Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

The most embarrassing moment of my life? That's easy.


One poll showed an overwhelming majority of air travelers want families with kids put in a separate section.

Our son, Aren, had just turned one and we were flying from New York to London on an airline whose name I've promised never to mention.

We'd managed to score an upgrade -- seats 1A and 1B -- and to ensure Aren had a pleasant trip, we offered him a nip of Benadryl. Most kids fall asleep when they're given an antihistamine.

Not mine.

The medication had the exact opposite effect: Aren turned hyper, tearing down the aisle of the first-class cabin, shrieking and bumping other passengers. He woke up the person sitting next to us and drooled on the passenger behind us.

All of which brings me to the issue at hand: Kids in first class. Should we or shouldn't we? And if so, when?

Allow me to state my completely unbiased opinion right up front. No. We should not. At least not mine. I downgraded myself on the flight home, that's how badly I felt for the other London-bound passengers that day.

What was I thinking, trying to bring a toddler into first class?

I'm not alone.

An overwhelming majority of air travelers to a recent survey by Skytrax -- 9 in 10 respondents -- said families with children should be seated in a separate section on flights, presumably not in first class.

Another poll by corporate travel agency Carlson Wagonlit found that business travelers, who are most frequently found in the business- and first-class cabins, believe crying babies are the second-most annoying aspect of air travel. The first? Air travelers who carry too much luggage on board.

Several years ago, a United Airlines flight attendant just came out and said it: no children in first class. A passenger disagreed, sued the airline -- and lost.

In my last column, we argued about whether kids belong on planes, and resolved that although many of us would like to keep the little ones from flying, it's just not practical. Now, we're having a more nuanced and civil discussion about children in the good seats.

Well, sort of. I asked some of my readers for their opinions of kids in first and got an earful.

"No, no, no, no, no," says Mona Palmer, an administrative assistant from Friendswood, Texas. "First-class tickets are too expensive to have the investment destroyed by an unruly kid whose parents think they've paid for the privilege of ignoring their kids' rotten behavior."

The other side of this argument is equally vehement.

"Give me a break," says Jennifer Thomas, a mom who describes herself as the owner of a public relations firm. "These questions about kids and flying are frankly disrespectful. Let's see, kids in first class or terrorists allowed to fly on planes? Or how about just plain rude adults who take to the friendly skies? I would take a child any day over previously mentioned. Why not ask questions about those two audiences?"

Kids! Kids! Can't we just get along?

Instead of spending the rest of this story fighting (as entertaining as that might be to some of you, dear readers) let's instead focus on three solutions to this problem.

No children in first class

One of the most persuasive arguments for limiting first class to adults is that the premium cabin is essentially an adult product. Which is to say, it's difficult for a youngster to appreciate a wine list or a gourmet meal. It's just no place for kids. Plus, it's pricey -- even if you're using miles to upgrade.

Rosanne Skopp, a grandmother who says she "really loves kids," puts it this way: "If I'm going to be sitting next to a screaming baby, at least let me feel good that I haven't paid for a first-class ticket, only to be tortured."

No airline that I'm aware of has banned children from first class or business class, but it wouldn't be accurate to say any of them have opened their arms wide to their junior passengers, either. Like a five-star restaurant or a luxury resort, the first-class cabin is not particularly welcoming to young fliers. Or, for that matter, their parents.

Age limit for premium seats

Here's another suggestion: If we can't ban minors, then let's at least prevent the littlest passengers from sitting "up front." Babies and toddlers are too disruptive to the other passengers, who are paying a premium for their seats.

"No one under 12 should be in first class," says Richard French, an anesthesiologist from Christchurch, New Zealand, who by way of full disclosure, is himself a father.

"I pick that age because kids are essentially self-caring by that age and that is the age that airlines start charging an adult fare. It is really depressing when you have treated yourself to a very expensive fare, to have a 3-year-old running up and down the aisle."

I can't argue with that. During my research for this story, I heard whispers that several international airlines had informal age-limit policies for first-class passengers, but they were difficult to confirm.

Let the kids fly

The overwhelming number of travelers I spoke with said kids should be able to fly in first class if their parents could afford to pay the freight. But they were quick to add that they expected the children to behave.

"Of course children should be allowed in business- or first class," says Frank Nowicki, a retiree from Winter Haven, Florida. "As long as the parents have raised their children properly -- as far as behavior goes -- there should never be a problem on a flight."

Still, Nowicki admits that's not always possible, and has seen "many occasions" when parents have allowed their offspring to run wild on a flight. "Don't blame the children," he says. "Blame the adults for their permissive ways and their lack of parenting skills."

But how do you mandate good parenting on a plane? A multiple-choice quiz? Social references? Even peer pressure -- dirty looks and all -- isn't always enough to stop these indulgent parents from boarding a flight, or buying an upgrade for their brood.

