Many of us have experienced the joys and, let’s face it, the tribulations of air travel. Recently, a passenger endured a particularly challenging 29-hour flight to Germany, dealing with the constant cries of a nearby child. This ordeal has reignited a conversation many travelers are familiar with: children on airplanes.
Henry Beasley, a musician from New Zealand and one-half of the duo Balu Brigada, found himself in the thick of it. Choosing to document his experience, he shared a video on TikTok that struck a chord with millions of viewers. The clip quickly went viral, sparking a lively chat about flying with young ones.
In his video, with a touch of humor, Henry invites viewers to “rate my 29-hour journey to Berlin,” as he shares his reactions to the cries echoing through the cabin. His facial expressions—a mix of eye twitches and dramatic sighs—tell the tale of his growing weariness.
Despite the discomfort, Henry keeps the tone lighthearted. He jestingly applauds the baby’s “incredible stamina” and even awards their boundless energy a “10/10.” His humorous take on the situation certainly hit home with the audience, drawing over 3.7 million views.
The clip opened the floodgates for discussion about the realities of traveling with small children. Opinions were split, with some siding with Henry, frustrated by parents opting to take infants on such lengthy flights.
One sentiment shared: “Kids don’t even remember anything from those trips. Why would anyone do that?”
Even parents chimed in with their experiences. Admittedly, they noted the shared challenges of having young children on airplanes. “I know some people don’t have the option, but I never took my babies or toddlers on flights. Ever. It’s painful for everyone,” mentioned one parent.
Others looked back on past traveling practices, recalling ways to ease the journey. One person remembered, “My mom used to give my brother and me something to make us drowsy. At least she was considerate.”
This incident has once again stirred the pot on the idea of child-free flights. A number of individuals expressed their readiness to pay more if it guaranteed a flight without children. Responding to this demand, some airlines have launched child-free zones in an attempt to cater to passengers seeking a quieter trip.
Take, for example, budget carrier Scoot, with a “ScootinSilence” area where kids under 12 aren’t allowed, or Japan Airlines, which provides seat maps indicating the location of infants, so travelers can pick their spots accordingly.
While these niche offerings provide a semblance of peace, the matter is still debated. Some argue that child-free zones aren’t feasible or fair, whereas others view them as a just middle-ground to enhance the flying experience.
Through his video, Henry shed light on a common travel woe, resonating with countless viewers worldwide. Yet, his upbeat and playful stance reminds us that there’s always room for a bit of humor, even in the midst of lengthy, trying flights.
