Quiet zones vs. Family zones
Sometimes all you need is a bit of peace for a more pleasant journey. That is why some airlines have introduced areas in their planes known as 'Quiet Zone'. Children below the age of 12 are not allowed to sit in these areas. The quiet zones, also known as kid-free zones, have been created for business travelers who prefer minimal noise and fewer disturbances in order to do their work. This does not mean that airlines are banning kids from traveling, but they are enhancing their services to suit each guest's needs and preferences.
There are also airlines that are ready to cater to parents travelling with kids by offering a 'Family Zone.' Family Zone seating is an area where children can sit, with the purchase of an adult seat. In this section, children are provided with plenty of child-friendly in-flight entertainment. This prevents them from disrupting other passengers onboard.
If you want a seat in the quiet zone, book your next flight with the following airlines:
AirAsia
AirAsia's Quiet Zone was first introduced in 2013. It covers rows one to seven directly behind the premium cabin. Only travelers who are above ten years are allowed to sit in these seats. If you opt to sit in the Quiet Zone, it is an extra charge to your regular airfare. For example, the route from Honolulu to Osaka, Japan, on the AirAsia has Quiet Zone seats ranging from $25 to $55, in addition to the airfare.
AirAsia also limits the number of babies allowed on each flight. This is due to the fixed amount of infant life vests on each airline's aircraft.
IndiGo
The Indian-based, budget airline launched its Quiet Zone in 2016. Only kids who are 12 years and above are allowed to sit in this zone. This section is from row one to four and rows 11 to 14. The quiet zone features emergency exits and premium extra legroom seats.
Being the largest airline in India in terms of passengers carried, IndiGo aims to offer all its passengers comfort and convenience.
Malaysia Airlines
In 2011, Malaysia Airlines prohibited infants from flying in the first class section of its planes. One year later, the airline declared a policy forbidding children below 12 years from sitting in the upstairs economy section of its superjumbo jet airliners. In the same year, 2012, Malaysia Airlines introduced quiet zones on all flights. This exclusion ensures that passengers under the age of 12 are not present in the economy seats and business class seats.
However, it must be noted that the upper deck economy cabin on the A380 aircraft has three bassinets. The priority for seats here is for parents traveling with infants. If the main deck is full, families with babies or children will be allowed on the upper floor.
Scoot Airlines
In 2013, the Singaporean airline, Scoot, introduced a quiet zone dubbed "ScootinSilence". The quiet zone is situated between business class and economy class, from rows 21 to 25. Only passengers aged 12 and above can sit on one of 33 seats in "ScootinSilence".
The "ScootinSilence" zone features adjustable headrests for you to relax after a long business trip. However, you have to pay an extra charge. Scoot's website does not state the exact fees for seating in their quiet zone. But a recent media report suggests you could pay as little as $15 extra to enjoy peace and quiet on a flight.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines does not have a designated quiet zone area but has a feature on its booking system to inform passengers where young children will be seated during their flight. When customers are selecting their seats, they will be shown a "child icon" on seats where a child below two years is booked to be sitting.
Travellers accompanied by infants will have a child-like icon indicated on their seats and displayed on the seat selection monitor. You should note that the icons may be displayed incorrectly in some circumstances, for example, if there is a plane change before the flight or the seats are not selected directly via the Japan Airlines website. It's best to confirm with the Japan Airlines customer service team directly before booking to avoid sitting near infants.
Unfortunately, quiet zones have not become a global trend, as major airlines have avoided them. They feel that quiet zones are discriminatory. Instead, they have introduced family zones, where the kids are entertained and taken care of by the flight attendants. This makes the flight experience faster, more comfortable, quieter and safer for everyone.