Apologizing in Advance for Babies on the Plane

Babies on planes. Seems that’s a general headline maker, especially during heavy travel times like the holidays. Passengers definitely have their opinions about babies and children on flights, some tolerant, others not.

One set of parents decided to be proactive and created goody bags to give out to passengers apologizing in advance for their baby, who might cry or, you know, be a baby! I do appreciate that in that bag there were earplugs for each passenger, but it’s not their responsibility to supply earplugs to everyone.

Since when did we start apologizing about babies being babies? Babies and their parents are as entitled to fly somewhere as is any adult without children. Do I like hearing a baby cry on a plane? Of course not, but believe me, the stress level of the the mom and dad trying to soothe the child is spiking. While passengers without children can put in earplugs, the parents with baby must deal with the baby.

My recommendation to all passengers flying, bring earphones and music or a downloaded book or podcast, or simply bring earplugs just in case there’s a loud baby or child. Sometimes the adult passenger who had one too many can be just as bad as a baby or child. In other words, control what you can. Give that mom and dad a break, maybe even offer to help them out, but don’t expect favors in advance. And heaven forbid, goody bags become some new trend that moms think they need to follow. Moms with babies have PLENTY to do without doing this.

And for parents flying with babies and children, just be prepared. I applaud you for making the trek with a baby. It’s a lot of gear and a lot of effort. You do not owe passenger Joe Schmoe anything. You paid for your tickets just like he did, and you had to bring a stroller and a lot more baggage to boot.