Anticipating a holiday is typically the highlight of the year for most individuals, although not everyone finds air travel equally enjoyable during the journey.
Whether it’s the limited legroom, being confined to the middle seat, or encountering uninspiring in-flight meals, flying can occasionally turn out to be a less-than-pleasant experience.
To add to the challenges, there’s the unfortunate situation of being seated close to a continuously crying baby or enduring the persistent kicking of the seat by a small child throughout the entire duration of the flight.
Now, the inconvenience of the last two scenarios has become a thing of the past for those willing to pay a little extra, thanks to an airline that has introduced an adult-only zone on its planes.
Having a child kicking the back of your chair could soon be a thing of the past – if you’re willing to pay a little extra. Credit: Getty
The introduction of an adults-only zone by Turkish-owned Corendon Airlines has sparked mixed reactions among social media users. This designated area allows passengers aged 16 and above to travel in a more serene environment.
Certainly, enjoying the privilege of traveling in peace in the designated adults-only zone comes at a cost, but it’s surprisingly affordable. This option is available on the 432-seat Airbus 350 for Corendon Airlines’ route from Amsterdam to Curaçao.
The exclusive adults-only zone at the front of the plane will comprise 93 seats. This section will be separated from the rest of the cabin by walls and curtains, providing a distinct and private space for passengers seeking a quieter and more serene travel experience.
Passengers can secure a spot in the adults-only section by paying a reported €45 ($49) each way. This fee seems quite reasonable for those looking to ensure a more relaxed and peaceful experience during the 10-hour journey.
Atilay Uslu, the founder of Corendon, expressed in a statement, “Onboard our flights, we always aim to cater to the diverse needs of our customers.”
“We also believe this can have a positive effect on parents traveling with small children. They can enjoy the flight without worrying about whether their children are making too much noise.”
For those seeking an even more luxurious experience, there will be premium seats available in the section with additional legroom. However, these upgraded seats come with a higher price tag of €100 ($108).
It’s not cheap but it will surely be a popular upgrade for those long-haul trips. Credit: Getty Images
However, the airline’s decision has sparked a division among social media users, with many expressing their opinions on X.
Someone remarked, “Airlines seem to be contemplating the idea of creating ‘child-free zones’ on planes. I’m uncertain whether this signifies a dystopian shift, but it’s disheartening to observe the minimal tolerance people have for children and babies, almost suggesting they shouldn’t be in public spaces.”
Additional voices chimed in with agreement, stating, “My nearly 2-year-old has cried for only about 10 seconds during six flights. Apologies, but children are a part of society,” and expressing frustration with the notion of child-free public spaces, particularly on planes: “Public spaces being child-free. It’s a plane, for heaven’s sake. Parents have the right to travel with their children. It’s strange how some people view this.”
Certain individuals were supportive of having sections on planes without children, as one user with the handle X expressed, “That’s it, sign me up for the child-free section of the plane.” Another comment echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’ve been saying this for years. People traveling with children need a separate plane, terminal, etc. I will gladly pay extra to have a child-free flight, just like child-free resorts.”
Having a child kicking the back of your chair throughout a long-haul flight is never fun. Credit: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
A traveler affirmed their willingness to pay a premium for a peaceful, child-free experience, noting, “As I wait to board my plane to Glasgow, I am once again reminded of how much extra I’d pay for child-free flights. I’d pay a lot.”
Certain travelers expressed ambivalence, stating, “I am not part of the community that believes children/babies shouldn’t fly. HOWEVER, I do believe certain communities do not properly manage their children in public, and I understand why that might drive someone to lose their mind.”
Another perspective was shared, with someone noting, “I’m not totally against child-free sections on airplanes if they’d charge extra for those seats and reduce rates for everyone else. Also, if a baby cries on a plane, can’t everyone hear it?”
The flights commenced in November, and Corendon will be the pioneer among European airlines in providing a child-free zone on board.
While Corendon is the first European airline to introduce a child-free zone, it’s not a global first. Malaysia’s AirAsia, India’s IndiGo, and Singapore’s Scoot airlines have already implemented child-free or ‘quiet’ zones on their flights.
Certainly, it’s not the child’s fault if air travel becomes overwhelming for them, leading to tears. Similarly, it’s not the fault of the stressed parent who is doing everything possible to calm them down. However, the challenge arises when one has to endure long-haul travel without the ability to get any sleep, making the journey particularly difficult.
While it might not be the most economical choice, opting for a child-free zone is likely to be a favored one for those eager to secure a quiet and tranquil flight.
