Adult-only zones on airplanes: Discriminatory or delightful?

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The Pulse by DB8
September 12, 2023

Welcome aboard Pulse Flight #32!

(Seriously, this is our 32nd edition of The Pulse).

Buckle up, because today we're about to explore the juicy controversy of adult-only zones on airplanes. Are these zones a smooth ride for passengers seeking tranquility, or do they leave families feeling unfairly grounded?

Prepare for some inflight entertainment as we present both sides.

The Pulse Results (20 Votes) 📈

Side A 65% - Adult-Only Zones on airplanes are a win-win for parents and passengers alike

Side B 35% - Adult-Only Zones on airplanes are discriminatory

Poll closed: September 14, 2023

Published on: August 31, 2023
Published by: Global News 

European airline, Corendon Airlines, is making waves (or shall we say ‘making turbulence’?) with the launch of their new "Only Adult" zone on select flights. In this exclusive area, guests aged 16 and older can enjoy a tranquil environment, free from the energetic charms of children. The goal? To provide a peaceful space where adults can focus on work or simply relax, while parents can travel with peace of mind, knowing their little ones won't disrupt other passengers.

But hold onto your in-flight snacks, aviation experts are raising their eyebrows, questioning the feasibility and acceptance of these adult-only zones. One big concern? The hefty price tag that comes with these special seats. On one side of the argument, proponents of adult-only zones see them as a win-win situation for parents and passengers alike. They argue that having a designated area for adults creates a serene atmosphere for those who crave a quieter travel experience. And let's not forget about the parents, who can finally unwind without worrying about their kids causing a turbulence of tantrums for those around them.

On the flip side, some claim that these zones are downright discriminatory. They believe that everyone, regardless of age, should have the right to travel without being singled out based on a number. They raise the question of where to draw the line, since disruptive behaviour isn't exclusive to children. Should we also ban talkative adults or other sources of disturbance?

It’s too soon to tell whether or not this concept will takeoff at other airlines, but it’s definitely causing quite the commotion on social media right now… and we want to know what seat you’re checking into!

The Debate Showdown

Side A: Adult-Only Zones are a win-win for parents and passengers alike

  • Passengers can benefit from adult-only zones as they provide a quieter and more peaceful environment for those who prefer to work, read, or simply relax during their flight. Flying can be stressful and some people want to experience it quietly & without added stress, and they should have the option to pay for that added luxury.

  • Adult-only zones provide an opportunity for parents to travel without the constant worry of how their children's behaviour might impact fellow passengers. It allows them to have a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience without having to worry about dirty looks from other frustrated passengers. People on planes are judgy and it sucks to be the person whose kid is keeping everyone up.

  • Adult-only zones on airplanes are a way to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of different passengers. Just as many airlines offer families early boarding, providing the option for adult-only seating zones acknowledges that not all passengers have the same travel preferences, which can be a positive differentiation factor for airlines in a competitive market.

  • Adult-only zones on airplanes are not discriminatory. There are plenty of other places in the world that are kid free like VIP movie theatres, nice restaurants, adult-only vacation resorts.

Side B: Adult-Only Zones on airplanes are discriminatory

  • Designating specific areas as adult-only may lead to feelings of exclusion and stigmatization for families with children. It sends a message that children are not welcome or valued on flights, which can be hurtful and unfair. This segregation can be seen as discriminatory, as it treats individuals with children as second-class passengers.

  • Let’s face it, most airlines suck. Travelling is stressful because of the airlines, not because of the children. Instead of focusing on separating passengers, efforts should be made to improve the overall flying experience for everyone. Airlines can invest in better amenities, entertainment options, and passenger education to mitigate disturbances and ensure a pleasant journey for all. Imagine if airlines gave everyone noise-cancelling headphones and more leg-room? Suddenly children travelling wouldn’t seem like such a burden.

  • Allocating limited space on airplanes for adult-only zones may result in fewer seats available to purchase for families with children. This could lead to difficulties in finding suitable seating arrangements for families and potentially impact their overall travel experience, and that’s just not fair.

  • Where do we draw the line on what is considered ‘disruptive’? Some adults are more disruptive on airplanes than children are. These zones are a blurry, slippery slope.

Previous Debate

Should female athletes score the same pay as men?

Get ready to lace up your boots and dive into the debate around equal pay in soccer! Should female athletes score the same amount as their male counterparts in the World Cup?

debates.db8.com/p/female-athletes-score-pay-men

The Pulse Results (23 Votes) 📈

Side A 30.43% - Female players deserve the same compensation as their male counterparts

Side B 69.57% - Pay disparities reflect revenue and viewership differences between men's and women's sports

Poll closed: September 7, 2023

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