Scott and Kelli poll: should planes have "kids only" sections?

I say no, because if their parents weren't with them, a ton of things could happen. it's just not logic, but that's how people think. i can respect their opinions, and they can respect mine.

I say Yes with this poll as a mother of a very active little boy I like the idea of a section where I won't have people asking me to quite my child.

don't believe its necessary!

they should only have one if the adults are going to be there other wise they shouldnt.... cause alot of kids that are away from there parents on planes usually get kidnapped and or killed so ya

Absolutely. I have 4 sons (grown). No matter how well behaved they are, there are some people that just are not 'kid friendly'. Well behaved- that refers to the kids, not the un-kid friendly adult...
Anyway, i think a kid section is completely appropriate and would be a good thing for airline travelers.

YES but only if there is some seperation,like a wall! (Not like restaurants that have smoking and non-smoking sections that are not seperated by anything). I understand that kids will be kids, I can live with that. But many parents don't even try to manage their children and it is evident who is in control.

I would love planes to have playarea's on planes or something to entertain the kids. we have to take books and crayons and we have to find ways to keep the kids entertained when we travel on planes. kids dont like to be in the seats over 5 minutes and are ready to start bouncing off the seats

I would agree it would be nice to have a "family" section on airplanes, I have (had) kids and it is very annoying to have a child behind you yelling, or kicking your chair. I had this happen on a flight to New York and all the mother said was "you can tell him to stop" any time. This way if they had a section maybe all the kids can see each other and communicate with each other, distract each other!!

I totally agree with a kids only section. I am a mother of a 3 yr old austic child who does ok on airplanes but there are times it is troubling when you try your best to not distrub the other passengers. I think it would be helpful to be sitting with others that have children then maybe the plane rides would go easier for the children and us parents.

Yes because then you don't feel so bad when there are other kids around doing the same thing but at the same time I've flown with my daughter twice and she was the only child on the plane so I guess we were the kids only zone lol but it would help but I wonder would we have to pay extra for that as well?

I traveled by air with my two children over 36 years ago and the flight attendants took my son ( age 4) at the time and gave me and a few other moms our own time.  But traveling to Germany years later we had children crying and yes, hitting the seat etc.  So it would be nice for those children who cannot behave while flying.  Keep up the great things the LORD is doing with K-LOVE.
HIS grateful servant
Pauline

To my prior comment I would have to say that the parents should have to be seated with them. And it should be an option when you book your flight.

I say yes because my daughter likes making new friends and if there is another child on the plane her age she can sit with them and I'd be able to keep an eye on her.

There is already a section where kids can not sit...the rows right in front & right in back of the emergency exits... this is usually for kids under 12...so book those seats...the only problem we have is kids yelling, usually ages 4 to 9 other wise  kids are pretty well behaved...I think that the same should apply for restaurants & movies ( kids sections).

It is annoying when a child acts up on a plane but I don't think it would be fair to "place them" in a different area. Parents need to take care of the out of control child.

i totally think there should be a kids section because having to sit through a 12 hour flight to india is never fun with kids kicking and screaming!!

Absolutely NOT!
Kids belong with their parents.  
They need to learn how to behave in all situations and who better to teach them than their parent(s) and not other kids.
Parents can be prepared on a flight to keep their kids busy and comfortable.  I can't imagine how much MORE an airline ticket would be if we had to pay for a 'kids section' and someone to police them in there.

I also agree with having a family section. But what would happen if that section is full. Would that mean you couldn't get on that flight.

Yes. I have an almost 5 year old who is well behaved. She's still 5 and full of energy. Especialy when traveling and tired. If there are misbehaved kiddos it just opens up a great opportunity for a teaching moment with my own child I guess.

i say yes even though im a kid i think that would be fun for young kids.

Yes ----I travel frequently and have had 3 children and now have a grandchild ----this would ease the stress of the parents --the children and the other passengers(even if they feel the parents pain)---it would make a better experience for all

Yes by all means parents take the kids and go away I just spent 32 hours on a train from NY to Hattiesburg,MS screaming kids in front and screaming kids in the back. If you can't control your children then you need to have a seat in another place

I am torn...my baby girl does awesome with flights. However, I could see why people would want it. Maybe it could be optional...and just hope that parents with naughty children or children that just don't do well with flying would just choose that area...

