NO-CRY ZONE
Child-free flights – two mums argue over adult-only zones on planes after ‘demonic’ kid goes viral
Here, two regular travellers argue for and against implementing child-free areas on planes
CALLS have been made for airlines to bring in child-free flights after a "demonic" kid was filmed running riot on a journey from Germany to New York.
The eight-hour "flight from hell" has led to a fresh debate on whether planes should have separate areas for families.
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While many agree that child-free zones on aeroplanes are a win-win for everybody - others believe that children should be accepted - noises and all.
Here, two regular air travellers go head to head.
For child-free zones
Kelly Rose Bradford, 44, is a mum of one 14-year-old boy who thinks adult-only zones should be mandatory
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Kelly argues: "Our holidays start the minute we set foot on the plane - paperback in hand, G&T ordered... and then it starts.
"First, the seat kicking. Then the whining. And eventually the screaming.
"Yes, you are sitting just inches from the family from hell, whose idea of parenting is to largely ignore their kids as they make everyone else in the cabin very aware of their existence.
"From constant demands for items from overhead lockers (never above the parents' OWN seat) to running down the gangway, children can make a flight pure hell.
"It doesn't have to be like this of course – separate family areas on planes would at least contain it to a specific area.
"We've first class and business class, so why not have part of the plane just for those travelling with younger kids?
"Before people start banging on about segregation and discrimination – can they honestly say that they wouldn't have been fuming if they'd endured the "demonic child" on the flight last week?
"They'd be as upset as the rest of us that someone else's offspring had been allowed to cause such mayhem with no comeback on the parents, or the child.
"We've all been there, of course. I first flew with my son when he was six weeks old, and was very worried he'd have a screaming fit.
"If I'd been offered a seat in area that was just for families, I'd have snapped it up.
"He is 14 now and flies often, but plane etiquette was drummed into him from toddlerhood, and my attitude is that my lifestyle choice (having a child) should never impact others.
"Until other parents take that point of view, separate 'kids zones' should perhaps not only be offered by airlines, but made mandatory."
Against child-free zones
Emily Payne, 36, is a mum of two children aged two and four who thinks people need to accept babies and children in public places
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Emily argues: "Like it or not, babies and children are part of society – you can’t pretend they don't exist.
Yes, a snotty, earth-shattering tantrum is annoying, but infants are human beings. And even YOU used to be one.
Having flown with two young children; I’m happy to report that most fellow passengers are either oblivious to the yelps of my offspring – or sympathetic.
I don’t expect people to coo over them, and do my best to keep noise levels down, but glaring eyes and tutting make the entire experience butt-clenchingly stressful.
If you think you're having a hard time enduring the squawks of an outraged toddler - I can assure you it's way worse for their parent.
Yes - they chose to have children. But we humans are in this together, right? Babies are the next generation and one day they'll be looking after the country.
Sitting next to a screaming infant may ruin your flight, but so does sitting next to a fat bloke who farts; a pervy old dude who wants to chat; a hen do or a group of lads hollering.
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There are a whole host of annoying people on flights. Should there be a separate zone for them too?
Adults should know better than to disturb their fellow passengers. Babies and young children do not.
And before you drop the old chestnut that "the parents didn't even try to stop the baby from crying" - have you ever tried? Seriously, there isn't an off button.
People need to accept babies and children in public places - let's all buy some earplugs and relax.