Flying in Peace

I just got back from an amazing trip to Minnesota. I adore everything about traveling except the flying. I'm not at all afraid and I never get sick, but with the exception of flying business-class abroad, there is absolutely nothing about flying that is fun.

At best, the quarters are close, cold and uncomfortable. The worst has included being plastered between two men who hadn't bathed for what smelled like a year, tolerating a reclined seat that allowed a strange man's head to be practically laying in my lap, and having to listen to a screaming baby for five hours straight while the father read his book and the mother did a crossword puzzle.

Why do parents travel with babies? They are exposing them to countless germs, extreme ear pain from the change in pressure and altitude variance, and a disruption of their schedule.

Some airlines are considering putting families at the back of the plane in a group and I say hurrah! I realize that a little distance might not create complete silence but it beats having a miserable child crying in your ear or a mom rocking the row as she jiggles and jostles in vain.

Is it discrimination? In any other circumstance, if someone was causing disruption to the peace and distress to others, they would be asked to leave or be removed from the premises. Now, I adore babies and I empathize with those who must travel with little ones, but the parents must also be sensitive to the commotion they are causing.

And what's the down side to the parents if they are all put together in one section. I see none. They will be surrounded by others who can empathize and even help. Oh yes, it might be a bit noisy, but there are repercussions for all our choices.