Flying with children can be quite a challenge, especially in an age where security protocols feel more like a striptease than a safety measure, and fellow travelers often express their disdain at the sight of families boarding. Recently, a couple traveling to Florida felt the need to appease their fellow passengers by handing out goodie bags in an attempt to promote understanding for their 18-month-old twins.
A woman named Jessica Moore shared her experience on a social media platform, recounting how, while boarding a flight from New Jersey to Florida, other passengers were avoiding seats near the parents with their twins. “Since I don’t mind kids, I chose the window seat beside the father and one of the twins,” she explained. As the flight filled up, the parents distributed bags containing candy, earplugs, and a note apologizing for their twins’ presence.
The note read: “Hi! We’re Lily and Max, and we just turned 18 months old. This is our first airplane adventure to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Our parents mentioned something about meeting a mouse! We promise to do our best to behave, but just in case we get a little rowdy, we’ve included a treat and earplugs for your comfort. Thank you for your understanding and have a great flight!”
While Jessica hailed this gesture as a “thoughtful act of kindness,” many parents, including myself, feel conflicted about such actions. It’s not that traveling with children is easy—it’s far from it. However, the reality is that sometimes families must travel for vacations, relocations, family gatherings, or even somber occasions, and we shouldn’t have to spend our money on treat bags to elicit compassion from adults.
Every parent dreads being the one with a screaming child on a flight. That’s why we meticulously plan around nap times, pack an array of supplies, and often engage in calming tactics to minimize noise. It’s a daunting task, and why should we feel the need to apologize for simply raising children?
The instinct to offer goodie bags likely stems from a desire to avoid judgment and not be perceived as inconsiderate. However, these sweet treats and accompanying notes may inadvertently make air travel feel even less welcoming for families. By apologizing for their children, parents reinforce a societal notion that having kids is something to be ashamed of.
Yes, children can be disruptive on planes, but let’s not forget that other passengers can be their own brand of annoying—snorers, seat kickers, loud talkers, and those who seem to have a never-ending need to use the restroom. Air travel can be frustrating for everyone, and kindness should be a two-way street.
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In summary, while the act of handing out goodie bags may stem from good intentions, it can inadvertently suggest that parents should apologize for their children. Flying is a shared experience, and empathy should be extended to all passengers, not just to those who feel the need to bribe others for understanding.