Airline Launches Child-Free Zone

A Malaysian airline has taken steps to help passengers who are fed up with screaming kids on flights. Air Asia is banning children under the age of 12 from sitting in the first seven rows of its economy class cabins. The airline said it is responding to the complaints of thousands of air travelers who say their biggest gripe while flying is the noise from children. 

The budget carrier has said its new booking system will mean passengers can reserve a seat in the new "quiet zone" at no extra cost, and experience "minimal noise". The new system will come into effect from February 2013. Air Asia's initiative follows a move earlier this year by Malaysian Airlines, who banned children from the top deck of its A380 aircraft.

The moves by the Malaysian airlines could be the start of a worldwide trend in air travel. A recent poll by Britain's "Daily Telegraph" newspaper found that nearly 70 per cent of people supported the introduction of child-free flights, not just child-free areas. 

Frequent flyer Jonathon Stannard welcomed Air Asia's policy, saying: "It's about time. Economy is stressful enough without having to endure screeching kids and crying babies. It's usually the parents' fault – they rarely do much to control their children." Travel writer Simon Calder said: "People need to be tolerant. People who have a problem with children on flights need to get over it." He added: "I have two words for them - ear plugs."


EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY

1. Gripe [GRIP]
Meaning: (Verb) To complain, esp in a persistent nagging manner.
Example Sentence: Because of his disappointment to his employer, Ana gripes it to the police.

2. Screeching [-S-KREET-CHING]
Meaning: (Noun) A high pitch voice (usually when a child is crying)
Example Sentence: Non-stop screeching of the children inside the theater annoyed the man.

3. Tolerant [TO-LE-RANT]
Meaning: (Adjective) Showing respect for the rights, opinions, or beliefs of others.
Example Sentences: To avoid conflict, people with different cultures should be tolerant enough.

4. Ear Plugs [eer-plag]
Meaning: (Noun) An ear phone
Example Sentence: We usually use ear plugs when we are listening to the music using our iPods.


EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS

1. What springs to mind when you hear the word 'child-free'?
2. Do you think people who feel the need for child-free zones lack basic tolerance?
3. What's your biggest gripe about flying?
4. What's your biggest gripe about children?
5. Do you think child-free flights would be successful?
6. What do you think of parents who let their kids scream and misbehave in public places?
7. Do you think ear plugs are the solution?






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