An Indian airline has introduced a special child-free zone on its aircraft for adults who prefer not to be disturbed by children.
In a decision that has divided opinion, budget carrier IndiGo has banned passengers aged under 12 years old from occupying seats in its new Quiet Zone.
“Keeping in mind the comfort and convenience of all passengers, row numbers 1-4 and 11-14 are generally kept as a Quiet Zone on IndiGo flights.” the airline said in a statement.
“These zones have been created for business travellers who prefer to use the quiet time to do their work,”
Parents vented their rage on Twitter, with many claiming ‘child-free zones’ are mean spirited and discriminatory:
#childfreeflights what next human free flights? Grow up people stop blaming kids for your own short tempers
— G3 (@G3M01) October 6, 2016
When airlines create #childfreeflights they are saying adults comfort is more important than kids exploration of the world. #bullshit
— K Raine Walker (@soulshine_raine) October 6, 2016
@itvthismorning Lets have judgemental stuck up smug people free flights too. #ChildFreeFlights
— Jennifer Bullock (@Jennybull30) August 17, 2016
I took my 1yr old on hol in June and I wont be going on a plane with him again for a while! Parents know their children! #childfreeflights
— Busy Working Mummy (@busyworkingmum1) August 27, 2015
This #childfreeflights idea will only increase the discrimination certain families get on long-haul flights. @patriciatallman
— Nico Sarti (@nicosarti) October 7, 2016
Meanwhile, many childless frequent fliers applauded the decision:
#ChildFreeFlights heck yeah! Roll this out across the board ??
— Darryl Angell (@angell_1988) October 7, 2016
Moaners about #childfreeflights – if you teach your kids not to run around,kick the seat in front or stop screaming there wouldn’t be a need
— m@ (@MattBarratts) October 6, 2016
Just because you’re stuck listening to your brat screaming for hours doesn’t mean other PAX should be too. This is genius. #childfreeflights
— Alexandra (@Dirty_Melodies) October 6, 2016
#childfreeflights hooray !!!! It’s not discrimination it’s sense !!! Hope it becomes the norm ?? well done @IndiGo6E
— shelly richardson (@mishelly2810) October 6, 2016
If you’re the kind of person that thinks #childfreeflights are “discriminatory”, you probably don’t know how to control your demon spawn.
— Brythan Benfer (@bbenfer24) October 6, 2016
#ChildFreeFlights is a fantastic idea. Only people offended are those with kids – no shock there.
— Wallflower (@Russy__) October 6, 2016
The announcement also prompted some discussion over whether there is a market for child-free travel:
@iTwit2oo How about a whole premium priced airline just for childless peolple? And a cheaper option for families? #childfreeflights.
— Nico Sarti (@nicosarti) October 7, 2016
Do you think child-free flights are a good idea? Join the conversation on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.