IndiGo's 'child-free zones' leave some fliers worried

Those who often feel annoyed by the sound of screaming children next to their seat during air travel can now heave a sigh of relief. Budget carrier IndiGo is coming up with premium seats in ‘child-free zones’ restricted to children above 12 years of age.
 

“Keeping in mind the comfort and convenience of all passengers, row numbers one to four and 11 to 14 are generally kept as ‘Quiet Zone’ on IndiGo flights. These zones have been created for business travellers who prefer to use the quiet time to do their work,” IndiGo said in a statement according to Indiatoday.
 

 

There are travellers who are not comfortable sitting next to kids. Some might want to take a rest during flights or those heading for a holiday trip might not want to be woken up by a child refusing to be fed.

While the move has been welcomed by some, others have termed it as discriminatory. Social media has been abuzz with reactions both supporting and rejecting IndiGo’s move.

Read some rows on flights to be child free in India. Until some parents stop kids kicking seat & screaming, gets my vote. #ChildFreeFlights

— smillieg (@smillieg) October 8, 2016

#ChildFreeFlights sounds like an excellent idea, especially after I was stuck with a screaming toddle for a 9 hour flight.

— KMCD (@Clix_593) August 14, 2015

I'd be willing to pay extra to be on a baby/toddler free flight. #childfreeflights http://t.co/oOLMs2mx3L

— Mara (Mah-rah) (@marasaidso) August 14, 2015

An airline has introduced #childfreeflights and I feel like the world is answering many peoples prayers right now.

— Laura Rogan (@lauraroganxo) October 6, 2016

But not everyone is happy. Mothers who often travel with their infants or young kids have raised the alarm, saying adults should be more tolerant and such moves would set the wrong precedents for places like restaurants, malls, theatres, and parks to also follow. One Twitter user mocked the idea, saying “most children behave better than adults and #childfreeflights are a dumb idea”.

#childfreeflights?! What's next? Child free restaurants, malls, libraries, theaters, stores, parks, etc.?! Get real!

— Renee' Marie Weaver (@Rweave10) August 15, 2015

#childfreeflights what next human free flights? Grow up people stop blaming kids for your own short tempers

— G3 (@G3M01) October 6, 2016

Most children behave better than adults #childfreeflights is a dumb idea

— Miss Rose Blue (@missroseblue) August 15, 2015

 

Interestingly, the Mirror reported that a 2014 survey found 70 per cent of passengers backed child restrictions and 35 percent would pay extra to travel on child-free services.