The world does not owe anyone a silent flight
If there’s one thing that all parents can agree on, it’s that traveling with kids on a plane is beyond stressful. Not only are we navigating the maelstrom that is packing and just getting on the plane, but we live in constant fear that we’re going to be “that” family with the non-stop screaming children.
And it appears our fears are justified. A recent stitched TikTok shows a mom responding to a woman complaining about a crying baby on a flight. Because, clearly, the world revolves around her and her need for a completely silent flight.
“Why isn’t there such a thing as adult only flights?? I would pay so much money,” the woman shares. First of all, there is––it’s called a private plane. But the TikToker appears to be digging at parents who dare to bring their kids on a commercial flight. Gasp.
@itsme_lisap #stitch with @Mo adult only flights would be a great business venture though #kidsarepeople #momsoftiktok #parentsoftiktok #kidsonplanes #leadwithempathy
♬ original sound – Lisa P
In the viral video, Lisa P. responds gracefully. “You know, there’s nothing wrong inherently with wanting adult-only flights,” she says. “As a parent, I would love family-only flights because then I wouldn’t get gross looks when I take my kids on airplanes.”
Where the OG TikToker went wrong is sharing the video showing herself as “the victim in the situation instead of having compassion and empathy.” No one wants to hear a baby scream on a plane, “but leading with kindness and empathy is really gonna go a long way when you’re in public spaces,” says Lisa P.
Somehow, when some people cross the threshold from the gangway to an airplane, they forget that children exist and that parents have a right to travel with them. But with that comes the understanding that kids sometimes cry. Planes can be scary, kids can be tired, and let’s not forget the dreaded ear pain. It’s just part of navigating life—and it’s really no different than tuning out the obnoxious intoxicated person a few rows back.
And let’s be honest, the parents are more stressed out than anyone else. The best way to handle it? “Put on your noise cancelling headphones, put on your big girl pants and mind your business.”
