Toddler Section Suggestion

December 24, 2007

in Baby & Kid Stories

I just experienced the toddler behind you kicking the back of your seat all the way from Chicago to Vegas phenomenon. This was coupled with the crying and demands of “I want apple juice” intermittenly throughout the flight. I don’t own any children myself, and have been very happy with my choice. That is why it is so excruciatingly frustrating to have to put up with other people’s choices, especially when paying 500+ for a holiday flight. Suggestion to airlines: why not have a toddler/baby section, just like the old smoking sections? It would place all the noxious behaviors (and sights, sounds, smells, etc.) away from the passengers who normally separate themselves from these annoyances. Trapped for 3+ hours with a demon child behind is just WRONG and should not have to be endured by any single, happily child-less woman.

{ 92 comments… read them below or add one }

John July 15, 2008 at 9:57 am

YES YES YES!!!!!!! why NOT have a section for kids and families with kids, this is PERFECT. PLEASE say something to someone, start a petition, I will sign it.

I have had MORE child run-ins on planes and parents who don't care. I HATE kids in airplanes because they always prove to be total assholes.

My biggest nightmare happened on a plane from New York to LA when I was seating in the middle of 14 kids all travelling alone. They all sat in the first two rows of coach, and I was seated in the middle seat with all of them. the only adult. I wanted to DIE by the 2nd hour and the flight attendants wouldn't let me go to first class.

Please start a lobby or something, this is a great idea.

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Anonymous July 16, 2008 at 7:02 am

I totally agree with this theory too. I think they should have a separate section for families with kids and people without kids. I also am happy with my choice to not reproduce and hate putting up with other people's obnoxious children, whom they can't seem to control.

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Elizabeth January 7, 2016 at 4:13 pm

That would have been quite good if only you had mastered the use of "whom", rather than just trying to sound l….. "important".

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Grump July 22, 2017 at 1:30 am

"Whom" is correct in this case. "They" is the subject, "whom" is the object.

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Scott July 16, 2008 at 11:36 am

Yeah! And why not a section for fat people! and smelly people! and obnoxious people! and for people that are going to get drunk! and a section for white people! and a section for black people!

I LOVE IT!

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Laura December 10, 2009 at 11:56 am

I especially love your last suggestion ………… (kidding, obviously)

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rerere April 9, 2010 at 9:53 am

No, I like tha last idea!

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Edward July 18, 2008 at 12:29 pm

A special section for overweight, smelly and children is good enough for me. Can you imagine a family of 5 getting on that were all obese and stunk???

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Sam July 18, 2008 at 5:49 pm

I wish your parents had the same attitude towards reproduction that all of you apparently do.

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Marian April 8, 2010 at 5:51 am

Thank you Sam. I thought I was the only one who was slightly irritated by this story and the comments.

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C.B. July 30, 2008 at 10:42 am

I have only one child, but I agree, there should be a special section for people with children. Also, is that why there is a business class, for people who are willing to pay extra for peace and quiet?

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steph October 30, 2015 at 11:07 am

I actually agreed with the poster until I just read your comment, which makes perfect sense.

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Brittany August 11, 2008 at 8:11 pm

not all kids are so badly behaved. it's always a dicilpine problem with the parents. My mom would never tolerate that behaviour from me as a kid and certainly doesn't from my little sister. Why punish the good parents because bad parents are stupid? also, someone made a prejudiced comment to your story on this thing and I would like to say that it is not a good thing to do (but not your fault).

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Heather March 12, 2009 at 6:50 am

You might be childless, but you sound far from happy. Yikes!

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Rebecca April 2, 2009 at 8:33 am

I've flown many times with my toddler and he usually has much better behavior that the supposed "adults" on the plane whining about when will the drinks cart come and when can they get off to go smoke, and they don't like their seat assignment, blah, blah, blah…you need to get over yourself. Buy a 1st class ticket if it causes you so much mental distress.

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Tomas April 2, 2009 at 8:45 am

"I don't own any children myself"

Haha, I don't OWN any either… I can't believe they abolished slavery either lol

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M April 2, 2009 at 9:10 am

I TOTALLY agree with you.

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bubba April 2, 2009 at 9:15 am

How about a section for bitchy whiny people? all of you can sit in it.

