A FORMER flight attendant has revealed how cabin crew members deal with rude kids on a plane.
Whether you’re a parent, passenger, or flight attendant, flying with children isn’t always an enjoyable experience.
GettyA former flight attendant has revealed how to deal with rude children onboard a flight[/caption]
On some flights, children have been known to boot the seat in front of them, use chairs as climbing frames and relentlessly play with the call button.
Not only are these antics highly annoying for other passengers, but they’re also a safety concern that requires the attention of a flight attendant.
Former flight attendant Bobby Laurie has explained how members of cabin crew deal with rude children in these situations.
He told Conde Nast Traveller: “In some cases, parents are doing the best they can, and in others, well, maybe there’s room for improvement.
“I always approached the situation by stopping by their row and asking ‘Is there anything I can get for you?’ figuring it sent enough of a signal that whatever was happening was starting to disrupt others.”
If parents aren’t able to calm their children on their own, flight attendants can help out in other ways by offering a range of tools.
He added: “Those potential tools can range from an extra snack or cup of juice from the galley or free activity kits offered by some major airlines.”
But above all else, Bobby stressed the importance of being kind and patient to families with disruptive children.
He said: “Approaching parents and children with kindness and escalating the matter to cabin crew only as a last resort is usually the best approach.
“Remember, as with all things related to tense air travel these days, a little empathy can do a lot to smooth things over.”
If you’re a parent whose children don’t fare particularly well on flights, there are a number of tricks that can help to keep them calm.
Norwegian Air senior cabin crew member, Liliana Chantre, told Sun Online Travel: “Bring noise-cancelling headphones for newborn babies and toddlers – it helps them to feel calm and relaxed as well as helping with the pressure change.”
And flight attendant Lee Allen added: “I always pack lavender balm. Just put a touch on the kid’s temple to keep them calm. On a night flight, the soothing smell helps induced sleep.”
While most flight attendants are happy to help soothe situations where possible, one travel expert has warned passengers not to expect babysitting services from members of airline staff.
Mark Wolters told Sun Online Travel: “Flight attendants are not babysitters.
“Flight attendants have to focus on keeping the whole plane safe, and that means they cannot focus their time on one toddler.”
Mark explained that when parents think a flight attendant will look after a child is when air travel can get dangerous.
The travel expert implores parents to pay attention to their toddlers and not to expect other passengers or flight attendants to become caregivers.
But Mark does recommend talking to your flight attendant when the moment is right, adding: “Be kind to them as they are the best at helping out when you need an extra hand.”
Meanwhile, one mum entertains her kids during flights with a very cheap and simple DIY item.
GettyFlight attendants only get involved in disputes involving children if they’re not behaving safely[/caption] Read More