Q: I hope you can help make a change in airline service. More often than not, babies on airplanes are screaming at take-off and landing because of discomfort caused by the cabin’s air pressure adjustment.
A pacifier, or better yet, a bottle with liquid in the mouths of these babies will quell much of the discomfort they feel. If airlines offered a bottle of water or gave parents a flyer about what’s happening physically to their kid so they would give their kid pacifier or feed them (bottle or “breast is best”), this problem could be reduced dramatically.
No one at the airlines seems to be communicating this to new parents, let alone offering a solution.
– Dawn Stranne
A: Let me be right up front about my bias. I don’t have any children, and I tend to agree with the results of the latest Ticked.com poll, in which a majority of travelers voted to ban screaming infants from the first-class cabin.
I’m also less than enthusiastic about the “family travel” niche, but for more personal reasons. When my editors began insisting that I write more “how to” columns about traveling with kids, I walked away from my last job. What’s the point of some 30-something single guy covering an aspect of travel he knows nothing about?
So, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let me ask you a question. Have you checked out your airline’s Web site lately? Many carriers now offer detailed instructions about flying, including information on traveling with young ones. (I haven’t been able to find anything about the equalization troubles, though.)
Airlines don’t have to report the number of kids they carry, according to the Air Transport Association, a Washington trade association for the airline industry. So they don’t. However, as the holidays approach, I think it’s a given that there will be more families – and by implication, children – taking to the skies.
But let’s get a reality check. The airline industry would do pathetic job of seeing to it that babies have something to suck on during takeoff and landing, if past experience is any indicator of future performance.
Many passengers are uneasy about breastfeeding in public, and the last thing I’d want to support is some kind of crewmember involvement in the process. Similarly, I think that equipping flight attendants with pacifiers or milk bottles would already add to what is already a very long list of pre-flight things to do.
I can only imagine what that task would look like on a union contract.
I’d rather educate parents who are flying – and other travelers.
For example, all passengers ought to prepare for the worst when they board a plane. They could get stuck next to a screaming child. Psychologists like Stevanne Auerbach recommend bringing a game, toy or puppet with you even if you don’t have any kids. It could occupy – and pacify – the child sitting next to you for the duration of the flight.
Another tip: feed the little rugrats. When a child is eating candy, it can’t whine. But careful not to overdo it: too many sweets can make a young passenger hyperactive. Finally, if the children won’t shut up, try to move. Unless, of course, they’re your kids, in which case I might be able to recommend a mild sedative – for you.
Now before any of you e-mail me to tell me how insensitive I am, pay attention. Flight attendants are not babysitters. The airline didn’t force you to take junior on your trip. Making sure an infant doesn’t whine nonstop on between Washington and Dallas is ultimately a parent’s responsibility. So is reading up on ways to prevent your offspring from screaming all the way to your destination.
Parents who can’t accept that probably shouldn’t be having kids in the first place.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I could not agree more!!!! Further more, I would say that teachers taking students on class trips should keep a closer eye on their charges as well!!! In March of ‘06 I flew for 9 1/2 from Frankfurt, Germany to Calgary, Alberta and for the first 6 hours I had my chair kicked and bumped, as the ADD brat behind me could not sit still. I finally turned around and not so nicely told her to quit kicking my chair or she would not like the consequences. The next 3 1/2 hours was pleasant enough. And before anyone decides to crucify me for my views, YOU are the one who chose to have children, YOU are the one who chose to travel with children and YOU are the one who is responsible for those children, NOT THE REST OF THE WORLD!! If you are incapable or disinclined to control them, get rid of them!!!
“If you are incapable or disinclined to control them, get rid of them!!!” Okay, Jennifer P., just how would you suggest going about that? Should I take the child to children’s services? Should I throw them out of the plane window? Should I leave them unattended in the terminal? I’m really curious.
Unless US repeals laws that prevent us from spanking children, they would not be disciplined.
I have travelled to many eastern countries and find the children generally more well behaved.
Its not as if if you happen to spank the child once you are a child abuser.
Children are not adults and do not learn responsibility unless taught by conditioned behavior.
I once noticed a 5 yr old kid in Singapore Metro Rail who suddenly started throwing a tantrum at his mother kicked the shin of the next guy.
The mom grabbed him and spanked him thrice. That immediately made the kid shut up and keep quiet in addition to apologizing.
Shouting at kids alone do not get results.
