Those grumpy passengers have no idea why we are flying with our kids…

I wrote this a few years ago but it is just as true now as it was then so decided a repost was in order..

Dear Fellow Passenger,

I know what kind of thoughts you have because I have read them in mainstream and social media and heard them whispered as we queue to board the plane. You are thinking that people must be crazy to fly with small children. You are wishing that the airline would seat all families with small children at the back of the plane so that you don’t have to see or hear my children during the journey. You are thinking that parents are inconsiderate to impose their small children on adult passengers.

I do not have to tell you why we are flying today. It may be because we plan to attend a wedding, or a funeral. It may be to visit an ailing loved one in hospital. Perhaps it is because I am a working mother, and rather than leave my children behind on the occasions I must travel for work, I choose to take them with me. We may be evacuees, fleeing an approaching natural disaster threatening our home, or seeking specialist medical care that is unavailable in our own town. Or maybe we are flying today because I wish to explore this big beautiful world together with those I love most. They are all reasons I have flown with my children before.

It is not a flight that I undertake lightly. I know that it will be near impossible to either feed or toilet myself for its duration. I will surely have a beverage spilt on my lap. If I am unlucky I will be vomited on. I also know that I will have to contend with your disapproval, your unsmiling glances at my children. While you are relaxing after the flight, having a shower or a restaurant meal, I will be dealing with over-tired and over-stimulated children that, quite possibly will be up all night. I also have to contend with the price of air travel, which, for a family of five is a considerable expense.

So all I ask of you, fellow passenger is understanding, and a touch of kindness. For my part I intend to encourage my children to behave. I will stop them from kicking your seat, and distract them with quiet play. If they do become distressed, and, heaven forbid start to cry, please bear in mind that it may be due to ear pain, and that a plane journey can be very unsettling for little people.

I thank you for taking the time to consider our situation. I wish you a safe and happy journey.

Sincerely,

A mother doing her best.

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