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westside December 8, 2011 at 7:23 am

^^^^this is the best comment on the whole website ^^^^ (bubba)

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Gina April 2, 2009 at 9:19 am

It is alwasy interesting that happily childless people have such a problem with children, who are human not animals. Why don't they just have a single persons only plane so everybody doesn't have to be bothered with the happily childess people.

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Patty April 10, 2010 at 7:38 am

I actually like the idea of separating the childless. If the airlines would offer child-free flights, I would be happy to sign up. I actually "own" two children, but they are grown and "own" kids of their own. Just to make a correction in your post…The happily childless people rarely "bother" anyone else. It's the overworked, undisciplined parents that insist on dragging their spawn everywhere.

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JT April 2, 2009 at 9:24 am

I fly something like 50K per year. On some of those trips, my wife and 2-year old son accompany me. I think it is extremely unfair to generalize all children as "bratty" or whatever you want to call them. My son usually sits and watches a DVD player or looks at pictures books and never disturbs anyone. He has flown to from the east coast to Hawaii, to California twice, to Aruba, and many points in between with no problems. The problem is the parents, not the child. Too many parents don't care enough to pay attention to their child and keep them occupied. I say again, don't blame the child. They are just doing what children do.

Oh, and to the original writer, kids aren't dogs. You don't own them. I'm guessing with your attitude, the reason you don't have any kids is because you can't find someone willing to listen to your incessant whining long enough to have sex with you!

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Heather April 2, 2009 at 9:32 am

Why don't all the people who don't like kids stay home or drive. That way all of us who have children don't have to put up with the looks from childless people and comments. That seems like the real solution.

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Mike April 2, 2009 at 9:40 am

JT is absolutely correct – it is NOT the child's fault. It is categorically unfair to blame a 2 year old for poor manners. It is the parents' fault, and they should be required to sit in a special section for children. Having 2 kids myself, I can tell you firsthand that if either my son or daughter behaved this way, there would be a world class disciplinary incident on the plane.

Here's my story – in 2006, the 4 of us MSP to Hawaii – about 7.5 hours or so. My daughter was 2 at the time. Was she demanding? Yes. BUT, she was well behaved and required to maintain the behavior the whole flight (each way). No exceptions. Were a few spankings administered in the lavatory during the flight? Yep. But, no outbursts, no running around, no bad behavior that bothered others.

It's the parents, not the kids.

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Owen November 5, 2010 at 7:43 am

so you take a 2 year old with no concept of what's happening and no way to prepare, on a flight where she's uncomfortable, then spank her for not behaving? Dude, that's just CRUEL. I hope you don't warp her for life.

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Kayln June 10, 2014 at 1:50 am

I'm guessing you don't have kids? Kids have to learn somehow. If you take them to the store and they pick something up, you don't flip them around a beat the living daylights out of them. You tell them no, give them a few more chances, and if they still don't listen you take them to the bathroom or wait till you get home, a spank them. The same goes for a plane.

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Wag June 10, 2014 at 8:33 am

You take an airplane to a bathroom and spank it?

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Kayln June 13, 2014 at 2:05 am

*The same goes if you're on a plane. Damn grammar police.

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Melanie April 2, 2009 at 9:41 am

This lady needs an attitude adjustment! You don't "own" children. Children are the greatest blessing ever! Whining or not whining they are soooooo worth it!

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c April 2, 2009 at 9:46 am

Typically families are sent to the back of the airplane by the toilets, I know because I have two young boys. I have sat next to nastier smellier adults that know better, why should families be punished when they pay the same amount for tickets and are constantly blamed for other peoples short patience. If travelers and flight attendants generally had a little more respect and compassion for each other travel would be a lot more pleasant. Everyone should remember, wether you have children or not, you too were once a child and society endured your behaviors. It's not always easy or pretty but that is how children are raised, within communities not segregated.

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zebra April 2, 2009 at 9:50 am

They should have a quiet section of the plane. My spouse and I usually nap, read, or play video games. But some people like to chat or have high-energy children.

If they did, the people who read won't be bothered by loud conversations and the considerate noisier passengers don't have to worry about waking someone up who is trying to rest.

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tina April 2, 2009 at 10:01 am

I must be really lucky. My daughter is a little angel on flights. She sits there and doesn't make a sound or kick anything.

