There are many travellers, despite the fact that they are parents themselves, who are incensed when they have to fly either sitting next to a young cranky child, or a seat in front or behind them. Their frustration is understandable. It’s not always easy.
Budget airline IndiGo has now announced that they will soon introduce child-free zones on their flights, where no passengers under 12 years of age will be allowed. Representatives of the airline, which connects over 40 domestic destinations, said, "Keeping in mind the comfort and convenience of all passengers, rows 1 to 4 and 11 to 14 are to be kept as a Quiet Zone. These zones have been created for business travellers who prefer to use the quiet time to do their work." What's more, kids will also be restricted from rows with emergency exits as well as those with extra legroom.
As delighted as some may be about the announcement, overall, it has received mixed reactions from patrons. Some are apprehensive about the move accusing the airline of being elitist, while some say they are looking forward to a quieter flight without a weeping child around.
You can see that both camps have their point of view. However, IndiGo is not the only airline in the world to have this ‘quiet zone’ policy. Singapore Airlines, for example, have been doing something similar for years. They have a ‘no kids’ section on all aircraft. Malaysia Airlines banned allotment of first class seats for children.
Now, while this may be completely legal and within the airline’s purview, just how justified or morally right is it? Airlines can claim that they are only providing a service for premium paying customers, which is what people who want a seat in those quiet zones turn into, with a few extra charges involved. The airlines will be completely justified from that perspective. At the same time, this turns children under 12 into nuisance value. Will airlines mete out similar treatment to inebriated travellers, for instance? That remains to be seen. Let’s see how this catches on with other airlines.
