Flying In Peace: This Airline Is Creating An Adults-Only Section
Have you ever been awakened on a plane by a crying baby and wished that you could be on an adults-only flight? You’re not alone. According to a recent survey, nearly 60% of American adults agree that a child-free area on planes and trains would be nothing short of a blessing.
So, as the world of aviation takes a leap toward tailored experiences, one airline is leading the way, ensuring that you can kick back, relax and enjoy the skies—minus the cacophony of kids.
Corendon Airlines, a Turkish-Dutch carrier, is about to launch an “Only Adult” zone on its flights between Amsterdam and the sun-kissed Caribbean island of Curaçao starting on November 3, so that grown-ups can savor the joy of a child-free journey. Strategically positioned at the front of the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, this new oasis of calm will have 93 seats reserved exclusively for anyone aged 16-plus. Walls and curtains will help maintain its exclusive silence.
Sitting in this serene adults-only sanctuary area will cost a modest extra fee of €45 (approximately $49). But if you want additional legroom, it will cost €100 (about $108) to book one of the nine extra-large seats.
The endeavor is the brainchild of Corendon founder Atilay Uslu, who also runs adults-only hotels in number of popular vacation destinations including Curaçao, Bodrum, Turkey and Ibiza, Spain. Uslu believes in providing more than just an A to B journey; it’s about an experience that’s tailored to passengers’ need for some good old-fashioned tranquility. His aim? “To appeal to travelers looking for some extra peace of mind during their flight,” Uslu said in a statement.
Since the airline will also have a zone where kids can sit, it will be helpful for families with children. “We also believe this can have a positive effect on parents traveling with small children,” said Uslu. “They can enjoy the flight without worrying if their children make more noise.”
While Corendon Airlines is leading the charge in Europe, it’s not a new concept in Asia. Scoot—a low-cost Singapore-based carrier—has Scoot-in-Silence cabins on its 787 flights that are only accessible to travelers over 12. AirAsia X has also carved out special spaces for passengers over 12 with a Quiet Zone on its A330 long-haul flights. And in 2012, Malaysia Airlines announced it would create child-free zones in some of its coach-class sections and ban infants in first-class on its jumbo jets.