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Kathy April 2, 2009 at 10:02 am

We need to all remember, everyone's level of irritations are not the same. Let's say a toddler is tired grumpy and out of sorts, whines once or twice, but generally sits the rest of the time pretty much well behaved. To hypersensitive people, the one or two whines is enough to send them into fits, while others may laugh it off. Which basically means this, it's not fair to lump all families together and label them "bad parents and bad kids". By who's standard are we judging them? Yours? Mine? The Flight Attendants?

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Anon April 2, 2009 at 10:07 am

" I don't own any children myself " because children are objects to be owned. Nice choice of words there, get laid, have a kid and then you'll know how it is to be a parent and not just own a kid.

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Elaine April 2, 2009 at 10:10 am

I'm a mother, and as I posted on another story, don't blame the kids, kids will get crazy if you let them.

Blame the lazy, moronic parents. Every time I'm on a flight or in a restaurant with my kids, I get so many compliments on how well behaved they are. It CAN be done.

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Stephanie April 2, 2009 at 10:11 am

Yes, I agree. That would remove the pressure on parents of trying to make their toddlers behave like little adults. I have two children and fly often. The girl, now 7, has been an exemplary flyer since age 2 months and often complimented on her behavior by other flyers. The boy, not yet 2, has caused other flyers to request to be reseated. Until a child reaches about age 4, their behavior is what it is and the parents can only work with it to a certain degree.

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AlsoWithoutChild January 7, 2016 at 4:30 pm

Perhaps "little adults" is a wrong turn of phrase. "Civilised Creatures" should be the order of the day, rather than "feral animals"

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MT April 2, 2009 at 10:12 am

Maybe they should have a section for snobby arogant people. Would be a great place for you to set.

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Chucky April 2, 2009 at 10:13 am

i wish that the lady that posted this would have had parents that wanted to remain childless….what a selfish prude…get laid

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Jordan April 2, 2009 at 10:51 am

I'm going to have to agree with the person who wrote this story…although make one change. Instead of having a mandatory child section, have an area of the plane where misbehaving children and their parents (who are responsible for the inappropriate behavior) have to go if a complaint is made against them. That way not everyone with a child is judged, and there is somewhere for those who are ill-behaved to go and mind their own business. Problem solved! There should also be a fat section, stinky section, won't-stop-talking section, and so on.

About 8 years ago, I flew with my 2 sisters, father, and 2 year old nephew to Europe to visit family. My nephew's feet started to swell during the last 30 minutes of the flight. He begged for my sister (his mother) to take his shoes off (as to relieve the pressure on his feet). She wouldn't do it, stating, "I know my child. If I take his shoes off, I'll never get them back on." My sister is a "my way or the highway" type of person; she doesn't know what comprise is, and she rarely takes other people's feelings into consideration. Thus, he had a melt down for the remaining 30 mins of the flight because his feet hurt. Hey, he was a 2 year old child in pain; it wasn't his fault. I felt so bad for my fellow passengers (not to mention my nephew) and was SO embarrassed to be associated with "that parent." It was HER fault that he screamed the rest of the flight, not his.

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Barry S April 2, 2009 at 10:51 am

What kind of person "owns a kid" anyways? I agree that parents should stop their children from misbehaving, but you sound like a real @$#hole.

You paid a whopping 500 bucks for a cheap dicount ticket? Wow, that should come with Pierrier and women feeding you grapes.

Deal with it. If you want luxury, man up and buy first class, otherwise STFU.

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shields April 2, 2009 at 11:29 am

I agree a section for those of traveling with children have our own section.

But OMG, what a bitch you are!!!!

Do you not have any compassion for anyone. And to say that you do not "own" a child of your own. Well, thank God for that.

I would seriously be concerned about my outlook on life.

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Jacklynn April 2, 2009 at 11:52 am

I'm glad you don't have children. I would hate to be the child of a prude like you. I have two kids, and I've flown, and I've gotten compliments on my childrens' behavior. Grouping and stereo-typing shows your ignorance and stupidity. Have a wonderfully sad life.

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Katherine April 2, 2009 at 12:02 pm

I'm with the letter-writer, but I prefer the term "child-free." Childless just sounds like you're missing a child, and that is not the case.

