Screaming babies on an airplane are not fun for anyone, but should they be banned from certain flights?
Yes, says Kelly-Rose Bradford, a writer and mother of a 12-year-old who, according to Today, sparked an interesting debate when she appeared on a U.K. talk show last week and asked, "Is it really necessary to take a tiny baby on a long flight? I think there's an element of selfishness from parents who insist on not changing their lifestyle once they have their children because there are some things that just aren't practical."
Bradford suggested "child-free" flights and child-free zones on planes as a solution, arguing, "We've got business class, we've got first class, why can't we have a family section?"
While fellow mom and journalist Emma Taylor called the idea "discriminatory," a number of parents (and presumably frequent flyers) took to Twitter to weigh in on the #childfreeflights debate.
And surprisingly enough, many seemed to agree with Bradford's suggestion.
I remember i took the red eye yrs ago on a 5.5 hr trip and aome kid was screaming. Im all for #childfreeflights and ill pay extra.
? RLB (@brightlocs17) August 13, 2015
After having a kid scream, kick my seat & reach thru the seat grabbing my arm for a 2 hr flight, I'd definitely pay for #childfreeflights
? Michelle Terril (@mterril709) August 13, 2015
nothing worse than being trapped with a brat for 4 hours. I'm sitting next to 2 right now ??. You go Kelly Bradford #ChildFreeFlights ????????
? Alicia (@Okiealiciamay) August 13, 2015
#ChildFreeFlights or #ChildFreeZones on airplanes, good idea,bc nobody should be force to deal with somebody else non sense. @kellyrose
? Jose Lenguadetrapo (@JLenguadetrapo) August 13, 2015
Apparently there is currently a big debate going on over #ChildFreeFlights. I would definitely pay more to guarantee no obnoxious kids!
? Scott Fike (@MisaFike) August 13, 2015
Why stop at #ChildFreeFlights? How about we have child free hours at resturants as well? It would sure make date night a lot less annoying
— THE Dan Treadway (@Dannyscum) August 13, 2015
As a mom I would love #childfreeflights less stress on me worrying about my child upsetting other passengers. Why be in such an uproar?
? Rissa Watkins (@RissaWatkins) August 12, 2015
This lady would be ALL in for #childfreeflights. Sorry, but nothing worse than 3 hours with an out of control and screaming kid. #truthbomb
? Dani H (@DanielleHelfric) August 12, 2015
#childfreeflights what's the problem people? Let them have their flights. Unlike a restaurant u can't take kids outside to calm down
? Lauren R (@purpletjchick) August 12, 2015
Having children is a choice. I'd like flying without them to be my choice as well. #childfreeflights
? JD (@basooninginnola) August 11, 2015
@kellyrose ya know, I think #ChildFreeFlights are a good idea. Not everyone who travels is a family.
? Camilla (@Ovenproofcorgi) August 13, 2015
#childfreeflights yes please. Spent a 14 hour flight with 3 wailing children. Almost had a breakdown. At least child free seating.
? P & F (@tereefeec) August 6, 2015
@itvthismorning Parents should do this to warn and apologise to others. #ChildFreeFlights pic.twitter.com/Viov5Oqmbf
? Stephie (@IamStanMiester) August 4, 2015
I would definitely pay extra for child free sections ?? even my headphones couldn't mask the annoying wailing ??#childfreeflights
? Holly Hetherington (@hollysh94) August 4, 2015
While there was a great deal of support on social media, many are still skeptical of the suggestion.
Really shocked at the ignorance of many people agreeing with #ChildFreeFlights you are a disgrace to all human kind make me sick ??
? Lina?? (@Four_AngeL_s) August 9, 2015
Mother of a toddler and we fly often (parents on both sides of US). I may have to bring my kids sometimes, seems limiting. #childfreeflights
? Crystal Wilson (@Clrascrystl) August 13, 2015
#childfreeflights ? So families can't go on holiday now?? Just buy a pair of qc25s and it doesn't matter how noisy anyone is
? Andy Fleetham (@andyfleet) August 4, 2015
Kids ARE annoying. Kid Zones on flights are a better idea. #ChildFreeFlights are discrimination.
? Sarah Hosseini (@MissguidedMama) August 4, 2015
#childfreeflights. Pathetic concept. Try being a little more tolerant and a lot less selfish. Kids can experience the world too!
? Hayley Geldart (@mrsgeldart) August 4, 2015
Don't be so ridiculous #childfreeflights @itvthismorning
? Kelly Dixon (@dixon_kel) August 4, 2015
@itvthismorning not all children behave the same or all adults- behaviour & manners are individual- do not categorise #childfreeflights
? Bev collins (@ColliBev) August 4, 2015
#ChildFreeFlights
What about the adults who drink the entire time they're in the departure lounge, then act intolerably on the flight...!?
? Dan Bridges (@tractorboy_dan) August 4, 2015
@itvthismorning @kellyrose Absolutley ridiculous. Don't be so ignorant!! Buy earplugs, simple as. #Childfreeflights.
? tyls? (@tylerstedman_) August 4, 2015
If screaming children are an annoyance to you, you might aswell never leave your house. Period. #ChildFreeFlights
? Steven Espley (@bcfcespley) August 4, 2015
@itvthismorning ignorant people who make parents feel uncomfortable. Children are children and they cry! #ChildFreeFlights
? Laura Hines (@lauralily92) August 4, 2015
As Today notes, this isn't the first time the idea has been suggested. Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson previously told Condé Nast Traveler in July 2014 that he would "love to introduce kid's class."
"It would be a separate cabin for kids with nannies to look after them," he explained.
What do you think of the #childfreeflights debate? Tell us in the comments!