I'll never forget flying to the Bahamas when our daughter was 1 year old. We bought her a ticket so we could bring her car seat and try to keep her comfortable, as well as safe. We brought toys and snacks... and anything we could think of to make sure our toddler did not disturb anyone.
And before we even took off, a passenger in the row ahead of us turned around, glaring, and said "Is she going to be ok on this flight?" My 6'4" husband assured this young man that everything was under control.
I get it. Not everyone wants to be around small children, especially in close quarters like an airplane.
Apparently, Japan Airlines gets it too. They're allowing you to put space between you and a crying baby on a long flight.
Japan Airlines has announced a new tool that helps you avoid sitting next to a fussy baby when you book a seat on a flight. The airline says passengers traveling with children less than two years old who book their seat on the JAL website will have a child icon displayed on their seats on the seat selection screen, letting other passengers know a child will be sitting there. And giving them a chance to put some distance between them and the child when they choose their seat.
Not a bad idea. But one passenger came up with a better one-- travel with noise canceling headphones. Problem solved.