Once they realize they can get away without any immediate body harm, they tend to take full advantage of the situation.
US had better disciplined kids in 1940s and 1950s.
Like Jennifer said, you are the one who opted to have the child. You need to discipline him.
And for those of you who are ‘horrified’ at my suggestion, you can adopt the next kid that throws a tantrum. Lets see how ‘nice’ and politically correct you are for how long.
I actually posted this on the ban babies articles as well. Alright, I have some thoughts here on the matter. I certainly am one of those people who get annoyed with babies crying and toddlers acting badly on planes. I know that it’s not possible to section off families even though that would be a very good solution. I have an idea and I hope that the airlines will consider it. Now I think that this idea is a win/win for everyone aboard. I guess the only people who will be offended are the parents that let their kids run wild on a daily basis. C’est la vie!
We hear all the time how a baby and mother got kicked off of a flight for the child’s bad behavior. It is a safety issue people! A crying child can wrangle the nerves of everyone on board and can impact people’s health and their mental stability!
Here is my suggestion, why not have a mandatory class for all parents and their children before they are allowed to board a plane! You have to be at the airport early anyways, you might as well take a class that the airline would offer to help give suggestion on how to keep your child occupied during the flight. Also, there should be a separate class for older children where a certified pre school teacher teaches the children what is appropriate and what isn’t on a plane and also what to expect so they are prepared. If this mini 30 minute class is offered right before kids get on a plane, they will be more prepared for the ride.
I think this is a great idea, it would make kids more prepared and aware of their actions and the people around them. Sometimes parents can prepare the best way they know how, but honestly they themselves may not know what to expect especially if it’s the first time they’re traveling with their children.
I think that this idea would cut down the number of misbehaved children and make the flight peaceful for everyone involved. Besides, kids are more likely to listen to adults in uniform because they know that the airport is not their turf! I’m not saying this will be 100% effective, but I am saying that it would probably significantly help escalate these issues. Besides, their would be more job openings for teachers which we need so badly….you know for your child’s future!
Whomever does NOT have kids, should be the ones to SHUT UP. UNTIL you have your own kids, you will see. You dont know the condition of their health,etc.. have you maybe wondered that some families travel for personal matters (ie. deaths in the family, etc) .. Because of people like you (the ones that talk crap about the kids) I am MORE glad now my daughter kicks the living shit out of your seat in front!!! hahaha!!!
Claudia should be euthanized right after her nasty children.
Claudia, the whole “you don’t know anything unless you have your own kids” is a thing cooked up for parents to say who don’t like criticism. The truth is, there are good kids and bad kids. There are also good kids who are sometimes bad. We all know this. It is the kids who are bad due to the poor parenting skills that are the problem most of the time. And believe me, most people can tell whether it is the kid having a bad day, or it is a problem where the parents have not been very good at bringing them up.
It is those parents who are the root cause of most of the problems. If it is the issue of a normally good kid having a bad day, it isn’t such a big deal.
Either keep the screaming bundles of joyless annoyance at home, open adults only flights, or buy one of these:
http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/xx259/squaretie/bose-baby.jpg
I agree that screaming children is annoying after the age of 1 1/2 but before that, I am sure if any parent could figure out how to get a crying baby to stop they would be millionaries. When you have to travel with an infant and they start fussing in the plane you can’t tell you baby to be quite they cant talk or listen. Baby’s cry for what ever reason and planes are loud to begin with if you cant just be patient with the parents who are trying calm there child maybe ear plugs would be a good investment.
The most difficult age to travel with young children is from 1-2 yrs. They are not babies and not yet toddlers; they fuss and cry and want to play. Most parents do everything they can to minimize the disruptions to and annoyance of fellow passengers. Believe me – I just took my 15 months old on a 4 hour flight. She was great for about 75% of the flight – there’s nothing I can do to keep her completely quiet and happy in an uncomfortable and confined space for that long. You cannot reason with a child this age – they simply don’t understand. You just do your best to be patient, loving, and firm to keep your child as content as possible. People who are not parents truly have no understanding of these facts. I know that because I was once childless and had no idea, though I thought I did. Now, fellow passengers can easily put on earphones. Get a pair of Bose, get over it and stop complaining. Try being a little helpful and more understanding – in my experience, most people are. Rude, unkind, and ignorant adults only make the situation worse. Futhermore, adults are often far more annoying than very young children on planes.
