Flying with children can be quite the challenge, especially in today’s world where airport security requires a near striptease before boarding, and fellow travelers often cast judgmental glances at families with kids. This was the situation for some parents on a recent flight to Florida, who felt the need to offer goody bags to nearby passengers as a gesture of goodwill.
A post shared on the Love What Matters Facebook page recounted the experience of a woman named Jessica Miller. While boarding a flight from New Jersey to Florida, she noticed that many passengers were avoiding the two rows of seats occupied by a couple with 18-month-old twins. Jessica, who doesn’t mind young children, chose to sit next to the father and one of the twins. As the flight filled up, the parents handed out goody bags to everyone in the vicinity. These bags contained candy, earplugs, and a note apologizing for their twins’ presence.
“Hi! We’re Emma and Liam, and we just turned 18 months old. This is our first flight ever!” the note read. “We’re off to Florida to visit Grandma and Grandpa, and our parents mentioned something about a mouse. We’ll do our best to behave, but just in case we get a bit loud, we’ve included some treats and earplugs for you. Thank you for understanding, and enjoy your flight!”
While Jessica found this gesture to be a thoughtful act of kindness, I, as a fellow parent, can’t help but wish parents would stop feeling the need to apologize for their children. Yes, traveling with little ones can be stressful, but it’s a reality that families sometimes need to travel for vacations, moves, or family events. Why should parents feel compelled to spend their money on treat bags to win over the understanding of adults?
Every parent knows the anxiety of flying with a child. We plan flights around naps, pack every possible essential, and do our utmost to keep our little ones calm. It’s a tough job teaching a tiny human how to navigate the world, and we shouldn’t have to say sorry for it.
I understand the motivation behind the goody bags; parents often feel judged and fear being seen as inconsiderate. However, these sweet treats and notes only serve to reinforce the idea that having children is something to apologize for. Children deserve the same respect as adults, and while kids can indeed be noisy, so too can other passengers—think of snorers, chatty seatmates, and those who might not have the freshest breath.
The reality is, flying can be a hassle for everyone involved. If you think you need earplugs and treats to survive a flight, you might want to bring some of your own.
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Summary
Parents often feel pressured to apologize for their children while flying, leading some to distribute treat bags to fellow passengers. However, rather than resorting to bribery, families should be respected without needing to justify their presence. It’s essential to foster understanding and compassion among all travelers, as flying can be a challenge for everyone.