New travel data reveals Aussie travellers are looking for child-free flights at higher rates than ever, but no local carriers are willing to step up to offer the controversial travel option.
Screaming babies and unruly kids are never anyone’s idea of fun when flying – either parents or fellow travellers. But even the mention of child-free cabins on a plane is often enough to whip up a storm, with some claiming such spaces are discriminatory while others insist it’s all about choice.
While it’s the fierce travel debate that refuses to go away, Yahoo News Australia can reveal new figures showing more Aussies than ever want to fly child-free, even if our local airlines are reluctant to provide separate cabins.
“We’re seeing a huge demand in people wanting to travel without kids,” James Kavanagh, Flight Centre Travel Group Managing Director said. “Travel operators are responding to the interest by launching … experiences across airlines, cruising and touring.”
Figures show ‘adults only’ is the second most searched term of 2024 on Flight Centre’s website at 31 per cent. Beating it by the tiniest margin is the term ‘family’ at 32 per cent.
It’s a similar trend on Flight Centre’s luxury spinoff Travel Associates, where 81 per cent of bookings are made by couples and solo travellers, with family bookings coming in at only 15 per cent.
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin remain quiet on growing travel trend
Even in the face of overwhelming demand, however, none of the local carriers Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin Australia offer such options, nor are looking to introduce changes anytime soon.
One travel insider believes Aussie carriers are unlikely to introduce the option and ruffle feathers, no matter how strong the demand is.
“Such a move could be controversial and while it would suit many people, it would upset others – and the local airlines don’t want that,” a Sydney travel agent who asked to remain anonymous states.
“Then there’s the cost of retrofitting the cabins and that would be considerable. I think it will be years before any of the Australian airlines take this seriously.”
Asian Airlines leading the way with child-free cabins
It’s been over a decade since Asian carriers Scoot and AirAsia both introduced child-free cabins named, respectively, Scoot-in-Silence and The Quiet Zone into Aussie skies.
Singaporean-based Scoot has noted a big increase in demand for their bespoke cabin where children under 12 are not permitted.
“We’re seeing an increasing trend in demand for Scoot-in-Silence on our long-haul flights and during holiday periods when flights are expected to be busier or when more children will likely be on board,” Adam Kelly, General Manager of Scoot Australia, says.
“Scoot-in-Silence is loved by our regular passengers while also being popular with solo travellers or couples who are looking for a quieter experience with more comfort.”
It’s a similar story on AirAsia, where some passengers have been known to choose the airline based on being able to travel in the Quiet Zone, where children aged 10 and under are banned.
“Customer response has been consistently strong and positive,” Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, says. “Demand continues to be popular for adults seeking a more peaceful journey with minimal noise and disturbances.”
This choice does come at a cost. On Scoot, the quieter cabin is an additional $45 and on AirAsia, it’s an extra $55.
Airlines slammed for controversial move
When both airlines introduced these cabins a decade ago, they were initially slammed with complaints, but there was more people who applauded them for offering more travel choices.
A recent online discussion revealed the topic remains as contentious as ever.
“People who complain endlessly about the existence of kids on planes could pay for the child-free flights if it matters that much to them,” said one.
“It would funnel away a lot of the people who really dislike kids and would then make it less stressful to fly with my child,” added another.
Those keen to avoid other people’s children when high in the sky, however, again outnumbered those against it.
“I’ll support it all day every day!!! I completely sympathize with parents of unhappy kiddos, but that doesn’t mean I want to listen to it for hours!” exclaimed one person, while another stated, “CF (child-free) please.”
Flight Centre’s James Kavanagh believes the debate has a way to go yet.
“The travel industry is getting good at personalisation and tailoring products to suit individual preferences,” he adds.
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