Is there a more overused complaint than that of travelers lamenting the presence of children on flights? Honestly, it’s hard to think of one. It may be time to declare it: kids are not the most bothersome flyers. Not even close.
I often wonder about the mindset of those who believe their plane ticket grants them a brief escape to tranquility. Seriously? You didn’t purchase a ticket to a serene adult paradise in the sky; you’re aboard a form of public transportation. And let’s be real: public transport can be annoying, but it’s not just the little ones who contribute to that.
Before becoming a parent, I traveled extensively, and while I do prefer traveling without kids now, it’s not because they are unbearable company. The stress of flying with young children often stems from the reactions of other passengers. A mere peep from your child can lead to passive-aggressive sighs, eye-rolls, and even direct complaints. For some inexplicable reason, people on planes feel entitled to loudly express their disdain for children — and it’s downright irritating.
Recently, a major publication featured an article titled “The 8 Worst Types of Kids on a Flight.” In response, I’d like to propose my own list: “The 8 Most Annoying Types of Adults on a Flight.” Each flight seems to have at least one of these characters, yet there’s no extensive discourse about whether these individuals should be allowed to fly alongside others.
- Mr. Oblivious
“I’m reclining into your lap, and I can feel your breath on my head, but that doesn’t bother me.” - Mrs. Bad Dietary Choices
“Sure, egg salad smells awful, but I’ll pretend I don’t notice. It’s the only thing I craved today.” - Partying Professionals
“We’re going to order Jack and Cokes (which we’ll refer to as ‘JC’s’) and celebrate loudly while giving each other high-fives across the aisle.” - The Manspreader
“I require a window seat, both armrests, and my leg will be in contact with yours for the entire flight.” - Loud Music Guy
“I must blast my headphones at a deafening volume. What did you just say?” - The Constant Talker
“I’m anxious about flying, so you’ll need to engage me in conversation for the next three hours. Also, my nerves make me gassy.” - Mr. Grumpy About Kids
“I will complain about the baby on this flight for the entire duration, making me far more bothersome than the baby itself.” - The Epic Complainer
“I’m upset the flight attendant served the back row first. It’s freezing, and I want to discuss how airlines have become greedy for the next few hours.”
As I said, kids are not the most annoying travelers on a plane. If you’re interested in tips for navigating air travel with children, check out our guide on how to survive an airplane with kids.
In conclusion, while traveling can be a hassle, let’s focus on the real challenges and not place blame on children. For those on a journey toward parenthood, check out this excellent resource for understanding the ins and outs of donor insemination. And if you’re looking for ways to protect your little ones from pesky insects, visit this authority on managing and preventing mosquito bites in children.