Apparently according to a survey by holidayhypermarket.co.uk one in two Brits would chose child free flights given the opportunity. I get it would be a tempting proposition.  It would be quite nice not having someone kick the back of your chair or shout at the tops of their voices.

Imagine the Peace

The plane might be a bit more peaceful minus the shrieking and the crying.  Although my two are definitely becoming better travellers now they are older.  If I am honest some adults are unrulier than the children on the flights I have been on.  Those that have had a few drinks can be quite disruptive. The odd flight has had to be diverted just to remove a passenger that’s becoming a problem.  I can’t imagine a flight making an emergency landing because a toddler decides to have a meltdown! Some adult passengers don’t seem to appreciate your personal space either.  You end up with your arms tucked tightly to your body because they have made themselves very comfortable squishing up to you!

Family Flights Are My Favourite

Personally, I would prefer to fly with other families but perhaps I am just biased as I have children myself now.  Athough our last flight to Spain I did feel sorry for the passengers behind one family, their toddler thought it was hilarious to spit on them. The parents didn’t deal with it very quickly so the toddler managed to do it again and again before they coaxed him off the plane!!! I wouldn’t have been impressed if I had been behind him.  Noise I can tolerate, whilst spit is a definite no for me!

You do read about some parents giving little gifts to passengers to apologise about the noise their baby or child might make.  I think that’s a very thoughtful gesture and one sure to appease other travellers. My youngest was four for our first flight to Portugal, I didn’t fancy travelling when they were babies or toddlers although if you can time their nap during the flight it might have been easier than keeping my boys out of mischief at a time they didn’t sleep during the day!

Although when I travelled pre-kids, I didn’t pay much attention to the families around me.  It’s the luxury of being without responsibilities you can just unwind and take care of just yourself. I guess it was only if they were particularly loud or badly behaved I would have noticed the children. Some would be quite sweet though and give you a lovely smile as their parents paced up and down the aisles with them.

Enough to Entertain Them

Prepare for your journey ensuring your child has adequate entertainment for the flight.  This will  keep them occupied and help them become the most pleasant of travellers. We pack books, colouring items and a pack of cards.  Mind you as a family our longest flight was 4 hours.  I understand for longer flights it would be more challenging.  We haven’t braved flying further afield yet!!! If you are pack lots of little surprises in your hand luggage and bring something different out before their behaviour gets too troublesome.

The main thing is to make allowances for the people around you.  When enclosed on a plane together its natural to get frustrated by their behaviour.  However try and relax and be a considerate traveller.