Portable dvd player on plane??

[MyZoeJane]

DMRick....did you read MyZoeJane's post? She said very specifically, that yes a child should be taught to behave. If a child is kicking the seat, screaming, misbehaving in general...it SHOULD be corrected. I do not disagree with you on that. And maybe a DVD shouldn't be blaring, but if, as a last resort it calms an upset child, I think most people would agree it is a fair trade. But it sounds like too many people board a plane and believe they are entitled to total and complete silence. That is not the case. A child has just as much right to be on that plane, and it is public transportation. If someone is that inconveniced (sp?) by other passengers maybe they should drive. All to often I hear of people boarding the plane with exactly what you described, certain expectations. Only some people board a plane, see a young child, and automatically assume that the ride will be miserable. They "look" for things to complain about instead of letting a few minor things slide and enjoying the trip.

Thanks...

I think the scenario that you and I have in our heads is one where "if all else fails", then let them watch the DVD. If I've done everything I can to keep my kid happy and popping in a DVD is the one thing that will satiate them, then I ought to be able to do it without having to worry about being scolded for it. I'm not this horrible, self-serving, inconsiderate schmuck that ol' man grumpy wants to paint me to be. I realize that playing a DVD is NOT preferable to keeping my daughter occupied by her princess magnets or coloring books or any one of the SEVERAL brand new toys I'll bring for her to keep her occupied on a plane...

My point was, when you're an old fuddy duddy looking for something to moan about, maybe you should consider adopting the mentality that PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING should be the first thing running through your head... ESPECIALLY on a trip to the "happiest place on Earth"! But there are always going to be those self-absorbed people who cling to their belief that they ought not have to be "put out" by life happening around them.

If the sound of happy children gives you such a horrible headache then maybe YOU ought to be the one wearing earphones...

 

[ladysoleil]

If I've done everything I can to keep my kid happy and popping in a DVD is the one thing that will satiate them, then I ought to be able to do it without having to worry about being scolded for it.

My point was, when you're an old fuddy duddy looking for something to moan about, maybe you should consider adopting the mentality that PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING should be the first thing running through your head... ESPECIALLY on a trip to the "happiest place on Earth"!

If the sound of happy children gives you such a horrible headache then maybe YOU ought to be the one wearing earphones...

To be fair- I like children, and I don't mind some noise from kids, and I expect it during takeoff and landing because the ear pressure is bad enough for me, so it's got to be worse for them. But I really wouldn't want to hear a DVD player going at full blast for the whole flight and I don't think that makes me an old crank.

I get a little tense while flying and too much racket *is* going to give me a headache, it has nothing to do with my being a mean nasty kid-hating person. And if I have that tension headache, I *will* ask the flight attendant to pull the plug on the DVD player if I can still hear it when I'm wearing my ear plugs that I bring on flights to cope with a loud plane. Fair is fair.

Happy children are great, but unfortunately, happy children can sometimes be really loud, too. I don't expect it to be church-silent on the flight, nor do I realistically believe that all the kids are going to be seen and not heard for two + hours, but that doesn't make it any less inconsiderate to raise the noise level to the point where *I* can't hear my headphones or my earplugs won't keep the noise out. And that has happened to me on flights where I'm flying with lots of kids. I pack my earplugs, my headphones and my Excedrin and wish for the best, but I do feel better when people do their best to be courteous of other people on the flight.

It's not the end of the world- I realize that kids have as much right to fly as I do, but that doesn't mean I'm not sometimes upset by it, especially when I'm tired and not feeling well.

 

[DMRick]

I sure hope you were kidding in this statement. No one should give children perscription medicine that was not subcribed for them personally, they could easily be overdose from an adult strength perscribed amount.

I meant with me, not the kids!

 

[DMRick]

And maybe a DVD shouldn't be blaring, but if, as a last resort it calms an upset child, I think most people would agree it is a fair trade. But it sounds like too many people board a plane and believe they are entitled to total and complete silence.

Read what you wrote.You are saying most people believe they are entitled to total and complete silence. Find me one person who said that on this thread. Most of us are saying we too paid for a ticket..and would not like to listen to a blaring movie. How to fix that? Headphones. Couldn't be easier.

A child has just as much right to be on that plane, and it is public transportation. If someone is that inconveniced (sp?) by other passengers maybe they should drive. All to often I hear of people boarding the plane with exactly what you described, certain expectations. Only some people board a plane, see a young child, and automatically assume that the ride will be miserable. They "look" for things to complain about instead of letting a few minor things slide and enjoying the trip.

Where did I say that I (or others say that) that the ride will be miserable if we see kids. I often have kids with me. This is about curtesy. It's not like we can go into the other room if the noise is loud. I have three grands..I know how kids may behave. What people are saying here, is do your best. Be prepared. Don't go on the plane with the attitude that just because it's a child, screaming is ok. Teach them to use headphones ahead of time, or (just like we did before DVD's) bring toys and do the best you can to amuse your child.

