Would you pay more for a child-free flight?
2nd August 2012
According to a new survey, up to a third of Britons would happily pay more for a flight if it was guaranteed to be child-free
The survey, conducted by Trip Advisor, revealed badly behaved children are one of the worst causes of stress and frustration when flying. So much so, that up to 37% said they would be willing to pay extra to escape them.
For 22% of people asked, a child kicking the back of a seat caused the most annoyance, while a further 22% said it was the lack of control parents had over their children, which was annoying.
However, a significant 29% of those asked, said their number one pet hate on an aeroplane was the person in front reclining their seat too far.
The survey reflects a view which airlines are gradually responding to. In September this year, Malaysia Airlines will ban all children under 12 from the top deck of its A380 aircrafts, along with babies from First Class.
Would you pay more for a child-free flight?
myWanderlust member Jayprime voiced his opinions: “I chose not to have kids. Why should I have to put up with other people's kids? One time I complained I was told: "Why shouldn't he run around and laugh and scream? He's on holiday!" Sorry, people travelling with kids are often among the most selfish on the plane!”
Family travel writer and author of the Wet Britain eBook series William Gray understands both sides of the argument: "I completely sympathise with people who get annoyed with unruly children on flights. Having your seat back kicked is the worst kind of turbulence! Parents should be firm and control their kids.
"However, just as vexing are grown-up passengers who recline their seats inconsiderately or shoulder barge you on the way to the toilets. And don't you just love the ever-so-grown-up stampede for boarding on some flights? Or the delightful state that some adult passengers leave the toilets in? The behaviour of children on flights shouldn't be the only thing under scrutiny here."
Emma Shaw, spoke on behalf of Trip Advisor and said: “Whether we can expect to see any airlines offering child-free flights in the future remains to be seen, but it's clearly a topic that fiercely divides opinion.”
What do you think? Would you pay extra to escape children altogether? Or could this make overseas travel harder and more expensive for families? Tell us what your views below.
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