Passengers upset by airline announcing child-free zones after JetBlue family policy

An airline’s decision to enforce “child-free” zones during flights has prompted an internet frenzy, with upset passengers questioning the division.

In August, Corendon Dutch Airlines – the sister company to Turkey-based Corendon Airlines – announced it would be trialing an “Only Adult zone” beginning 3 November. All flights from Amsterdam to the Carribean Island of Curacao will have 102 seats at the front of Airbus A350-900 and nine with extra legroom, designated as an adult-only area.

Instead of sitting next to a crying baby or whiny child for a long flight, passengers will have the opportunity to be placed in a quiet section separated by walls and curtains. If a traveller wants to ensure they’re not seated next to a teenager 16 years old or younger, they’ll have the option to pick a seat far away for an additional cost. Securing a spot in the child-free area will cost €45 ($47.67) for one flight and €100 ($105.94) for the seats with extra leg room.

“On board our flights, we always strive to respond to the different needs of our customers. We are also the first Dutch airline to introduce the Only Adult zone, because we are trying to appeal to travellers looking for some extra peace of mind during their flight,” proclaimed Atilay Uslu, chairman and founder of Corendon.

“We also believe this can have a positive effect on parents travelling with small children. They can enjoy the flight without worrying if their children make more noise.”

Following the new movement, which sees airlines prioritising placing children away from adults who aren’t their guardian, people have been debating whether the policy is necessary or upsetting.

“So apparently airlines are considering making ‘child-free zones’ on planes, and I can’t decide if this is a dystopian shift or not, but generally it’s really sad how little tolerance people have for children and babies – even acting like they shouldn’t be in public,” @LizardKangz_95 wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The original poster, whose tweet now has over 17,400 views, started the online discussion of whether this policy was beneficial.

One X user commented: “I’ve noticed people seem more annoyed with kids in public than I’ve ever seen before. Usually people see little kids and babies and smile or whatever but that’s seeming to slowly change….