Family Friendly Airline

Rather than separating families, or people flying with children, from the rest of the passengers, why not create an entire airline devoted to people traveling with kids?

A recent survey of 1,000 travelers found that 73% of them were in favor of a separate family section on airplanes. An AP article said Southwest was considering the idea, although a Southwest spokesperson said that wasn’t true.

But isn’t having a family section on an airplane a bit like having a “no-smoking” section in a restaurant separated by little more than an imaginary line? The proverbial “no peeing” section of a pool.

Of course, if I’d taken the survey, I would have said yes, I’m in favor of a separate family section. Anyone who flies much has had a flight made nearly unbearable by seat kicking, screaming and general mischief of a little one. If you haven’t, consider yourself lucky and just know that it’s coming.

Personally, I think the airlines are going about this all wrong. Instead of a family section, why not a family airline? Sure. Disney Air could brand itself as a family airline. (Honestly, how much marketing would they need? Just saying the name yells “family friendly.”) They could feature coloring books next to the SkyMall and inflight magazines. Serve mac and cheese, pb&js and milk. Run all Disney movies.

It would take a bit of the stress off people with kids. They wouldn’t have to worry about their kids screaming or throwing Cheerios or whatever because chances are, the other people on the flights would have kids, too.

People without kids would avoid the airline like the plague.

Yes, I think Disney Air might just fly, pun intended.