Shane McGinley

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Baby NOT on board?

  • August 06 2014 05:59

Kids are great, but they’re better somewhere else, says Shane McGinley

Over the recent Eid break a friend of mine booked into a five-star hotel and was delighted to find out it had a large child-free pool where children under 12 were not allowed.

As a child, clearly under 12, ran around the pool a member of staff tried to explain to the child’s father that they would have to move. The father begrudgingly moved but as soon as the staff member moved on returned and the child resumed his boisterous playing as sun loungers everywhere seethed in the hot sun and muttered under their breath.

The scene is one that has been repeated for centuries and is seen every day across the world, from first class sections on planes to Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star swimming pools.

But, the trend is changing. Only a few years ago, it was revealed Malaysia Airlines had banned babies form travelling first class in the upper parts of its A380s after complaints from high rolling passengers.

After recently losing two planes, I think this ban might be scrapped as I imagine Malaysia Airlines would be happy to have any customers at all at the moment, but I think it’s one which holds merit. If you’re stuck on a plane an there is an infant crying or an unruly child beside you then it is not like a restaurant where you can move somewhere else, you are stuck there for the duration of your flight.

But how about this seafood restaurant in California, which has captured headlines around the world for its tough stance on children, including zero tolerance for crying or loud noises.

Old Fisherman's Grotto in Monterey also has a policy of not allowing strollers, high chairs or booster chairs, measures which would probably rule it out as an option for families with babies or toddlers.

Originally founded in the 1950s, the family restaurant serves seafood and Italian comfort food.

A sign at the front of the eatery says: "Children crying or making loud noises are a distraction to other diners, and as such are not allowed in the dining room."

On its website, the restaurant says it adopted the rules in 2011 in order to enhance the experience for diners; however, over the last few days, it has captured the attention of media outlets around the world.

Click here to see a video on a news report on the restaurant.

Just as a lot of people don’t like being in a smoking section, some people don’t like to share their plane journey, dining experience or hotel stay with children, so they too should have the option.

I should say I don’t have children of my own and my friends who do have children tell me this stance will mellow as soon as I have my own little bundles of joy. I can’t wait!

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Please post responsibly. Commenter Rules

Posted by: Jim Thursday, 28 August 2014 9:10 AM[UAE] - USA

Some of you cry babies need to get your own personal apartments on the plane ! You cry more then the babies I have seen in my travels. LOL

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Posted by: Amer Thursday, 21 August 2014 8:30 AM[UAE] - UAE

The people commenting here were all 20 years old when they were born, never cried, never screamed and never ran etc etc.

Posted by: Amer Sunday, 24 August 2014 3:21 PM[UAE] - UAE

@chalky6766: Good for you ! I totally agree that parents should take control of their toddlers who run around etc and hate parents who couldn't give a damn etc etc But what I don't understand is the people who have a holier than thou behavior and act like they know everything !

Posted by: gordon Sunday, 24 August 2014 2:20 PM[UAE] - dubai

It is irrelevant if we as children cried or not, of course children cry. The point is that if for many people who are flying First Class or Business and paying a premium then most of them expect a certain standard of service They also want to be able to work and relax.
That is not possible with a screaming child next to you.

These passangers can always take the business to other airlines.

Here lies the conumdrum, does the airline accept children in First or Business class with the risk of losing other fare paying clients or not.

Ultimatley it is a commercial decision. Irrelevant if a child cries or not.

Posted by: chalky6766 Saturday, 23 August 2014 4:30 PM[UAE] - UAE

I was raised to have respect for people around me, open doors, say please thank you, instead of give me.
Yes we all screamed no doubt but not running up and down a business class aisle with a nanny in tow and parents that couldn't give a damn. Sorry.

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Posted by: Wildwine Wednesday, 20 August 2014 4:44 PM[UAE] - UAE

I am sure the Writer of this article as well as some of the guys who commented would have been the best behaved kids in their times; never ran around / jumped in hotel pools, did not cry, did not scream, did not party till late night to the annoyance of the neighbors, even as 01 year old did not make any noise during flights etc. etc.

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Posted by: prakash Tuesday, 19 August 2014 7:20 PM[UAE] - uae

my friend travelling in economy once complaint to crying infant's parent to make sure than infant stops crying.
The parent was like what am i supposed to do but my friend was like i dont know , its your baby and make sure he doesnt cry:)

most ppl who dont have kids wont understand that infants would cry on the flight, kids would play on the pool and at the same time ppl with kids become use to the crying/shouting so they somehow are not perturbed a lot by the noise!

Posted by: SLK Saturday, 23 August 2014 11:34 AM[UAE] - Nigeria

@Doug. Man,
Babies cry. Thats what they do. Its their only way to express their needs, their anger, illness or whatever. All those who complained about babies crying, ask your mom how you were when you were young. Looks like you whining bunch are worse than babies.

Posted by: Ruth Saturday, 23 August 2014 10:34 AM[UAE] - USA

@Doug: Yea, I guess you expect everyone who has small children to take a ferry from NY to Dubai ! Get real ! On the same flight from NY to Dubai, I have had a guy spill drinks on my clothes twice (same flight)...

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Posted by: SMH Tuesday, 19 August 2014 8:52 AM[UAE] - malaysia

MAS airlines did not lose 2 planes. The second place was shot down, you ignorant fool. Innocent lives died on both flights, and these incidents should not be an object of your ridicule.

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