious supervision and even discipline. So I vote for a Parent’s Section and make them take their kids with them. My worst experiences with kids on planes have ALL been due to inattentive or overly permissive parents. If you’re three years old and your mom lets you kick the seat (or worse, like the lap child that was grabbing beverages off of the console in First Class and spilling them on me: his mom didn’t say “sorry”, just said “he’s so speedy!”) then youre going to kick. If your mom punishes you for unruly behavior, you’ll behave on the plane.

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