There should be to sections: one for the naughty and one for the good kids to play

Why don't airlines just reduce the airfare for parents who "choose" to be seated in the "kids only" section of the plane.  Most parents would jump on the chance to save money, and the other passengers would enjoy the quiet atmosphere on the rest of the plane.

Yes!  The not-so-good children can go either in the overhead or down below.  No need for a new section!  Although the overhead is already so packed...

I am the mother of seven children, ages 1 to 11. I receive the "death glare" just for walking into a store, restaurant or airplane. However, my children consistently prove that they are well-mannered and enjoyable. Unfortunately the stereo-type exists for a reason. A "family-friendly" section on an airplane, I fear, would do more harm than good as parents who already allow their children to misbehave are suddenly given "permission". And what happens to the people who are stuck sitting one row above or behind the kids section? Even with my 7 children I wouldn't want to sit there! ha!

No!  I have three small kids (5 and 4 years, and 6 months).  My husband is in the military, and my kids were born in England, Okinawa Japan, and Hawaii respectively.  We have to travel all the time to see family.  My kids are well behaved on planes, and I don't think it is fair for them to be with kids that aren't as well behaved.  As a matter of fact, they are more apt to misbehave when other kids are goofing around.

Maybe have a cry area??  

No. I totally agree with Kelli on this one!! Let the parents use this airplane ride/trip as a lesson to teach their children how to behave properly.

No, it's not a good idea.  What if there are no seats available in the kid only section and 10 seats available in the adults only section and you have to get somewhere.  You would be denied those seats.

BTW, I wonder how the flight attendants would decide who would work the area??  Draw straws?  The rookies??  

There is a kids section on planes already...it's called coach!  

Seriously, most business travelers who want to be separated from the children have the option to fly in business or first class. I think think separating parents and children into a separate section is a slippery slope (think civil rights for blacks in the back of the bus once upon a time.)

Children don't fuss just to annoy other passengers. They fuss on planes because they are hungry, tired, thirsty, their ears hurt, they are bored, they need to move around, etc. It is the parent's job to prepare the child for a flight and do the best they can to make it a positive experience.

I think a kids and families section is a good idea if it's optional.  Children under 4 might be in the learning phase but children age 5 to teen years are the responsibility of their parents. Honestly, if kids aren't behaving on a plane, then chances are the parents havent been applying corrective discipline to teach them how to behave in appropriate situations.  

Maybe the airlines would be better with a section for naughty parents.

As a miltary wife/ mom of 5, I well understand traveling
alone with kids. As a Christian light to the world, our family can be a positive testimony on parenting by taking care of business @ home; training our children should be a goal, not taking the "pressure off."... Sorry, Scott.    

No. I don't think a "kid's only section" is necessary.  I would suggest offering your assistance to someone who is traveling with children.  I once offered to hold a small baby and continue giving her a bottle so that the mother could tend to the toddler that was crying/screaming for attention.  I took the baby and fed her. The mother tended to the toddler.  Everyone was happy.  

In one way its sounds good in another i am not sure i want several kids in one area making noice and bouncing around on a plane that could be affected. I guess if you have a place where they can intereact with one another and watch kiddie shows that would be good. However, I would have to get more information on the plan. Would this be sound proof? I mean it seems as if once one kids starts to cry other follow suit if one is loud others get loud. I think if they do it should be sound proof. If your not going to disturb other people then that is one of the biggest complaints I have heard about kids.

No we should no separate kids from the rest. If we gave kids their own section, then we would have to give annoying people their own section too.  I was on a 16 hour flight to Asia and the guy beside me was a "Leg Jigglier" he jiggled his leg almost the entire way - so annoying!  However, you're in a confined space with a lot of people, so you need to have patience.

NO...why should I be penalized for traveling with my kids (who are great travelers - even when they were babies) by having to sit in a section with kids who are disruptive?

Maybe a "fine" of sorts should be instituted to the parents who cannot control their kids.  Before they get off the plane they have to pay a $10-50 fee if someone has complained about their child!

I say...instead of a kids only section, why not have an Adults only section...maybe even have an upcharge, for those who would like the guarentee that they will not be disturbed by a child on the flight.. Otherwise... I'm with Scott on this one.

