The Future of Travel: Are Child-Free Flights an Option?

In a spoof that had many wondering if it was true, Ryanair, a UK-based value airline, said that it would begin child-free flights beginning in October 2011. After the media realized it was a hoax, the question still remained: are child-free flights a good idea? Even beyond that, are child-free flights plausible, and profitable?

According to a New York Times article from November of 2010, several airlines including Qantas and AirTran have either faced legal action or removed disruptive families from their airplanes. A survey by Skyscanner, a fare-comparison site, revealed that 59% of passengers support creating special sections on flights for families. Nearly 20% said that they would be interested in child-free flights. Whether all of these passengers would be willing to pay more for such flights or the debate as to the age of the child-cut off is unknown at this time.

On the other side of the aisle, and in a somewhat surprising twist, families seem to agree with childless travelers: a family section would benefit everyone. Most parents argue that kids do cry, especially in stressful or unusual situations, and though they may try to calm their child(ren) down, it would be easier on both parents and childless adults to have a family section.

Politically speaking, the idea of having kid-free flights has made it's way through Congress. In 2007, Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC) introduced legislation that would force airlines to create a family-friendly section on airplanes. The bill has not yet been brought to the floor for a vote, but has gained media attention.

As for the airlines, when it comes to decisions like this, profitability is key. Though the economy seems to be improving, airlines will still choose options that create the most bottom-line, and having child-less flights may not quite be as profitable as the airlines would like. With oil prices skyrocketing, airlines are hoping for full flights, regardless of whether the seat is occupied by a man, woman, or child.

Is the idea plausible? It is, but the logistics required to implement that type of undertaking would be huge and would likely require a massive pay-off. Childless flights would probably not be added to the schedule; instead, one or two flights a day between major markets would be designated. The other option, family-friendly sections, is also plausible, but will limit where passengers can sit; causing it's own set of problems.

Resources:

http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2011/03/ryanair-child-free-flights/150159/1

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/travel/14babies-journeys.html