Those of you who stress that it's the parents', not the kids', problem when discipline issues happen on planes are 100% correct. Just like it is the parents who bought the ticket, and chose to take their poorly-reared child into a flying sardine can with 100+ other people. If your child cannot sit still and stay quiet for hours at a time, don't book the flight.

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Marian April 8, 2010 at 6:03 am

child-free? omg how fascistic..

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C April 2, 2009 at 12:25 pm

You don't "OWN" a child?

What a horrible person.

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Tom April 2, 2009 at 12:44 pm

I have two kids who were 3 and 1 at the time we took a nice long flight from Texas to Maui. We were looking forward to the trip but were extremely nervous about the kids causing a fuss.

This led us to (a) bring a ton of books and quiet toys, (b) invest in a portable dvd player (with earphones!) and a spare battery, and (c) have a ton of snacks.

Other than one major 2 minute tantrum session going out and one of the same coming back (in the middle of the night…cringe), it went pretty well. Other than simply not going, I don't think we could have done much more to try to keep them quiet.

Let me assure the people who are complaining (some quite hatefully) about noisy kids on planes: the parents aren't having a picnic either and are most likely mortified. But, what do you want them to do, prostrate themselves in the aisle and beg your forgiveness?

To those who think you can discipline a small child into silence, well, in my experience, not really. For us, about the best thing we can do is distract them and get them happy about something instead of sad about whatever mysterious thing has made them sad. All kids and families are different though.

And to those of you who just don't like kids or are completely incapably of empathy with the parents: you aren't anyone special and have no more right to fly than a family of four, so I guess you'll just have to get over it, won't you? Earplugs are cheap and plentiful.

And, a shot a parents who actually should know better than to bring their particular kids on a plane: you know your kids and you probably have a pretty good idea of how they will take flying. If you know it will be a nightmare for you and everyone within 20 rows…just wait a while! Vacation close to home this year and give it a shot next year. The flight to Hawaii was about the limit of what we were willing to put the kids through and what we thought they would tolerate. New Zealand will just have to wait a few years.

That all said, I think the special section for families is a decent idea, provided that it is close to the bathroom and the galley (places most people don't want to sit anyway).

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Jenns April 2, 2009 at 12:52 pm

As a parent I would love to have a toddler area of the plane. My child has been great on all of our flights but knowing that we were around other families would definitely take away some pressure.

I waited a while to have a child I feel the pain of the childless traveler. I make sure that my child has everything he needs for the flight to keep his attention and keep him quiet, sit on the aisle for frequent and easy diaper changes, book flights that will work with nap time, etc., but unfortunately too many parents just don't seem to care.

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Lem April 2, 2009 at 1:41 pm

GREAT IDEA!! And I am the mother of a 3 year old. Traveling with a toddler is very VERY stressful, and sometimes, no matter how much the parent tries to control and discipline their toddler, it is simply impossible. They will do what they want and attempting to stop it can just make it worse. When I travel by airplane with my son (which is VERY infrequently) I try to have anything and everything with me to entertain him; but new place? new people to bug? new things to see? Even the new toys that I save specifically for these occasions, are not necessarily going to keep him occupied. Sometimes it may appear that parents aren't doing anything because they have learned that the best thing to do is IGNORE the child. sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. In any case, I would definitely appreciate a toddler section – but the section should also have a special stewardess who gives the kids special rules to follow. Makes THEM the responsible ones. It might help a LOT!!!

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Whiney kid April 2, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Why is it some parents on here assume if we comment on bad behavoir from other peoples children we are the anti-christ? I would not mind at all having well behaved children on any plane that I may be on. Having said that these stories are about little monsters and thier bad parents. If it offends parents reading this you must have a guilty conscience. For the idiots telling people who are not traveling with children to drive or stay home, your stupid. Next time your on a plane turn around and evaluate who all is on the plane with you. You will see many faces but most are childless. The people either raised thier kids, have none, left them at home but YOUR THE EXCEPTION on a plane. If there were 150 people who were all traveling with thier kids on a plane, no one would fly. All the hater stop saying stupid things about others, you guilty and you know it.

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Tim April 2, 2009 at 2:07 pm

I used to not agree with the "Just Benadryl the kid for the flight" idea. Then, on a flight from Atlanta to Montego Bay, the kid behind me wouldn't stop kicking my chair. The earplugs obviously didn't help. The mother wouldn't switch rows with my friends & I since our row didn't have a window for her boy to look out.

