To the people who were saying that Naomi paid for her own plane ticket, that would only be the case if she were traveling for pleasure. I’m not sure what the circumstances were, but if that Sydney to LA flight was to or from a movie set, then the movie company pays for it.
I don’t know much about air travel, but I do know about the movie business, and movie stars don’t pay for anything.

Yes, it would be irritating to hear a screaming child in first class—or otherwise. However, I agree that Naomi should be able to sit in the seat she paid for…and I’m not into segregation at all. I think the real problem with flights is that EVERYONE is totally aggravated to begin with on them–they’re horribly crowded, and everyone is invading your personal space, so any kind of irritant becomes totally magnified.

That being said, anyone who goes on a flight and expects it to be relaxing or fun is just nuts. There will always be something that will be irritating. Also, someone said it’s “not fair” to spend that much for a ticket and hear crying children. Well, it’s also “not fair” that everyone doesn’t have 22,000 to drop on a first class ticket. It’s not fair that parents should be made to feel like second class citizens because they have a child who is upset. If you want a list on things that are unfair, we can start writing one now and finish in a thousand years. I mean, really! Get over it!

The reality is that every person on here has been a crying baby at some point. Every person here was a kid that threw a tantrum and someone else had to–gosh–witness it and put up with it. That’s life! People get too worked up over stuff like this. No matter how irritating it is for someone to sit next to a screaming kid, I guaran-freaking-tee you that it’s about 100 times harder for the parent to be traveling with the child, so have a little compassion!

The first time I traveled with my oldest could have been a nightmare were it not for the nice lady who sat next to me and offered to hold her. She was so mesmerized by the new face she just passed out. It was nothing short of a miracle! She was Naomi’s baby’s age, too, coincidentally. I’m so grateful to people that have a little empathy. Traveling with kids is difficult enough as it is!

I mostly travel coach because, hey, we’re all going to the same place anyways, and I’d like to use those extra hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars making memories once I get there. BUT, I have flown first-class a handful of times, and, let me tell you, I was CRUSHED to find out that annoying people exist everywhere, even sitting in classy first class. The crying baby, the overly-important sounding business man, the schmoozy yuppie, the spoiled brats–check, check, check, and check.

But I will say this: my god, how much more aggravating was it when they continued to be annoying and ruined my expensive, naively idealized first-class flight. What did I actually pay more for? Surely not those yummy Milano cookies and a rubbery steak? I think iluvallbabies was onto something. There’s something about sitting there with your slightly foamier headphones on, expecting luxury, quiet, and tranquility, only to have it shatter by that same crying baby you heard last time you flew coach, except crap, you just paid so much more to hear him. It irks. It irks EXTRA. Call me crazy.

That story about the nanny is HILARIOUS!! I’m surprised more people haven’t commented on that part! So funny.

I love the notion that people in first class should not be subjected to a screaming baby, but it’s ok for those in coach. It’s like steerage class used to be on ships..for the commoners! I am more annoyed by the 10 year old in front of me fake puking (it happened) or the irritating self-important business person that has to be on the phone right until take-off or right at landing. How bout the drunks? The ipod you can hear across the aisle? Or the time my friend was stuck in the middle section, 2 couples on either side of her that allowed their CAT to walk across her?

Jeez I think I just talked myself out of flying anytime soon!

This is very random, but on my way from Sydney to LA in November, I even sat infront of Rickki Lake- who is absolutely stunning in real life (and hardly/if any makeup on at all!)

She is honestly SO TINY in real life, I was shocked!!

Tanya I am very well travelled- infact I just got back from Sydney- LA and Mexico in November! Why does this have to turn so personnal though? Its my opinion, not right or wrong- just what I THINK, no need for suggesting I havent travelled much and dont know what Im talking about! And I realise planes hold humans (hmmmmm thanks for the inside information).

I would put money on it, if you were seated in first class, paid full fare and got seated next to a screaming baby you wouldnt be happy. Its easy to come on a website and say otherwise, but in reality you would be cranky- even if it is unavoidable. At least Im honest about it!

And $$22,000 is NOT way off. Its currently listed on Australia’s major airline website (Qa*t*s) for $22,390 for full fare. I suggest you take a look before suggesting otherwise- Ive just logged on again and it still has that price listed, so Im not sure what you’re looking at? Even a flight attendant, who would be familiar with prices, has made a comment above and said that prices can go that high…

Lets just agree to disagree….I think babies should be taken for a walk out of first class when screaming, you think they should remain there crying. Simple

iluvallbabies, I wonder if you haven’t flown very much. I’ve taken that Sydney to LAX flight many times and, well, it’s got human beings on it and, well, humans will be humans. One of the constant realities up in First is loud business people … gabbing very loudly on the phone, taking full advantage of the free alcohol, and making pathetic attempts to chat up the cabin staff. Oh, and how about those very loud, snoring holiday makers?

It’s good when parents stop their kids from running around the cabin and kicking the back of seats, but other than that no matter what we pay (and FYI, $22,000 per flight, even at peak seasons, is way off), it’s actually a good thing that we are brought back to reality through having to acknowledge the presence of humanity. If folk can’t deal with humanity, then shell out for a private jet and add even more to global warming.

Ok Cat, Ill change my scenario- How about if a couple that have saved for many years to sit in first class, and its their 50 year anniversary- and they get seated next to a screaming baby. Is that fair?!

As Julie has experience with being a mother AND flight attendant, she has probably put it best

I think its just common courtesy to remove them from first class until they calm down, thats all.

I’m a flight attendant and mother of a 7 month old girl, so I see it from both sides. Like Naomi, my daughter is getting to the age where she is a bit difficult on flights. I’ve flown with her about 7 times now, including a flight to Paris. Looking back, those first three months are easy…all they do is sleep! When it does get difficult, walking around the plane is the best thing. No one will think you are a terrorist and the baby becomes occupied by people-watching. I always feed and change her before takeoff…and if she still cries, I just make any attempt to soothe…toys, books. As a flight attendant, I can sit in first class but never do when I’m with my daughter, just as a courtesy to those who pay so much for their tickets. And yes, tickets can cost as much as $22,000 for a SYD-LAX flight. As long as you’re making the best attempt possible to help calm your child, you’re doing the best you possibly can…and that’s all anyone can ask for.