I'm a flight attendant for a great airline! I'd like to know if they'd also like to add a section for misbehaved adults who throw fits about their bags not fitting in overhead bins, or having to sit in a middle seat, or.... Let's put them in a special time out section (maybe out on the tail - cool them off a bit)
On a serious note:  As a mother of four sons who traveled from birth on airplanes, please remind those other passengers that they were once children, maybe even cried or threw a fit when they were out of their comfort zones, or their ears were hurting.  As for me and my airline, bring your kids!  We love them - crying or not!  They're welcome to sit anywhere on my plane!  Hats off to any parent traveling with kids!  It's character building for us all. (Frontier Airlines)

I think that this sounds like a good idea. This will give the parents and other adults to have down time for themselves and to enjoy the plane ride and also this will also give the children a chance to interact with one another! I just started thinking but is there any way you could do some type of a sunday school class for them on the plane or teach them something about the Lord in the children's Section? That would be amazing if there was some way to just teach them or give them something about the Lord cause what if that is the only chance they get to hear about the Lord before the Rapture? I think there should be some way to do so. But I DO think it is a good idea.

I want to agree with Scott completely.  That was actually my first thought!  It IS relieving the idea of 'allowing' my kid to make noises....or screaming.

there shouldnt be a section where kids are seperated from there parents but a section for parents with kids..i am a patient person but an international flight where a little boy didnt want to fall asleep??

scott and kelli, if youd seen my 4 BOYS growing up...you would SOO have said...THROW THOSE BRATS IN THE CARGO AREA...ALL THE WAY TO GUAM...HAHAHA...course..now..i couldnt ask for more of them...THANK GOD...im just sayin

to add to mine...can we charge the other passengers extra for 'getting' to sit in quieter section?

Scott, you tend to take the diplomatic approach with your comments.  Kelly, thanks for keeping it real.  I am an elementary school teacher and would love a flight that isolated parents with children under the age of 8.  I've had the wailing, kicking, food-hurling children behind and beside me on flights.  When I take vacations, it's to be away from those children.

I understand when kids are not behaving and when my kids were young I would certainly make sure they were.   However, I have had many many more experiences with ADULTS misbehaving when I was on a flight.  So since kids are not allowed to fly free and per say are considered a paying customer just like all others paying for a seat.  We should treat equally and have a "misbehaving" section for any age.   Something to ponder

YES there should be a "family section", and I think it would make more sense if it were toward the back of the plane, or closer to a restroom, sink, etc. It's very difficult traveling with kids, I feel for those of us that do...it's not a family friendly flying world out there.

I believe it's not going to help. The rest of the plane will still hear them and some parents will look at is as a way to not have to parent their kids. Also what will happen when the kid section is full but you have kids? Or what if the rest of the plane is booked and you dont have kids can uou still reserve a seat in that section? I have five that are well behaved on planes.
I believe people need to be more understanding to children while they fly and parents need to parent their children in a manner that is respectful to all on the plane. Even extremely active children can remain calm on an airplane given the right choices to do so.. Like reading to your child, coloring, watching a show, playing a video game... Something that is special for flying only and only if they are quit and calm.

Maybe??? - Not really sure how that is going to work.  You can't guarantee how many kids will be on a flight.  And the only way to not distract other passengers would be to have a wall or noise muffler of some kind.  And I don't see airlines leaving empty seats.  So while it's a great idea, I'm not sure how they would be able to make it work.  Would like it if they could though...

I love the idea.  I have older kids now, but would have like it when mine were young.  My children were well behaved.  But they do have a limit to that.  As an adult who travels now with my teenage kids I would love to not have to listen to someone elses child having a melt down. But either way it all boils down to being a parent and teaching your children good maners and how to behave in public.  

I am a mother of three and I think that it would be nice to sit somewhere where the others wont be bothered by kids being kids, and were I dont get the dirty looks from others annoyed with my kids laughing and talking. As long as the seat price would not have to be more expensive. Traveling with kids already costs so much!!!

I think its good. It will give the kids others around thier age to meet and fellowship with.

I like the idea - especially if it includes:
- first on AND first off
- goldfish snacks
- extra leg room and storage space for kid gear
- exit via the slide!

I have a problem with Scott and Kelly using the term "behavior problems" so much. I would have to guess that most kids on a plane that might be fussy or crying do not have a behavior problem, but are rather reacting to their environment that they have been forced into for a long period of time. Children's ears are a lot more sensitive than ours to flying so that is usually a main reason kids are crying. Also, it is not natural  for a 18 month old or even a 3 or 4 year old to sit in a 2 ft. by 2ft. confined area for hours. These ARE NOT behavior problems!! Would you please acknowledge this and quit talking about good behaved children vs. bad behaved children. Most are merely crying because God gave them this way of communicating with their parents to let them know that "something is not right here", like my ears, or the space/environment I am in is not meeting my need!