I was very polite asking and then begging the mother to make the boy stop relentlessly kicking my seat. The mother was rude and said there's nothing that can be done and that she had no interest in doing anything anyway.

The only thing I got was for the mother to agree to remove the boy's sneakers.

I was so disappointed that I couldn't sleep on the flight and I couldn't even relax.

One of my friends talked about how his mom used to Benadryl him only on rare and necessary occasions.

I wish something could've been done on that flight.

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Anonymous April 2, 2009 at 2:53 pm

how bout a sound proofed and separately ventilated area for noisy, smelly, obese kids and adults who are disturbing the flight experience. This is not discriminatory all those things are "changeable" not like race.

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Shel April 2, 2009 at 3:30 pm

I flew from Boston to Munich in 1st class, using my husband's freq. flyer miles and my 1 yer old cried the entire flight, she also threw up two times. What can you do, the travel made her ears hurt and who knows what made her puke,.. They are babies.

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Steve Romanick October 16, 2015 at 8:58 pm

don't take your fking rug rat then.

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ls April 2, 2009 at 4:05 pm

Too bad they can't have a section where like people who want to read with the light on and people who want to sleep/quiet. But I guess that would require some serious planning too. I did happen to be on one flight where the left side of the plane had audio while the right didn't, so people switched around depending on if they wanted to watch the movie or not. That was kinda nice.

As for children sections. Too bad they can't do that. Perhaps children with other children would be beneficial for parents and children, so they'd have another kid to interact with. But I doubt they could ever get away with that, just as restaurants can't have children seating areas and you can't even refuse to rent an apartment on the second or third floor over single/quiet/elderly people to a family with three children who run around like they're doing gymnastics because it's "not fair".

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Jessi April 2, 2009 at 4:27 pm

jt, you're absolutely correct about the writer. it is blatantly obvious of the insensitive nature she possesses. if history serves me right, slavery was abolished december 18, 1865 by the 13th amendment to the constitution. children or people are not property and cannot be "owned"!

when using a type of public transportation, the principle of "beggars can't be choosy" is applicable. if you are intolerant of children, smell, weight, etc., a 1st class ticket should be purchased. the system currently in place works, but people are not willing to pay for the comfort level they desire. just as you have a choice when dining, you have a choice of "comfort level" on a public flight.

by the way, i think the issue you're facing is deeper than being irritated by small children on airplanes. do you find uncomfort when looking at people while eating breakfast or lunch? are you annoyed by attire worn by people in public places? how are you when you drive? you just may need to CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL to rectify these ISSUES!!!!!

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Susie April 2, 2009 at 6:05 pm

I guess I'm just wondering how a kids only section would benefit people. What about the people in the row ahead of the kids only section? Do they get discounted seats because they're right on the brink? What about when the baby who is crying because his ears hurt and he doesn't know that if he stops crying long enough to nurse or have a bottle, it'll help cries so loudly that it can be heard in the non-kids section? Is there a penalty? Do people have the right to a refund because they heard the cries even though they weren't in the kids section?

I think the better thing to do would be to recognize that travel is tiring and stressful for everyone and the vast majority of parents just hope to get it done quickly and without incident.

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Collin April 2, 2009 at 7:10 pm

I own about four children. I sold two last summer, and plan on buying two more this winter. I think I will take them all on the plane with me, with no juice, dirty diapers, and tell them to play 'seat soccer'. I love the fact that we can all go sit in the first class section for some 'peace & quiet'.

Don't be a douche bag. Separate sections are based on the fare of the ticket, not the size/color/age of the passenger. If you want to fly without kids bothering you, then take some sleeping pills and drink a bottle of Jack Daniels.

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Kat April 2, 2009 at 9:29 pm

Quite honestly as a parent I would love to have a child section because then we wouldn't have to sit next to people like the original poster. Of course if there were a separate section then what would you people do with all that free time that you normally set aside for whining about kids?

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Shakti April 3, 2009 at 1:41 am

I agree. I would love to see a "kiddie section" on a plane, maybe with some amenities that would distract and quiet the children during the ride.

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ceci April 3, 2009 at 2:26 am

I have a kid, a well-behaved one at that, and I would happily sit with her in the family section. There should also be a special section for drunken and loud adults.