I'm afraid this is one of those instances when new rules and regulations, even with the best of intentions, would not end the problem of disruptive kids in first class. This is ultimately a parent's decision that the entire first-class cabin must live with.

But before buying a premium ticket, here are a few useful questions to answer: Can my child behave like a first-class passenger? If not, do I have the parenting skills to contain a meltdown? Is it really worth the hassle -- not to mention the money?

I've already answered those questions. My son Aren, who today is a reasonably well-mannered first-grader, now has two siblings: a 4-year-old brother with a penchant for practical jokes and a slightly hyperactive 2-year-old sister. Even if I could, I would never inflict them on another first-class passenger. Ever.

But if you think your kids can do better, I have just four words for you: Welcome to first class!

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I'm putting my thoughts on this in a separate post because the article is so long:

I find this article so elitist and anti-child even though it is written by a parent.

The continual references about "inflicting your child on first class" and "when my child was unruly, I downgraded myself out of first class".

I'm not one of those parents who thinks that everything my child does is adorable-far from it.

However, when she acts up why is it okay for me to "inflict" my child on the people in coach but not first class?

Also, when kids act unruly when flying-I blame the parents not the kids. If it's crying, or a normal but annoying child behavior, it stinks but it's part of life.

If you don't want to fly with kids, I say charter your own private jet.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

i am a parent as well, and i happen to think that children should not fly first class because:

1. people paying for the extra amenities of first class should be able to enjoy them in (mostly) peace and quiet.

2. as the article states, most children are unable to enjoy the amenities of first class.

now i have never flown first class so if anyone can give me a reason why it's better for kid to fly first class than coach (extra room to change diapers, for example ) then i am totally willing to listen.

contrary to what some parents think, children do not belong everywhere, no matter how well behaved they are.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I disagree-If the parents can afford to pay for the seat, if they can afford this luxury for their family, who are to say they shouldn't?

I think in buying a first class ticket you up the chances that you will not fly with kids, but you can't eliminate it unless you charter your own plane or someone starts a no-kids airline.

To me, it's the same as expensive restaurants or movies at night-yeah, it's unlikely that kids will be there, and you hope that if they are there they/their parents act appropriately but we live in this world together so we have to deal with stuff like babies crying.

I wouldn't take my child to an uber-expensive restaurant or a late night movie, but that's me and it's because I think it would be wasted on them.

I would take them into first class if I could afford it because the seats are roomier and it would make the trip more enjoyable for us. I wouldn't let my kid run up and down the aisle-but then again, I wouldn't do that in coach either.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I'm not a parent, but I've flown first class a few times with children in the cabin and so far it's always been fine...in fact, it's been WAY better than when I'm in coach! The babies cry the same during takeoff & landing, but I'm ok with that - it's a part of life. The toddlers I've seen had more room in their seat so the parents were better able to put them down to sleep & keep their play contained to a specific area (no running up & down the aisles). I may have been lucky, but I can't see making a restriction like that...IMO if the parent has the $$ for the ticket then they deserve to be there with their entire family (so long as they do everything they can to mind their child & keep the noise/tantrums to a minimum).

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Message edited 7/3/2009 11:55:28 AM.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Posted by headoverheels

i am a parent as well, and i happen to think that children should not fly first class because:

1. people paying for the extra amenities of first class should be able to enjoy them in (mostly) peace and quiet.

2. as the article states, most children are unable to enjoy the amenities of first class.

now i have never flown first class so if anyone can give me a reason why it's better for kid to fly first class than coach (extra room to change diapers, for example ) then i am totally willing to listen.

contrary to what some parents think, children do not belong everywhere, no matter how well behaved they are.

Message edited 7/3/2009 12:21:09 PM.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I don't know.

If I had money, would I welcome the extra room? of course.
would I love to not deal with 3 seats...having a stranger either be trapped in by us, or us trapped by a stranger...of course.

Do I feel that celebs traveling with kids have a right to privacy instead of their faces being pastered on the internet with pics taken by other passengers of celeb being driven crazy by their kids?
yes.

I feel that if you are going to keep kids out of first class, offer a different benefit. Like everyone sits when flight is over, kids exit first.

I can see if someone is traveling 1st for business, needs sleep, its unfortunate that a baby might be screaming the whole time.

I go back and forth with it.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

As a person who can never afford 1st class, I think ALL children should be in 1st class--especially the loud ones!

j/k

The child in the article had a bad reaction to the Benadryl It happens. I believe it says so on the label. The author should not have felt the need to sit in coach on the way back.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Posted by tourist

As a person who can never afford 1st class, I think ALL children should be in 1st class--especially the loud ones!

j/k

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I think it is a shame that we as a society are becoming so increasingly intolerant of children. They are human and part of our society and we have to deal with them just as we have to deal with other segments of society that we may consider "undesirable".

