Airplane Offers

Do You Pamper Your Neighbors?

April 15, 2008

Many parents are petrified of flying with their tots — anxious about temper tantrums, crying fits, mischievous behavior and changing diapers.

In an effort to soothe other passengers, many moms offer earplugs and drinks to their neighbors on board.

Would you ever extend such benefits?
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8 Comments

NiniSoph 5 years 4 days

I agree with RosaDilia. Finding ways to occupy and entertain your kids is definitely the first line of defense to keeping your neighbors content. I found a great online kids travel store called Little Jet Set (www.littlejetset.com) that is an intelligent alternative to drugging your kids. This website offers travel games, puzzles, toys, activity books, magnetic play scenes and more to have worry-free, boredom-free travels with kids when you travel. One of my favorites is the Moringa Lacing Tree. Kids can lace leaves and bugs to the using colorful cutouts. On top of helping with fine motor skills, the toy is creative and addictive.

Sweet Rinda 5 years 4 weeks

Oh wow, this is such a dilemma for me. I agree that people need to be mindful of others and also to try to teach their children to be respectful and behave appropriately. I also know that what is appropriate for a 1 yr old is not the same as for an adult. I am definitely nervous about travelling with my six month old because I don't want to upset other people, however, I still need to get places and am not going to stay home or avoid travel just because someone else might be put out. Part of travelling IS dealing with kids, smelly seat mates, long wait times and bad food. That's life. If my guy is unhappy or uncomfortable or tired during a flight, that's just luck of the draw, for me and everyone else. If someone were really helpful with him or amazingly understanding, I would certainly buy them a drink. However, I am not going to apologize to everyone just because my kid is being a kid. We were all kids once, we all had tantrums, it is part of life, so yes, deal with it. (I also have purchased that Tshirt that Lil' Sugar suggested from Milkbomb - might as well go in with a sense of humour!)

Ericka 5 years 5 weeks

I think it's rude to have the thought that people around you should just "deal" with what they're thrown. Especially in a situation like a plane flight. People are in very close proximity for long periods of times and having a child who is acting up can be very tiring not just for you but for others around you. They probably planned their trip and didn't think they would need to plan for what if the lady next to me has a bratty kid or maybe a teething baby. If you know YOUR child may be a problem for others you should consider bringing something such as earplugs for those who may be affected around you. People can be removed from the plane for bad body odor by the way, and larger people can be forced to buy more than one seat.

lickety split 5 years 5 weeks

lucky for you they do, there called charter planes. enjoy :)

shopper90210 5 years 5 weeks

Parents need to apologize when they let their brats run around screaming in public places. These people have no consideration for other people around them. Your kid isn't cute its annoying. Personally I wish they had flights that banned children.

lickety split 5 years 5 weeks

no. i've got my hands full and they can take care of themselves. if i see another mom that could use some help, and i can help her, i am happy to do so. i certainly wouldn't expect her to come to my aid. when did having children become something we need to apoloigize for? children misbehave, we all did, and they have bad days, just like adults do. i'm way more irritated by the jerk that takes part of my seat or didn't shower before take off than by a little child that is experiencing something new and off their schedule. but as for complaining about either; i'm not going to. public transportation means a grab bag about who you are forced to sit with. it's unlikely that your plane will be only 1/2 full and that the other passengers will all be to your liking.

SanDiegoLove 5 years 5 weeks

I would totally bring ear plugs or Tylenol for neighboring passengers! Or offer to buy them a drink to soothe their nerves :)

RosaDilia 5 years 5 weeks

When I travel with my son, he usually carries a backpack with enough stuff to keep him busy. One time I offered crayons and a coloring book to a parent whose child was so fidgety that she was actually getting impatient and was becoming an annoyance to the other passengers.

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