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Kathy April 3, 2009 at 4:44 am

YES! I agree! Parent/child sections would be wonderful!

I really enjoyed the comment from Gina:

It is alwasy interesting that happily childless people have such a problem with children, who are human not animals. Why don't they just have a single persons only plane so everybody doesn't have to be bothered with the happily childess people.

If I choose to not have children, then why should I have to put up weith YOUR children?

it's the same if you're a nonsmoker….why should you have to put with people who smoke?

I have been on plenty of flights where the parents act liek parents and te children behave.

When I was a kid, if I acted up in public, I would get my face smacked.

Too many parents are AFRAID to smack some sense into thier kids.

Damn shame……..

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c April 3, 2009 at 5:27 am

I have to point out that being exposed to smoke is a health hazard, children are are not they are a part of life. It has been stated previously, you get what you pay for. Buy a first class ticket and your chances of sitting next to a child is less. "Smacking" a child is not appropriate, flying is stressful on EVERYONE! Should someone be able to smack you if you say or do something they perceive as rude? Airlines charge you every chance they get, the seats are too small, security is invasive… It has become a means to an end not a joyride.

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LD April 3, 2009 at 6:15 am

When you own something, you are responsible for it. In this sense, you do own your very young children, and as they grow up they become more responsible for their own lives. It is in this sense that the word "own" was used by the original poster; I'm quite certain he is not a proponent of slavery and anyone who interprets the comment that way is just being silly. If more parents TOOK RESPONSIBILITY for their young children, things would be better for both parents and non-parents. I have sat next to bratty obnoxious kids who kicked my seat, touched my hair, argued and yelled, while their parents read magazines and did nothing. These parents give children on planes bad reputations. Children are NOT reasoning adults. They need and benefit from limits and guidelines. I would never be angry at a crying infant whose ears are hurting, etc, but these 3+ year old BRATS need to be controlled, and if people want to complain about unruly kids it doesn't make them child-hating people.

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Anonymous April 3, 2009 at 8:42 am

You do not "own" your children. If anything, your children own YOU.

In any case- it's unrealistic to expect children to stay silent and stay still for an entire plane ride. Even the best behaved children will sometimes act out with little or no apparent provocation or reason (hey, they are kids). Also, every kid is different, some have a stronger urge to act out no matter how well discilined they are at home- put them in a strange situation (a crowded plane) and you may have a difficult time on your hands.

That said- You should accept the fact that children will sometimes act out. You should also expect that the parents will make a best effort to stop their children from annoying others. Sometimes this means you will get a crying spell- but if the parent is making an effort, I can easily forgive this.

I never understood this either until I became a father myself- my oldest is a good child, but somewhat precocious- she will try to explore her surroundings and interact with people. We do reign her in when she does, but it's just about impossible to keep her from trying. Other children are more quiet and calm- like my second child, who aside from occasionally climbing on daddy and stealing his glasses tends to stay put. The point is be understanding of parents who do their best with what they have- meaning that if my older more outgoing child were to act up, the right thing to do would be remove her from the situation as well as possible, or give her something more interesting to do- not let her run around and annoy people.

When I see a parent who's child is going nuts, and the parent is struggling to reign him in, then I'm ok with it, and can even sympathize. When the parent blows off the bad behavior, and possibly even encourages it, I have no sympathy.

As a side note- and this is not going to be everyone's cup of tea- you may want to try talking to the child- even as little as "hi, how are you"- and the kid, who probably just wants some attention and doesn't understand why nobody wants to play, may strike up a little kid conversation with you, and be a lot less likely to bug you. I also wouldn't expect a lot of people who don't have kids to be able to pull it off, and you shouldn't have to either- but it may help defuse things. Even as little as eye contact and a smile or wave can work- most kids just want someone to acknowledge them.

Like I said, I don't expect people to go out of their way to be nice to bratty kids with inattentive parents. There does have to be a little understanding on both sides though. The parent has to make the effort to maintain discipline, and the traveller in the next seat has to understand that kids are kids, and sometimes act out despite their parent's attempts. There has to be a little give and take on both sides of the problem.

