For anyone who has endured a long flight disturbed by crying babies or noisy children, the dream of an adult-only airline might have crossed your mind. Now, Turkish-owned Corendon Airlines is turning this dream into reality with the introduction of child-free zones on their flights.
They have introduced a designated ‘Only Adult’ zone that will be exclusively accessible to passengers aged 16 and older. Corendon is the first European carrier to offer such a service, following the footsteps of international carriers like AirAsia.
However, this initiative has ignited a passionate debate online regarding its merits and implications. While it may sound appealing to some, it has also stirred controversy.
The child-free area will be situated at the front of the plane and will feature 93 seats reserved exclusively for travelers aged 16 and above. The zone will be separated from the rest of the cabin by walls and curtains. Passengers desiring a seat in the ‘Only Adult’ area will be required to pay an additional €45 for a one-way ticket.
In addition to the general ‘Only Adult’ area, there will be nine seats with extra legroom available at an additional cost of €100 per flight.
Atilay Uslu, the founder of Corendon, stated that this child-free zone is designed to “accommodate travelers looking for extra peace during their flight.” Uslu further explained that it would allow parents traveling with children to be less concerned about disturbing other passengers. “They can enjoy the flight without worrying if their children make a little noise,” he said.
Corendon Airlines is not new to the concept of adult-only services. The company already offers adult-only hotels in several destinations, including Curaçao, Bodrum, and Ibiza.
While this initiative has received support from some, with travelers sharing their frustration over disruptive children during flights, it has also faced criticism. Critics have described it as ‘dystopian,’ ‘disgusting,’ and ‘weird,’ arguing that it reflects a growing intolerance towards children and families in public spaces.
Although Corendon is the first European airline to introduce adult-only zones, some international carriers have already implemented this service. AirAsia X, for example, has a Quiet Zone on its A330 long-haul flights, which is reserved for passengers aged 12 and above. Scoot, a Singapore-based low-cost carrier, features ScootinSilence cabins on its 787 flights, accessible only to travelers over 12.
It’s worth noting that not all airlines are planning to follow suit. Airlines like TUI, KLM, and Transavia have stated that they have no immediate plans to create child-free zones on their planes. However, the concept seems to have captured the attention of travelers, with nearly 60% of American adults surveyed agreeing that adult-only zones on planes and trains would be a positive development, according to a Newsweek survey conducted by Redfield and Wilton Strategies.
As the debate continues, the travel industry is likely to remain sensitive to the diverse needs and preferences of passengers, balancing the desire for a peaceful journey with the importance of accommodating families.
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