I think there should be a kids only section.  Especially for those with babies, who might need help with carryon items that invariably come with having a baby.  I also think they should be first off as well as first to board.

Yes, a family section would be great! Last month I flew by myself with my 4 yr old son and 12 month old daughter, and my daughter cried intermittently thru the entire flight. I felt horrible and to make things worse each time my daughter would start to cry the gentleman in front of me would turn around and give me a dirty look! So, yes I am all for it. Andrea

Maybe they should have a section of the plane that is for the parents with kids and babies.

Yes, a family section would be great! Last month I flew by myself with my 4 yr old son and 12 month old daughter, and my daughter cried intermittently thru the entire flight. I felt horrible and to make things worse each time my daughter would start to cry the gentleman in front of me would turn around and give me a dirty look! So, yes I am all for it. Andrea

"Give an inch and they take a mile"  The problem that I see with a family section is when something like this is put together to allow for the noise of children, you have many parents who see this as a release of any need to control their children at all.  As a mother of 2 children under 4, I know desire to have a place to not need perfect quiet, but also know the mentality of too many parents in this world.  It would be horrible for the majority and a release of responsibility for the few.

No, I think children should learn to behave appropriately in their surroundings. I would have hated to be stuck by kids who were misbehaving giving my kids mixed signals as to what was expected. I no longer have small children but my 3 boys traveled often and were well behaved travelers. I know this because others commented on their good behavior. As an adult traveler I don't mind sitting next to children as long as they are not completely out of control. Food and activities in their own backpacks is a key to successful travel.

I don't think that is a good idea becuase you don't know what the kids will do. Anyway I would rather be safe than sorry. If i love my child I would consider it's safety at all times! And on the planes-(esp.on planes)is no acception!

I'd like to see people take responsibility for making sure their children behave!  It is interesting that Scott said "it would be better because we'd be sitting with other parents who would understand what I'm going through."  If you don't control your kids, then you deserve whatever you are "going through" but other people suffer, too. The secret is, spend the time and common sense teaching children respect and consideration. It CAN be done at an early age! I had four and they were great and happy little kids.

I vote yes to child areas on the plane. I recently flew with my child and I would love to have a children section where my one and a half year old could be just that!!! I felt like I was inconviencing everyone and even though my child did absolutely wonderful on the plane and surprised the adults around him ( these were the same ones that cringed when they saw us) I would prefer being able to relax and know that my child was ok to jump around and make some noise!!!

i think it would be a good idea because sometimes as kids they intend to get bored and start to get annoying!!

I say oh boy to that. I mean parents are suppose to take care of their children. To train them, and what a great experience for parents to teach their kids how to behave on a plane. It doesn't matter what other people think about you or your kid(s). Nasty looks and rude comments behind your back are just natural even if you don't have kids. Trust me I'm a teen, and nasty comments and looks are just to normal for me.

How about tolarance for others. How about reaching out and helping someone else. How about patience and kindness. I personally don't get on a plane to sleep. It's an adventure, it's life. No I did not travel on a plane when my children were young (they are grown now). But,I can imagine how hard it is to travel for little ones. Many adults behaviors are far worse and they know better. Always be a little kinder and patient than necessary.

Definetly not! First off, your child shouldn't be behaving that badly. But being a mother of 2 I understand that sometimes infants don't always follow the rules, but hey that's life. If you don't want to run that risk of being next to a child (or a family with children) and want privacy... rent a car and drive

There is a 'rule of thumb' that parents have lost here in America and by understanding this we would save ourselves and our children a lot of heartache: a one year old is (maybe) comfortable with 'one' other one year old, a two year old with 'two', a three year old with three and so it goes up to about age 'seven' where they do OK with a 'small' group. This is scriptural and why God created families. Children must relate and become comfortable with their family, (siblings). Brothers and sisters (usually) come one a time, with space in between.Teach them and keep them in that small, safe, family group where love, trust, and so many, many things of life began. BACK TO THE AIRPLANE: It's an airplane not a playground!! MOM, ARE WE THERE YET?? We can break that 'rule of thumb' and we certainly have (daycares) and we are regretting it, it's not a pretty picture to see America warehousing it's children. Do I have a witness?

i thank it would be ok if people were watching like the rooms that devide be right next to each other maybe maybe not

never mind i say no no no no im a kid i know what im talking about