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Onslow April 3, 2009 at 9:08 am

There are many parents who ignore their bratty kid's behavior during flights because they are so used to it (I guess). This is terribly inconsiderate of the other passengers, and they deserve all of the dirty looks, angry comments etc. that they get. There should definitely be a section for adults with children so that those who are not with children don't have to be bothered by them. This is just as bad as a fatso overflowing into your seat. No, I am not perfect either, but I do not infringe on the rights of others to have a pleasant flight.

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jessi April 3, 2009 at 12:25 pm

in reply to ld, could you be confusing the term "ownership" with "responsibility"? you are responsible for children and never own them. I can sell, trade or depart with materials I own, not with children.

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robin April 3, 2009 at 1:11 pm

so you spend 500+ on a flight and what did the family pay??? everyone has the right to fly and if you want to make sure you have the best flight possible maybe you should save some money and buy your own plane thats the only thing that will make you happy since all us people out there who "own"kids should not be allowed to travel with the masses like you. Well sorry I'm a travel agent and my 19month old daughter is on her 15th flight and I bet you never would have known she was on a flight with you.

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jessi April 3, 2009 at 2:02 pm

in reply to tomas, I referenced the abolishment of slavery because that was the only time where it was "legal" to own humans. otherwise, I don't understand the underlying message in the last sentence of your post.

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Private Porksword April 4, 2009 at 9:10 pm

YES! Segregate 'em brat owners.

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A April 6, 2009 at 11:00 am

I think that by the OP saying you “own” kids, they are making the point that having a child is a choice that you made and no one forced you to do it. Some people choose not to have children. Not everyone likes children. Too many parents forget this as soon as they have children, and assume that other adults love children as much as they do and are willing to excuse their behavior problems. This is similar to dog owners being baffled that other people do not like dogs jumping on them, barking and licking.

If you choose to have a child, you accept the responsibility that goes with it. This includes managing your child to the best of your ability to make sure they are not a nuisance to others.

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Joe Mama April 8, 2009 at 11:23 am

I like zebra’s idea of having a quiet section of the plane. That way people with kids who may act up can sit elsewhere and people who are looking for a few zzz’s or just want to read can be in the quiet section. Plus, you wouldn’t have to put up with an annoying seatmate who wants to tell you their life story from DNA up to that afternoon.

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Richard Cranium April 8, 2009 at 11:45 am

hahah, all you people who hate children so much,and hate fat people, and hate stinky people and hate people in general, drive or take a train to your destination, or fork out the extra money for first class, since that is what you clearly see yourself as. Flying is what you make it, you have the choice to make it good or bad and starting off a flight confrontational only makes things worse.

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devon April 11, 2009 at 2:37 pm

This is a fabulous idea and why it hasn’t been implemented before is beyond me.

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Stephanie in Minneapolis April 16, 2009 at 1:44 pm

I completely agree!!!! I had heard a news story that MSP was going to open a special security line just for people with children, so they don’t slow down the line for the rest of us!

Also, Parents.. the sign that says leave ALL bottles, lighters, ect. here, is directed at you as well, explain to your kid before hand that he needs to leave it in the car so I don’t have to hear him scream when the TSA agent prys it out of his hands.

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voni April 19, 2009 at 4:57 am

um… i agree with the idea,bt ur a bitch! the ideas ok, bbt i wud tweak it a littl so that the people who hav crazy uncontrolable littl brats get moved to a special seating areea, not just duped in a hell hole with a bunch of sreaming kids because they have kids. does that make sense? im bad at puting thoughts on paper… or computer web page… watever… 0_0

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Robin February 5, 2014 at 10:15 am

You really need to learn how to spell. You're not just bad at putting thoughts on paper you're lazy and ignorant. Why comment if you can't even write?

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SkylarKD May 5, 2009 at 4:18 pm

My, how some people love to generalize!

Children have bad days just like parents. Sometimes they’re well behaved, some days they’re not. And sometimes they’re cranky regardless of how “good” or “bad” their parents are.

Children, especially young children, don’t always understand why they have to sit in a 2 foot wide seat and be quiet, not walk around, not look over the seat, not sing, eat without making a mess and not touch anything past their armrest for hours on end.

What excuse do adults have for their cranky behaviour and complaining on planes? Adults are supposed to know better.

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Zoe May 6, 2009 at 10:51 am

Most planes DO have a toddler-free section. It’s called First Class.

