If it is in the same price range as regular tickets, I would fly it, thus removing one kid from the standard airlines.

A difference of a hundred bucks a ticket, sure. Several hundred, no.

Also depends on frequent flier miles alliance, and whether or not they fly to Boston from Zurich.

I've actually often wondered why no airplanes did the seats facing each other thing like on trains. I figured there must be some logistical thing with take off and landing, but if they're considering it there must not be. There'd be much more leg room. It is one of the reasons trains are so much more comfortable.

The only problem with this concept is the compartments... not every family has the same amount of kids.

And if by "uncharitable" you mean "kinda bitchy" then yeah, but wasn't that the reason you said it? :)

Look on the bright side, Amy. You're healthy and will probably live to a ripe old age and these brats will be supporting you.

Looking at it that way, I'd scream, too.

You won.

When I shared this with Amy, I was thinking about the thread that got going here awhile back. I think I said something about having a "kid area" on a plane could be a boon to everyone. Seems I'm not the only one thinking that.

Anyway, I think it *could* be very nice - especially for emergency trips (e.g. Grandma's on her deathbed).

Just like single or child-free adults don't have to take Disney cruises (but I'm sure Disney would welcome their cash), it doesn't mean there's not a market for such a thing in flights.

I have kids, and I still hate being near kids on flights (other than my own).

We'll be flying in December - first time in 4+ years for me. We wouldn't fly with the little one until she was old enough to understand how to behave. That said, it'd be easier if airplanes were designed either with families or basic human comfort in mind.

I've actually often wondered why no airplanes did the seats facing each other thing like on trains.

Assume a seating arrangement like that. Now assume you're about to crash. You're instructed to assume the position. With some luck, you won't smack your across aisle neighbor's head on the way down. But you might on impact.

And I would guess that seating arrangement requires more space. More space = fewer seats = higher ticket prices. With a train, you can always add another car.

I've actually often wondered why no airplanes did the seats facing each other thing like on trains.

The front-row seats on Southwest used to do this. Pre-boarding families used to make a dash for them.

Anyway, I have had parents tell me point-blank that they'd never want to fly a family-only airline, or even sit in the back in a kid-friendly section: "I don't want to be around other people kids any more than you do."

On many Air Force planes, whether a cargo plane with seat pallets installed, or a plane configured for passengers, like a C-9 Nightingale, you'll find that the seats are arranged facing astern. Apparently, that's supposed to be safer.

Agree with IRA Darth Aggie on the space issue. Providing a useable play space on a short- or medium-range jet would cost quite a bit of seat revenue, not to mention the cost of supervision and liability protection that would no doubt have to come with it. It might be more doable on the largest jets (747's and A880's), but I imagine users would still have to pay a premium.

As far as private compartments go, check out how they do it at Emirates Airways.

Amy, may I assume you quoted my text because you approve?

Check this out, from 2008 - in first-class seating!

http://www.refugees.bratfree.com/read.php?2,23844

The so-called parent clearly has some incredible entitlement issues. However, I also suspect this has to do with the "common wisdom" that says that if saying "no" to a small child makes it cry, you, the parent, have just committed child abuse - and so has anyone else who says "no."

You're welcome Amy! :)

First flight in Dec. My "in case" strategy:

I will be armed with 2 backpacks full of (quiet) toys & books, whatever snacks I can get through T"S"A, an ipod full of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, washable crayons, enough paper towels to soak up an Olympic-sized pool, and both children's and adult pain relievers. (oh yeah, bribes in the form of small candies).

If something goes wrong, at least I can offer any other fliers ibuprofen! :)

Related.

http://www.khq.com/story/19864304/update-ok-for-driver-to-kick-smelly-baby-off-seattle-bus

Meloni,

Thanks for the reminder - I'll add 5 plastic bags to my list. :)