As for kids 3 and up – no excuses, they need to behave. I’ve never had a single problem with my 6 yr old from that age forward. She knows the rules and follows them.
Bottom line is parents shouldn’t be traveling on planes with their babies. It shows a great deal of disrespect for other people If you choose to have a child you had best be prepared to give up taking vacations, eating out in restaurants etc… until you child is old enough to behave.
Parents like Claudia are what most resemble “deatbeat parents”. If it’s a crying baby, you can’t really do much, but if that brat is 3 ys or older, both children and parents deserve a bare-ass spanking!
Concerning this article. Recently had a flight with our one and a half year old.. other than one issue with doesnt like napping in air… amazingly behaved child!! We were told by a friend to buy a seat for our daughter and bring our carseat with us. It would help her to understand that just like in a car she can’t scream or run around. IT WORKED LIKE A CHARM!!!
She was in the middle seat and my husband and i were on the outside seats and she played quietly ( just to point out quiet with toddlers is no where near library quiet, but still reasonably quiet) ate her snacks, and at take off we gave her a bottle and she didnt cry at all. the only issue was nap time. and it lasted about 5 minutes then she totally zonked out!
But enouph of my boring story, now to my point. taking your young child on a flight isnt a bad thing. you just have to do the homework and plan ahead for behavioral .
From what I am reading here, parents should check their babies as baggage; pay the $15 if need be, and let the airline do the baby sitting, along with the responsibility of keeping the child alive in the frigid baggage compartment.
I wonder, too, what the policy is of breast feeding on board, to help pacify the child and make sure the baby is fed? (Re: the baby formula that was confiscated)?
The whole idea of flying can be intolerable with all the idiot restrictions we have to endure; so why not just psyche yourself to deal with the ‘baby on board’, as you do with everything else. That’s life, people!!!
my child is 10 and still has tantrums . There are many children who need tranquilzers and some adults do also for anxiety and there are tranquilizers for them as well. Between 6pm and 9pm my daughter does not listen she keeps continuaously comes out of her room spankings dont work nothing works she just keeps coming out shes special needs and doesnt go to sleep until she passes out she needs to continuously kept busy you cant tell her to do anything because she does not listen at all . I think I will have to give her a tranquilizer or I might have a heart attack . one time we went on a 4 hour flight I havent seen my parents since she was 7 . It was such a stressful time the airlines would not let us have liquids and she drinks all day she has something in her mouth constantly it soothes her and calms her down . But she had a tantrum and threw the teether she was chewing on and she still does at 10 . Special needs peopel and children need to fly also . SO WHAT THE HECK ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO? We are loud noisy laughing playing all the time we try to stay calm but we stomp we scream and cry alot we can not control our emotions even when on medications because the medications do wear off and then we start bouncing in our cahirs and we need lots of rocking to calm our selves and if we arent sleepy we wont fall asleep . my child swings her feet her body constantly . I love to keep moving so I walk alot . and exercise and just keep being busy constantly . My child usually gets to eat when she needs to , telling her to shut up or please be quiet is very difficult for her . she can lower her voice alittle but it isnt enough for most people in church so we cant attend church she doesnt sit still. she does not want to sleep alone so I remain single and she sleeps with me every night . I dont like it but shes happy and quiet. I dont know if you ever seen a noisy happy child and a noisey sad and angry child she is moody so I see all her moods . It is really hard to ignore the noise so I have tryed to deal with it and live with it . It is so dificult to live with her . she talks constantly so she was kicked out of school . shes been crying for 2 hours now because I put her in her room I NEED A BREAK