European airlines are following the demand for quieter travel with adults-only policies.
The introduction of child-free zones on flights of the European airline Corendon has caused outrage. Corendon is the first European airline to offer such zones, following the example of several international airlines such as AirAsia.
Corendon Airlines joins the ranks of airlines experimenting with age-restricted seating areas. A quiet journey without the sound of crying babies or screaming children seems like a utopia for some passengers. Turkish-operated airline Corendon Airlines now appears to be offering a solution by introducing so-called 'Only Adult' zones on one of its routes.
child-free zone
These zones are for travelers aged sixteen and over and will be closed flee between Amsterdam and the Caribbean island of Curaçao will be offered from November. The child-free zone, located at the front of the aircraft, can accommodate 93 passengers. This section is separated from the rest of the cabin by walls and curtains. For an additional fee of €45 one-way, passengers can book a seat in this zone. In addition, there are nine seats available with extra legroom, for which an extra €100 must be paid per flight.
The plan, which is now being rolled out on flights between Amsterdam and Curaçao, aims to improve the flying experience for passengers over 16 years old. This comes after a poll published by Newsweek found that a majority of the 1.500 adults surveyed support the concept of child-free zones. The results showed that younger adults between the ages of 25 and 34 were particularly positive about segregated seating areas.
The move follows a series of viral videos and social media discussions testing the patience of passengers with crying children. For example, a video on TikTok with a backdrop of children's cries rhetorically questioned the existence of "adults only" flights and amplified an incident involving a Toronto Blue Jays airline passenger the call for clear rules regarding children on board.
On the other side of the debate is the view that separate zones can cause more problems than they solve. Children are unpredictable, and sound insulation in a cabin is limited.
Some suggest that creating a more family-friendly environment, with amenities like early boarding, car seat assistance and entertainment options, would be a better strategy to meet the needs of all passengers.
According to Atilay Uslu, founder of Corendon, the child-free zone aims to meet the needs of travelers who are looking for extra rest during their flight. Uslu emphasizes that this also benefits parents traveling with children, as they have less to worry about disturbing other passengers.
Although some people welcome the new service, there are also voices of opposition on social media. Some users find the concept 'disgusting' and 'strange'. One social media user noted that it is sad how little tolerance there is sometimes for children in public spaces, and called the idea of a child-free zone a possible dystopian shift.
quiet zone
Corendon is not the only airline that takes passenger peace and quiet seriously. AirAsia Scoot, a low-cost airline from Singapore, has the 'ScootinSilence' cabins on its 330 flights, which are also only accessible to passengers over the age of twelve.
The introduction of child-free zones appears to mark a new chapter in the aviation industry as demand for personalized travel experiences increases. The resulting debate shows the diversity of passenger needs and the challenges for airlines to balance comfort and inclusivity.
Corendon
The launch of the direct route to Curaçao underlines Corendon's commitment to expanding its network on the island. The Curaçao Minister of Economic Development Ruisandro Cijntje, who was also present at the departure, spoke of a 'memorable day for Curaçao'. Corendon now flies three times a week between Amsterdam and Curaçao, giving travelers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches, vibrant culture and hospitality of the island. From December 15, the number of flights will be increased to five times a week.
