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Aug 10, 2019 • 3 min read
“I recently took my 6 month old baby on a long haul flight. She was mainly very good but did cry a couple of times and I got some dirty looks from other passengers. My friend said I should have bought them a drink to apologise or created care packages to hand out beforehand. Was I in the wrong? What’s the normal etiquette?”
GoTravelDaily’s family travel expert Imogen Hall has travelled extensively with her kids. While she will always choose the train over a plane, all three of her children (now 11, 9 and 5) flew within the first six months of their lives.
Taking Babies on Long-Haul Flights
Firstly, well done you for taking your baby on a long-haul flight to explore somewhere new to her. You’ve done something many individuals shy away from. Although she may be too little to remember the details when she grows older, the experiences and memories can have a lasting impact on her, fostering a love of travel as she matures.
Navigating the Challenges of Flying with Infants
Traveling with infants can be quite challenging; they have needs, and crying is often their only means of communication. This scenario can be stressful, particularly in a confined space with disturbances such as pressure changes, loud noises, and limited movement. When faced with disappointed passengers who express their displeasure, you might wish for a quick escape to your destination.
Is It Necessary to Apologize for a Crying Baby?
Determining whether to apologize for your crying baby depends largely on how disruptive the behavior has been. A few moments of crying do not warrant offering drinks to fellow passengers. Moreover, the idea of “care packages” is somewhat impractical. Instead, focus on remaining calm, smiling, and offering a simple “sorry” when necessary. Most people will be understanding if they see you are aware of the disruption and are polite about it.
If your baby has been screaming for an extended period, you might feel a more genuine apology is in order. However, at that point, your own emotional state may prioritize the wellbeing of your child over that of the passengers.
Understanding Passenger Etiquette
Ultimately, winning over the truly irritable passenger may be impossible. Nonetheless, for most travelers, a baby will likely be viewed as a minor inconvenience. Remember, many fellow passengers were once children, and while they may not have traveled by plane as infants, it’s very likely that they once disrupted someone during their journey by bus or train.
You inquire about the normal etiquette, which is consistent for infants as it is for older children and adults. Being in a public space necessitates that all travelers exhibit tolerance and respect. Acknowledging when your baby’s actions impact others is essential. Your baby, while significant to you, is just one among many passengers, each with their own experiences and needs. Therefore, strive to minimize the disruptions caused by her crying.
Overall, aim to be understanding, maintain a cheerful demeanor, stay calm, but remember: don’t apologize for merely being a parent.
