Malaysia Airlines launches kid-free economy zone

[nev]

Looking for a child-free flight? Malaysia's flag carrier plans to reserve the upper economy deck on its new A380 service for adults only

By CNNGo staff 12 April, 2012 Malaysia Airlines' first A380 service, nonstop between Kuala Lumpur and London, takes off July 1.

If you want to stir up a fiery debate -- or maybe even a fist fight -- start talking about air travel and children. Inevitably, someone will declare that airlines should offer “kid-free flights.”

While that’s yet to happen, Malaysia Airlines might have come up with the next best thing. A kid-free economy upper deck aboard its first A380 service, nonstop between Kuala Lumpur and London, which takes off July 1.

Families traveling with under-12s –- including babes-in-arms -- will be automatically allocated seats in the main all-economy lower deck, says a Malaysia Airlines spokesperson.

But before we all jump to brand the decision makers at the flag carrier as a bunch of child-hating monsters, the airline is quick to point out that the 350 economy seats on the main deck of its new A380s will be enhanced and designated as a family and children-friendly inflight zone.

Malaysia Airlines says the main deck of its new A380 will be an enhanced family-friendly inflight zone. And if there’s overwhelming demand for seats in economy class from families with children and infants, resulting in full load in the main deck, “we will still accommodate such demand in the 70-seat upper deck economy class zone of our A380.“

This isn’t the first time Malaysia Airlines brought in a controversial policy relating to kids in the sky. Last year, the airline decided to ban infants from first class on its 747-400 routes. The decision won cheers from some -- and words you’d never say in front of your kids from others.

Given their penchant for boldly going where no airline has dared before, here's hoping Malaysia Airlines' next move will be to designate a special zone for drunks and passengers who forgot to take a shower before their flight.

Sky nannies and 'Kargo Kids'
While Malaysia Airlines is the first to ban or segregate the little ones on flights, other airlines do recognize that traveling with young kids on long-haul flights isn't easy.

Several airlines, such as Gulf Air and Emirates, offer passengers free in-flight nanny services that range from helping with meals to entertaining the kids while mom watches a movie.

In the United States, a new website hooks up fliers with nannies looking to make a few extra bucks. Called "Nanny in the Clouds," passengers can sign up for free and search for potential babysitters scheduled to take the same flight.

Canadian low-cost airline WestJet, meanwhile, doesn't offer nanny services but it did attract a lot of attention earlier this month with a hilarious April Fool's Day joke.

On April 1, the airline launched a video advertising a new service dubbed “Kargo Kids” in which parents check their kids in with their luggage. The parents enjoy the flight, the kids are sent down to their own special club in the cargo hold.

Not a bad idea, really.

[Possum]

If there is a demand for it then why not. On the flip side, if they are going to reserve sections for passengers flying without children then they should look at reserving sections only for passengers flying with children. They should carry it through to both check-in and immigration as well. NZ has an immigration line at arrivals for families only – I love it as there is usually no wait.

[Morrolan]

love the idea. now, who wants to look after little M?

[daffodil]

Sounds like a win for everyone!

[slinky]

We're flying to the US in June. So far, all the business class upgrades have come through except both kids are still wait listed on the Singapore-Tokyo leg. Big question is, if they don't get upgraded, do we leave them together in economy and take the business class seats??

[Fat Bob]

Shouldn't be allowed to fly with kids. Simple enough. Your choice to have 'em, don't force their screams, crying and other shit on others.

[Possum]

I hope your English overcoat breaks

[slinky]

I hope your English overcoat breaks

[Morrolan]

Shouldn't be allowed to fly with kids. Simple enough. Your choice to have 'em, don't force their screams, crying and other shit on others.

"Poms shouldn't be allowed to fly. Simple enough. Your choice to be born in England, don't force your screams, crying and other shit on others."

[Fat Bob]

"Poms shouldn't be allowed to fly. Simple enough. Your choice to be born in England, don't force your screams, crying and other shit on others."

Read my sig!

[canuck]

Special seating for people with kids... A big velco room in the back is the best way to go .... Stick em in a soundproof room on a wall.

[Fat Bob]

Put velcro on the outside of the plane, maybe? Away from teh windows, of course.