Kids: All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Oy

“NIGHTMARES at 30,000 Feet” [Her World, Oct. 29] reminded me of two experiences -- the first, a nightmare; the second, a delight.

On a long flight back from Tahiti, we had the misfortune of sitting in front of a grandmother and her 4-year-old grandson, who delighted in screaming. Polite requests to stop received only a “he’s a child” reply from Grandma. A flight attendant said she could do nothing, but we insisted she move him to his parents, at least.

In contrast, on a recent flight from Denver, I sat with two small children behind me and a 7-year-old in front of me with her baby sibling across the aisle. I was surprised and impressed by the quiet, well-mannered behavior of all, without one shriek, loudness or kicking of my seat.

I decided both parents and kids should be thanked with a brief note slipped to them from between our seats. They responded with a smile of thanks, and a sweet note slipped back to me from the tots behind me, which I, in turn, appreciated.

A good feeling resulted all around, and I intend to follow my own example, when deserved, on future flights. Maybe we can change some parents’ and kids’ attitudes one by one by acknowledging good behavior when warranted.

LORNA PFLUKE

Placentia

*

ONCE again with the kid-bashing. The one describing babies who fly in business or first class as “usually not a problem” was my favorite so far. Unlike we who fly in coach, the little angels that can afford to fly business class are different.

Children are children. They, like adults, tend to become grumpy when deprived of food, water, blankets, pillows and space, typical conditions in coach, and likely the only affordable option for 99% of families.

Perhaps someday there will be an adults-only airline. Won’t that be a great day for your mean-spirited readers?

RAMANI DURVASULA

Los Angeles