The issue of noise from other passengers is one which has often been raised before. The debate on whether to allow mobile phones on passenger planes highlighted one source of in-flight disturbance. Noisy children are often cited as a pet hate amongst passengers.www.terminalu.com/travel.../noisy-children...flights.../4697/ . However, culturally the cult of "Kids come first" is deeply embedded in Western society - Dr Ben Spock published "Baby and Child Care", in 1946; this had an enormous impact on raising children, especially in America. His books were later criticised by some in America at the time of the Vietnam War, whose domestic supporters alleged that it had propagated permissiveness and an expectation of instant gratifications amongst America's young.
I have grown to accept the "Kids come first" 'laisser faire' attitude is common amongst many modern parents. However, having worked in the Far East it comes as no surprise that Air Asia has introduced a 'child free zone' in their planes. I say this because, in contrast to the West, in the Far East they have a strong culture of respecting their elders and encouraging good behaviour from the younger generation. In contrast its often evident that Western ethos allows offspring to behave in a way that discomforts fellow travellers without being restrained by mum or dad. Every one brings up their kids in the way they consider proper; but when that method results in trespassesing on other people's expectations of a quiet and comfortable journey, whether by train, coach or plane, I hold that that is not acceptable. I am not the only one it seems - try Googling "Noisy Kids on planes" !!!!!
On one transatlantic flight, along with my section of the plane, I was confined for over 8 hours in an aluminium tube all of us suffering with increasing irritation when a 5 yr old "princess" in the seat in front of me bounced , shouted and demanded attention from everyone around and cried when she did not get her own way. She generally made herself objectionable ( perhaps an X-Factor contestant to come?) to one and all. Her parents were subjected to hostile stares and angy glances from across the cabin, in answer to which they feebly smiled and raised their shoulders in a "what can you do?" gesture. Not once did they offer to try to restrain their child's behaviour. I am not suggesting physical chastisement but at least try to reason with the child to settle down and stop annoying fellow travellers!! The whole cabin could have happily invited the princess to play "outside"!!
I accept that this may be an extreme example. Most kids are great on flights I have been on. I always make a point of complimenting parents who have had well behaved small children near me on long tedious journeys. Complaining to the other type of parent does no good anyway!!! Their idea of "well-behaved" probably does not sync with yours for a start!!
Air Asia should be congratulated on the move attempting to protect their customers from the few parents unable or unwilling to educate their offspring on how to behave in public. I am sure in the far eastern market place it will be a popular move. However it's not something I can see catching on in Europe or the US despite the problem being a major beef with regular air passengers. Interesting to see how the initiative devlops!!
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