The INSIDER Summary:
- Budget air carrier IndiGo just announced kid-free Quiet Zones on its flights.
- No U.S. carrier has made a similar change, though a few international airlines have.
- The announcement is getting mixed reactions from travelers.
Budget air carrier IndiGo recently announced kid-free Quiet Zones on its flights, adding to an ever-growing list of airlines creating adults-only spaces.
It's a controversial move. Some customers and airlines say the policy gives people traveling for business a better chance to get work done or grab a nap. Others think the policy is discriminatory.
Currently, no U.S. carrier has made the change, though a few international airlines — including Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore's Scoot Airlines — have created policies in the last few years.
In 2013, Scoot Airlines created its ScootinSilence upgrade, preventing children under the age of 12 from sitting in particular rows. Malaysia Airlines banned infants from first class flights in 2011 and introduced kid-free zones in economy a few years later. AirAsia ultimately followed suit.
Richard Branson was once interested in developing a separate cabin for kids with nannies who could watch them. The so-called kids class was scrapped due to issues with the Civil Aviation Authority, Branson said in an interview with Condé Nast Traveler in 2014.
Many travelers responded positively to the move, saying they would even pay extra for the option.
An airline has introduced #childfreeflights and I feel like the world is answering many peoples prayers right now.
— Laura Rogan (@lauraroganxo) October 6, 2016
#childfreeflights for the win! I will gladly pay more for a peaceful flight!
— Tizi (@tizinyourface) October 13, 2016
@thismorningitv#ChildFreeFlights would be amazing. Nothing worse than a kicking screaming brat to ruin the start to your holiday!
— Rob Howard-Miller (@robhowardmiller) August 17, 2016Others are frustrated with the policy, calling it "ridiculous" and discriminatory.
I sensed this on my recent IXJ-DEL flight. #indigo so discriminatory on part of u to announce such a ridiculous offering #childfreeflights
— Manoj Kumar (@MtmManoj) October 6, 2016
#childfreeflights ? Sure but I hope the cost is your soul. Mama of 4 over here and love to take my babies on vacation! #getoveryourselves
— Linda Rae Mercieca (@Linela22) August 16, 2015
#childfreeflights?! What's next? Child free restaurants, malls, libraries, theaters, stores, parks, etc.?! Get real!
— Renee' Hatfield (@RHatfield0827) August 15, 2015
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