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Atari June 1, 2009 at 12:18 am

I love the ‘own’ comment.

When you are to feed, cloth, bath and keep a child kempt, I think that the LAST thing other people should be complaining about is your use of the word ‘own’.

It’s not like the word lessens the fact that parents give EVERYTHING to their children.

And I’ll be cursed if I’m going to sit by and let my children be a little snot-nosed brat because it’s ‘mean’ to spank or discipline a child.

I agree with the original poster; a place for people with children WOULD be good. For both the parents AND teh children, in fact.

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JP October 27, 2009 at 9:06 am

Hum…I just traveled with my 3year old boy (who is ALL boy mind you) and he did well…but then again, he knows how to behave. I do understand the issue but one has to remember that being cramped up in a space like kids are on a plane is difficult and some forgiveness should be given. I don't think they need a different place in the plane. You want peace and quiet, fly business. Otherwise, I paid for my and my kids tickets just like you did. Deal with it.

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JB January 6, 2010 at 10:37 pm

My dad was a commercial pilot for 30 years. I don't even remember my first flight, but after my parents' divorce I began flying the short flight between Columbia, SC and ATL by myself at the age of 6. My dad, step-mother, two younger half brothers, and I have made several cross-country and international flights together over the years. There is a simple solution for removing obnoxious children from your next flight: Parenting. My parents and stepmother told us up front how they expected us to behave. We always had a small carry on containing a favorite toy, coloring book, or (when we learned to read) a book or two. This, of course was before they stopped allowing liquids past security, so we also had snacks and juice boxes readily available. Yes, I know airport snacks sold in the terminals are overpriced, but a few extra dollars can buy a lot of peace and quiet. Also, please buy your children the inflight headphones or bring your own. The radio stations and, sometimes, the inflight movies are great peacekeepers.

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Luci February 1, 2010 at 7:14 am

Please, not all children are bad. My 5 year old is well behaved. I bring him on flights and get compliments even from the grumpiest of souls. I don't deserve to have me and my child forced in a section with ill-behaved individuals based on your perceptions of poor behavior. I have had numerous adults drink excessively and then "sleep" on me or spread their legs widely so that I am forced into a tiny corner.

I have had my child in first class, too, btw. I got nervous looks but afterwards, when they noticed how very well-behaved (and quiet) he was while reading and writing, they realized I wouldn't have had him up there if noise was an issue.

Pray tell, are you going to punish every child in the world because of bad experiences?

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Tomas February 1, 2010 at 7:38 pm

I'm Canadian and travel out of Buffalo a great deal.

Screaming infants and children. I have no idea of what Southwest Airlines is thinking. As a part of their preboard routine, priority boarding puts their A-List members, wheelchair passengers and families with screaming infacts at the front of the cabin.

Scheesh…

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Lovetofly October 7, 2015 at 10:22 pm

Well you Do get you choose where you sit so its not southwest airlines putting them there

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Abe Ortion April 9, 2010 at 9:45 am

I'm all for family seating, preferably a soundproof room in the cargo hold so the rest of us don't have to deal with entitled breeders or their ill mannered fuck trophies.

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College Kid November 4, 2010 at 11:25 am

misbehaving babies and toddlers in America should be tossed in a giant blender and used to feed Africa.

Delicious

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ella February 5, 2014 at 12:23 pm

I just dont get it why are kids s misbehaved these days, growing up i remember when flying overseas my mother and father would say "IF YOU MISBEHAVE, IF YELL OR SHOUT,OR KICK OR SPIT OR CRY OR SWEAR OR DO ANY THING STUPID!– you will NEVER fly again!!" i was all like AWW HELL NAW I want to fly again. So I would shut the f**k up and behave

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Outsourced IT June 22, 2015 at 1:45 pm

I must be really lucky. My daughter is a little angel on flights. She sits there and doesn't make a sound or kick anything.

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Lovetofly October 7, 2015 at 10:18 pm

You don't own a child you.have them

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Amber May 19, 2016 at 10:36 am

I've found more annoying and obnoxious adults then children in my travels.

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thriftyisthenewrich September 23, 2016 at 12:25 pm

Disney has a cruise line. They could make a killing starting a flight line. The attendants could dress up as Disney characters. A family's vacation could start upon takeoff.

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