Independent readers divided over plans for child-free zones on flights

A European airline has begun testing adult-only zones on its flights – but not everyone is convinced the idea is a winning one.

Corendon Dutch Airlines announced last week it is piloting the idea on flights from Amsterdam to the Caribbean. It confirmed reserving a seat in the child-free section will cost an extra €45 per flight, rising to €100 for extra-large seats.

Reaction to the news has been split – and we wanted to know what you thought about the scheme.

Some readers argued that airlines needed to “take control” of unruly children on flights others countered that many children can’t help their reactions when at high altitudes.

And while some were happy to pay to sit in an adult-only part of the plane others wondered how airlines would adequately enforce a separation from noisy children, recalling issues with old ‘no-smoking zones’ on airplanes.

Here’s what you had to say:

‘Airlines to take control’

We don’t need child free areas providing parents control their kids. Unfortunately many parents once on the aircraft kick back and allow their kids to run riot. We need airlines to take control.

PaBroon

‘Family-only flights’

I’ve never understood why some parents think it’s ok that others should have to listen to their children screaming. They can scream as much as they like in their own home but not where people are sharing a space. Maybe the airlines should just have certain flights during the week that accommodate families only and anyone else who is not worried about screaming unruly children. Most children are fine but you always get the one who’s parents don’t care or have any respect for others.

EveA

‘Noise cancelling earphones are pretty effective’

Planes used to have non-smoking areas. In practice, you still noticed the smoke if you were seated one or two rows in front of where the smoking area ended. Surely it will be even worse in the case of child-free areas, where the primary objective of sitting in the child-free area is to get away from the noise? I find good noise cancelling earphones are pretty effective.

Pete

‘Eejit free zone’

I would like an eejit free zone of the plane. Somewhere where you’re guaranteed to not have the person in front of you draping their long hair over the back of their seat and over your monitor. Somewhere where you’re guaranteed the person behind you won’t take…