BUT ITS NOT BREAK WITH CONSTANT SLAMMING BANGING STOMPING UPSTAIRS SCRTEAMING LET ME OUT . THE NEIGHBORS MUST THINK i AM KILLING HER . LET ME TELL YOU IF I DID NOT HAVE CONTROL I WOULD OF BY NOW . BUT I HAVE LIMITED PATIENCE AND THEN I DRIVE AWAY FOR AWHILE SHE JUST CAME DOWN AGAIN I TELL HER TO STOP CRYING SHE DOESNT . THIS WILL LAST ALL NIGHT IF I DONT EVENTUALLY LET HER OUT . I HAVE TRYED TO STAY UP TILL 3AM AND SHE USUALLY OUT LASTS ME . I USUALLY PASS OUT FIRST . THEN SHE WANTS A HUG BECAUSE THATS HOW SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS ARE THEY WANT HUGS EVEN THOUGH I DONT FEEL OR WANT A HUG FROM HER BECAUSE I AM SO ANGRY AT HER . SHE DOESNT EVEN REMEMBER WHAT THE HELL I AM PUNISHING HER FOR AFTER AWHILE. THAT’S WHY ITS SO HARD . PRAY FOR ME PLEASE . I HAVE NO TIME FOR MY SELF I NEED HELP I NEED A BREAK AND NO ONE WANTS THIS SO THEY WONT EVEN BABY SIT HER. I HAVE TRYED EVERY THING TO GET HER TO LISTEN DO THINGS MY WAY GET THINGS DONE I WANT HER TO FINISH AND GET DONE . SHE DOESNT EVEN IF I GIVE HER EXTRA TIME A EXTRA DAY . SHE JUST DOES WHAT THE HELL SHE WANTS . NO SHES NOT TRYING TO GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING SHE JUST WANTS TO PLAY AND THAT’S HOW SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS ARE. SOME JUST DO NOT LISTEN AND YOU CANT MOLD THEM OR CHANGE THEM . SO BACK TO TALKING ABOUT THE TRANQUILIZERS . I AM THINKING ABOUT THEM FOR AFTER A CERTAIN TIME AT NIGHT . BECAUSE THEY DONT KNOW CONSEQUENCES I HAVE TRYED WITH SPANKINGS I HAVE TRYED TAKING PRIVALEDGES AWAY FEILD TRIPS AWAY PLAY DATES . THIS DOES NOT WORK . LONG TIME OUTS JUST MIGHT WORK FOR ME IF I CAN GET HER TO BE QUIET . USUALLY NOT THOUGH . RIGHT NOW SHES BEEN CRYING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR NOW . HOPE FULLY SHE WILL LAY DOWN AND GO TO SLEEP . ILL TELL HER WHAT TO DO OVER AND OVER AND SHE WONT DO IT UNLESS I TAKE HER HAND AND DO IT WITH HER SHE HAS COME DOWN ABOUT HER T ENTH TIME NOW . I HAVE SPANKED HER ONCE AND I HATE DOING IT SHE DOESNT LEARN FROM SPANKINGS . I am lost and do not know what to do except just leave her alone let her scream if the cops come at least there are no marks on her but it doesnt work any how. I am really mad nothing works with this child. Not even hugs and stories. I read her a story she wants 2-4 more and she wont pass out I dont know and worn out . pray I find out what to do . I might have to put her on sleeping pills my girl friend did that for her kids . they wouldnt go to sleep till 3-4 am in morning like my daughter . all day she plays writes reads does her chores and crys and has tantrums all day it is stress ful . she doesnt do what I want she does what ever the heck she wants. this is really getting out of hand . I have threatened her to go back to the school system but it was worse when she was there . I got a break but not when she would call me because of a bully trying to hurt her . Oh AND ITS ALWAYS HER FAULT THATA’SSSSSSS WHAT THEY SAY. SO KEEP HER HOME FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND TEACH HER MANNERS THEY WANT ME TO TEACH HER TO STOP TALKING SO MUCH SCREAMING HAVING TANTRUMS WELL ITS GOING ON 3 HOURS AND SHES STILL CRYING SLAMMING DOORS UPSTAIRS . THERE IS NOTHING I CAN GO UP AND SAY TO MAKE HER STOP CRYING SCREAMING WHEN SHE GETS TIRED OF CRYING SHE JUST COMES DOWN AND ASKS AGAIN IF SHE CAN COME OUT. PLEASE I NEED DESPERATE HELP . PRAYERS TO JESUS ARENT HELPING AND I CANT EVEN ATTEND CHURCH WITH A SCREAMING 10 YEAR OLD. I have even threatened the cops will pick her up . so any sugggestions . to have a peaceful home atleast some days.
SO here is my question… what do you say to military family on PCS orders that have children and are moving overseas…? Screw you, no flying because you chose to have kids?
As a parent I do my best to anticipate the needs of my child. I bring enough food and toys to suffice for a typical 26 hour travel just to get back to the states. I make sure they have their jammies and lovies and what not, but I will admit that I did have one flight in which one of my children was just miserable, nothing I could do about it. I spent 8 of the 13 hours in the handicap bathroom. She did not start getting sick until about hour 2. I hear all of you, there are times I wish I was not flying with my kids, but a little tolerance and perhaps an “is there something I might help you with” would go along way!