For frequent air travelers, the cacophony of a crying infant or a restless toddler on a flight can turn what should be a peaceful journey into an all-out sensory assault. Passengers, while understanding the challenges parents face, often yearn for a quieter, more serene flight experience.
Turkish-owned Corendon Airlines is now addressing this issue by becoming the first airline in Europe to introduce a child-free zone on its flights. This innovative ‘Only Adult’ zone is set to make its debut on the flight route between Amsterdam and the Caribbean island of Curaçao, with plans for the child-free zone to be in effect from November.
The ‘Only Adult’ zone will occupy the front section of the aircraft, featuring 93 seats exclusively reserved for travelers aged 16 and above. This dedicated section will be physically separated from the rest of the cabin by walls and curtains, providing a tranquil space for passengers seeking a quieter flight experience.
To secure a seat in the adults-only section, passengers will be required to pay an additional fee of 45 euros one-way. For those seeking even more comfort and space, there will be nine seats in this section equipped with extra legroom, available at a premium cost of 100 euros extra.
Atilay Uslu, the founder of Corendon Airlines, stated that the introduction of the child-free zone aims to “accommodate travelers looking for extra peace during their flight.” This innovative approach not only enhances the in-flight experience for adult passengers but also provides a respite for parents who may otherwise be concerned about their child’s disruptions.
Uslu emphasized that this dedicated zone would allow parents of infants to enjoy their flight without the worry of their child causing inconvenience to fellow travelers. “They can enjoy the flight without worrying if their children make a little noise,” he explained.
While Corendon Airlines is the pioneer of this concept in Europe, similar initiatives have already been adopted by other airlines. For instance, AirAsiaX offers a “Quiet Zone” on its long-haul flights, exclusively reserved for passengers aged 12 and above. Singapore-based low-cost carrier Scoot also provides special cabins on its 787 flights for travelers aged 12 and above, catering to those seeking a more serene journey.
As Corendon Airlines takes this bold step, it not only recognizes the diverse needs of air travelers but also aims to make flying a more enjoyable and peaceful experience for all passengers. The introduction of child-free zones reflects the airline industry’s commitment to catering to the evolving preferences of travelers and ensuring that every journey is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.