CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Why I’m in Favor of Kid-Free Flights

save article
profile picture of Abigail Green
Updated February 28, 2017
Hero Image

Every time the subject of children on airplanes comes up — which is a lot — people get very touchy. Even I went on a bit of a rant when Tuesdays with Morrie author Mitch Albom complained about being annoyed by kids on flights a while back. But guess what? I’m all in favor of kid-free zones on airplanes or even flights on which babies are banned, like a couple of airlines in Asia are implementing.

Not because I wish to accommodate those people who prefer traveling sans kids; because of us moms who have no choice but to travel with our kids. It’s hard enough flying with babies or small children without the added stress of being seated near someone who clearly wishes he were anywhere else.

Look, most parents of screaming babies hate being on that plane as much as the rest of the passengers. It’s awful being in that situation and unable to do a thing about it. What are you going to do: Lock yourself and the baby in the restroom until the “fasten seatbelt” light comes back on? Buy all the passengers a stiff drink as an apology? (I’ve heard of parents doing that, BTW.)

I’ve flown with my kids a lot, often by myself. I know it sucks to have the kid behind you crying or kicking your seat. I know it’s annoying to be showered with pretzel crumbs when the toddler next to you insists on opening his snack by himself. Let’s not even talk about diaper blowouts or spit up. But know this: that poor mom is probably doing the best she can.

But here’s something people should know, too: not everyone hates kids on planes. I have had the incredible good fortune to sit next to all sorts of kind strangers when traveling with my children. The off-duty pilot, who was extremely helpful and gracious about me nursing my baby inches away from him. The grandma happy to play peek-a-boo with a cranky infant. The purple-manicured teenager who held my son while — horror of horrors — I got airsick on an especially turbulent flight. Even the business travelers who helped me fold up my stroller so I could get through security without losing a child.

Thanks to these child-free strangers, the skies were a little bit friendlier for this frazzled, frequent-flier mom.

What experiences have you had traveling with your kids? What do you think about kid-free flights?

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

Erin and Abe Lichy with their children at their son's bris celebration
Erin and Abe Lichy on Partying as Parents and Reconnecting Postpartum
By Wyndi Kappes
Robert De Niro during the rendez-vous with Robert De Niro at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Salle Debussy on May 14, 2025 in Cannes, France.
Robert De Niro Shares His Golden Rule for Parenting Seven Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
toddler girl with birthday balloons outside on a summer day
Fun Facts About June Birthday Babies
Fact Checked by G. O’Hara
ADVERTISEMENT
mom and dad walking with baby stroller through park
These Are 2025's Best US Cities to Raise a Family, Report Says
By Wyndi Kappes
mom and baby looking at cherry blossom tree during spring time
Fun Facts About May Birthday Babies
Medically Reviewed by Dina DiMaggio Walters, MD
dad kissing baby at home
The Best Gifts for New Dads, Recommended by Parents
By Martina Garvey
young couple with toddler at home
Why One Mom Says Dating as a Single Parent Isn't a Setback, It's a Gift
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Dr. Tiffany Moon and family portrait
Real Housewives’ Tiffany Moon on Trading Parenting Perfection for Connection
By Wyndi Kappes
husband giving wife a gift for mother's day
Mom's "Foolproof Guide to Mother's Day Gifts" Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
buford the ranch dog sitting on house porch
Lost Toddler Found Safe Thanks to a Hero Ranch Dog
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
woman looking at time on watch
The Viral TikTok Series That’s Helping Parents Tackle Their To-Dos
By Wyndi Kappes
blue origin female crew in front of space craft
Katy Perry Says Going Into Space Is Second Only to Motherhood
By Wyndi Kappes
mom holding baby at home
Trainer Reveals the Baby Carrying Mistakes That Might Be Hurting You
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
chappell roan on call her daddy talking about motherhood
Parents Are Divided Over Chappell Roan’s Hot Take on Parenthood
By Wyndi Kappes
dad hugging mom and infant at home
The Best First Mother’s Day Gifts, According to Parents
By Martina Garvey
toddlers giving mom gifts for mother's day
Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts That’ll Arrive Right on Time
By Daniel Stecker
Mom Pens Superpowers Song for Son in Honor of World Down Syndrome Day
Mom Pens Superpowers Song for Son in Honor of World Down Syndrome Day
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
friends giving pregnant woman gifts
The Best Mom-To-Be Gifts to Celebrate Her
By Korin Miller
Man playing with baby while on computer
Parenthood Helps Your Brain Defy Aging, Study Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
rachel fuda and family
Rachel Fuda on Motherhood and the Best Parenting Advice She’s Received
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List