<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by erik123:
Parents move and jobs change - are you going to leave your kid behind? Also, if you're an expat wouldn't you like to go 'home' at least about once a year? As for parent with kids - fly any S-American, South Asian or Southern European airline to not have to deal with some of the people above. People flying on US airlines seem to be far less considerate and far more self centered (witness the amount of carry-on and some of the responses here).</font>
Parents move. But, are most babies flying because their parents are moving? I doubt that. And, yes, expats LIKE to return home. And, they should be vacationing IF they can do it without making themselves an undue burden upon others.
If a baby can't not cry nonstop on a flight, a decent and polite parent would wait a year or two. A selfish parent with bad character would decide their desires are above the comfort of others and fly anyhow. The world is full of bad people who inconvenience others for their own satisfaction. The fact that people do it doesn't make them a decent person.
I never suggested children should be banned. I was raised properly so I do not complain or make a scene or anything. I just grin and ignore the noise. I was raised not to point out specific individuals who are inconsiderate. I was raised to tolerate it and understand that some people are just rude. *shrugs* Heck, I smile and try to assist when and if it is appropriate. But, it is still unfair and rude to bring a baby who is not ready to behave onto an airplane except in the most unusual of circumstances. It is not my child, and though I will give up my comfort for the parents' convenience, it is bad of the parents to expect me to do so.
As for parents being aware of the noise the baby makes, fine. They are aware they are imposing on others, and they still choose to do so. I never said they were accidental, I said they were rude and inconsiderate. Being aware that you are being incosiderate and deciding it was ok is worse than not knowing.
Besides, what type of a parent would take a baby who can't understand what is happening and subject it to changing pressures, questionable air quality, and scary noises? A parent who cares about the well being of the baby? Perhaps they are inconsiderate of their own children as well as others? That's okay though because it is what is most convenient for them, and it is all about them, after all, isn't it?
BTW, noise cancelling headphones won't help. I can assure you that a screaming baby is primarily high frequency.
[This message has been edited by bwallet (edited 06-22-2002).]