The fact remains that even if you police children on flights there is no gurantee you will have a good flight because you cannot control everyone's behavior. I have seen atrocious behavior from adults on flights - far worse than anything I have seen from kids. Clipping toenails, people "getting some" underthe blankets at night on a transatlantic flight. How about banning smelly people?

I once sat next to a guy who was watching porn on his laptop the entire flight!! I spent the entire thime praying he would not whip it out and start yanking I would have preferred a screraming baby a million times over.

You cannot control all offensive behavior - children are just one source of many. If you are all willing to pay the same amount why should one person have more of a right to be there than another person?

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

1st class = no annoying individuals (children and/or adult) if you become annoying you get banned from flying first class.

As it was mentioned I really wish they had "childless" vacation packages for adults who want to have a child free vacation. (parents who need a break and the childless people) I maybe inclined to travel more in the summer then.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

yes true! but that doesn't include a childless flight LoL

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I think this is a load of crap. We flew to Orlando and back with our son. He was not yet 1 year old. We flew first class both ways. My son was better behaved than the "executive" who sat in the seat behind us. He broke every rule, was rude to the flight attendants and the AIR MARSHALL had to come on the flight to talk to him because he caused such a disruption.

So, bottom line, it isn't about your age. It is about BEHAVIOR.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Message edited 7/3/2009 2:52:54 PM.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Posted by Eireann

Posted by stickydust

I think it is a shame that we as a society are becoming so increasingly intolerant of children.

See, I don't feel this way and I've never seen any evidence of it--and I have two small children. A hundred years ago wasn't it, "Children should be seen and not heard."? That's not how it is today.

While you feel people are becoming more intolerant, I feel people are becoming much more self-centered. I'm going to do what I'm going to do, and too bad for anyone else, KWIM? We're living in a society--we should all function together for the common good. That's my opinion anyway.

As for kids on a first-class flight...I personally would never do it. I realize it can be a success (as we've seen from a previous post), but I'm standing there on line at Old Navy with sweat trickling down my forehead because my two year old was acting like a lunatic. It's not worth it for ME to take that gamble in a first-class cabin. And although I do enjoy giving my children a variety of different experiences ("adult" or not), in the end, I guess Headoverheels summed up my thoughts, "Children do not belong everywhere..." However, definitely bring them to first-class, because I'm sure never going to be there!

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Posted by stickydust

I think it is a shame that we as a society are becoming so increasingly intolerant of children. They are human and part of our society and we have to deal with them just as we have to deal with other segments of society that we may consider "undesirable".

The fact remains that even if you police children on flights there is no gurantee you will have a good flight because you cannot control everyone's behavior. I have seen atrocious behavior from adults on flights - far worse than anything I have seen from kids. Clipping toenails, people "getting some" underthe blankets at night on a transatlantic flight. How about banning smelly people?

I once sat next to a guy who was watching porn on his laptop the entire flight!! I spent the entire thime praying he would not whip it out and start yanking I would have preferred a screraming baby a million times over.

You cannot control all offensive behavior - children are just one source of many. If you are all willing to pay the same amount why should one person have more of a right to be there than another person?

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I feel like its a free country. If someone is paying, they deserve whatever they pay for!

IMO Its no different then going to a rated R movie and hearing a screaming kid.

Is it annoying to pay alot for great airplanes seats and have a kid screaming or kicking your seat, or drooling on you? sure it is. But Who the he!l am I to say they can't!

*I* think that parents who buy the tickets for children should only do it for children who are not babies, and will behave, but I don't think it should be banned in any way. Thats taken your freedom away.

And I'm not a parent.

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

I think the main difference is that First Class is not Le Bernadin. The only expectation you should have as a 1st class traveller is a larger seat and some actual food instead of peanuts and MAYBE a hot towel. That is it. I know some people save up for it and and it is a luxury to them but for others it isn't and it is rather commonplace. For some Balthazar may be a special place to go and for others it is a casual Wed night. Just because it is special to you does not make it special in general. You pay for physical comfort - that is it. Frankly you are still flying in the air in a TUBE - you cannot really expect too much - all that is seperating you from the screaming children is 4 ft and a thin piece of cloth.

I am not saying I would ever take my children 1st class (DH is too cheap ). But my DD has flown MANY times in her short two years and has never even cried. Sure, on eday she may but one day the guy sitting next to me may also let out an unbelievable fart.

For me the bottom line is that they are part of our society and we have to learn to co-exist. It seems like a slippery slope to me. Who do you ban next? If it is a couple they may talk the entire flight...maybe it is an int'l person and you do not like listening to other languages...maybe you feel elderly people snore too much and eat loudly...maybe you are grosed out that a gay couple is making out behind you...

(FTR I do not feel this way about any of the afore-mentioned groups)

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

Re: Should we restrict kids from flying first class?

As a former flight attendant as well as the parent to a toddler my opinion is that small children do not belong in first class.