European airline introduces child-free zone

Do you want to ensure that you can have a relaxed flight without the risk of being disturbed by the incessant crying and screaming of children? This European airline now has the solution for you.

Who hasn’t complained about having to endure a flight surrounded by screaming children on board?

There is nothing worse than a long flight when you are disturbed by a child who keeps making noise and gesticulating in all directions – especially when the only thing you want is peace.

In order to meet the ever-increasing consumer demand, the Dutch airline, Corendon Airlines, will create an “Only Adult zone” from 3 November 2023.

According to a press release published on Corendon’s website, this zone is a special offer for those who want to enjoy a relaxing flight without the noise of children.

To start with, the adult zone is offered on flights between Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the Caribbean island of Curacao. The introduction of this child-free zone on the plane allows both business and leisure travelers without children to fly in a calmer atmosphere.

But the concept also offers advantages for families. Parents don’t have to worry so much about how fellow travelers react to their children’s natural reactions, such as crying.

Some Asian airlines, including AirAsia, have already introduced zones for travelers over a certain age. However, it is the first time that a European airline has introduced a child-free zone.

Expensive to fly in silence

The zone “Only Adults” is located in the front part of the plane. It consists of nine XL seats with extra legroom and 93 standard seats. This area is spatially separated from the other passengers by walls and curtains, ensuring a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

However, access to the adult zone is not without costs.

A standard seat in this zone costs €45 for a one-way trip, while an XL seat costs €100. Entry is permitted for travelers aged 16 and over.

Atilay Uslu, the founder of Corendon, stated in the press release, among other things, that this child-free zone is designed for passengers who seek an extraordinary degree of peace and quiet during their flight;

“On board our aircraft, we always strive to respond to the various needs of our customers. We are also the first Dutch airline to introduce the Adult Only zone because we are trying to accommodate travelers looking for a little extra peace and quiet during their flight. We are convinced that this offer is also beneficial for parents with small children. They can enjoy the flight without having to worry about their children making noise.”

Those interested can already book the flights via corendon.com, corendon.nl and corendon.be.

“Everyone needs a luxury holiday without children”

Corendon has always been an advocate of the idea that everyone should be able to enjoy a holiday without children. The travel company is originally known for its offers for stays at hotels for adults only. Their official website clearly proclaims:

“Regardless of whether it’s a romantic week with your partner, a break with your mother or perhaps a honeymoon. Everyone needs a luxury holiday without children.”

It seems this philosophy inspired the company to extend this experience to flights.

Other European airlines reject the concept

Despite Corendon’s initiative bearing the stamp of a certain innovative mindset, other prominent European airlines such as KLM, Transavia and TUI have no plans to follow their example.

The Scandinavian airlines also reject the idea of a child-free zone on board, including SAS.

“SAS has no plans to introduce child-free zones on our flights. Nor am I aware that there is any demand for it, but I think we are good at adapting to the needs of the different passenger groups,” reads a statement from SAS’s Norwegian press manager, Tonje Sund.

She is supported by Norwegian; “Norwegian welcomes all passengers on board at all stages of life. We have no plans to create zones based on the age of the passengers on board our aircraft,” said Eline Skari, senior communications advisor at Norwegian.

Also read about the number of flights in Europe increases – but with great national variations

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