 

[wrldpossibility]

I have to say, as a mom with children 18 months, 4 and 7, who travels a lot, that with a child under 2, you can really only do your best (and try to ignore the grouchy people who can't appreciate that). Over 2, children can understand, and should be expected to act correctly. A 4-year-old can be told he/she cannot say "ribbit" for 3 hours, and can also be told to only listen to a DVD with headphones. Sometimes I don't think enough is expected of children. When we fly, my older two act like gentlemen...and I just hope for the best with the baby. My heart goes out to anyone traveling with toddlers, and I'll do my best to remember how hard it is when it's no longer me!

 

[DMRick]

I find this extremenly insulting. I'm by no means an old fuddy duddy, just because I think I shouldn't have to listen to your child's DVD. Have you tried the suggestions offered here, or is it your way or no way? Will your child watch a movie with no sound, if they can't be convinced to use headphones..knowing that is the only way they can listen to the movie? Why is it that you can be OK with calling some of us names..but we can't ask for headphones on a private DVD player? If I was listening to heavy metal rock, and you don't care for it..is it ok if I blare it out and not use head phones, even if you just got your child to sleep?
You may find this hard to believe, but some of the people on the plane aren't going to the happiest place on earth. Some are going to funerals, some are going to a work related trip..lots of reasons some are on airplanes. Even if I am on my way to Disney, I still expect, trapped on a plane, a certain amount of help from parents to keep the noise down..at least from a DVD player. I"m not saying I don't expect noise from kids..even some crying. But I do expect parents to do what they can to consider the other people who also paid for the trips feelings, and not start the trip off saying..hey, our kids paid too..so they have the right to have a movie blaring.
By the way, it's not the happy children that give a headache..it's the blaring DVD player. So you think the rest of us should wear headphones, so your child doesn't have too. Interesting.

Thanks...

My point was, when you're an old fuddy duddy looking for something to moan about, maybe you should consider adopting the mentality that PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING should be the first thing running through your head... ESPECIALLY on a trip to the "happiest place on Earth"! But there are always going to be those self-absorbed people who cling to their belief that they ought not have to be "put out" by life happening around them.

If the sound of happy children gives you such a horrible headache then maybe YOU ought to be the one wearing earphones...

 

[bavaria]

I chose to retire from sharing information on the Transportation board but this thread has sucked me in.....

Frankly, I am saddened to see the treatment of DMRick ie the name calling. Not using headphones on a DVD player or other form of entertainment is simply placing ones one needs ahead of everyone else. It is akin to the thoughtless travellers who congregate around an open area and speak in loud voices for an extended period of time during a flight - aka the 'inflight cocktail party' or 'inflight business meeting'. Yes, I have experieced both many times, and on several occassions I have asked a flight attendant to disperse the crowd, or have said something myself.

As Rick pointed out, not everyone on a flight to/from Orlando is going to WDW. I use my flying time every other week to catch up on much needed sleep. Often my sleep is disturbed every few minutes by very loud talk or guffaws. (The number of times loud adults wake me is actually greater than the number of times loud or unruly children wake me)

While I do understand that I will encounter some noise from my fellow travellers, we all have to take personal responsbility and realize when our actions are having a negative impact on others. (And yes, I am sure that there are times when my actions inadvertently impact others, but if it was pointed out to me as it has been in this forum, I would try and rectify the situation)

As another poster pointed out, children have been flying for years without electronic entertainment. I myself crossed oceans many times as a small child, and my parents certainly didn't entertain me for the entire flight, nor would I have been allowed to disturb my fellow passengers.

By the way, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that your child actually sleeps on the flight - airplanes have this effect on many travellers.

 

[momofbgtwins]

To DMRick and Bavaria - I totally agree with both of you!

As a mother of (almost) 4 year old twins who have travelled many many times, I would never assume that anything but proper behavior and consideration of my fellow travelers was to be expected. Yes, before the kids I liked nothing more than to immerse myself in a good book on the flight to pass the time. But now, traveling with the children, my concern must be keeping them occupied and entertained so as not to bother my fellow travelers. I plan ahead with new toys and snacks and books, etc. so they will not get bored = antsy. We have often been complimented on the good behavior of our kids, but it's not for lack of work and constant attention on our part. And no, we do not count on a DVD player to entertain them for us!

 

[ducklite]

This is my worry. We're doing the portable DVD player this trip for the first time. My kids aren't really good about headsets (especially the 2 year old), so I'm not sure that it will work. Although we're going to try to do some 'trial runs' to get them more used to it.

If not, my opinion is that a Baby Mozart movie (basically just classical music playing) will be a lot better to those around us than a cranky, hyper 2 year old. So, if she gets to that point - I might use it anyway. Am I right? Wouldn't you rather have a calm 2 year old sitting nicely watching a video than the alternative even if it meant listening to music? I'm hoping so - because if all else fails I might go for it anyway.

Trust me, people have been flying for years with kids, and haven't needed to rely on obnoxious electronic devices to keep them happy and quiet.

Very simple. get your kids used to the headphones AT HOME BEFORE you fly. Simple solution, earphones or no movie. Trust me, even at two they figure it out quickly. Let the meltdowns happen at home prior to the trip so that by the time you fly they are used to the headphones.

If they aren't going to get it, then find another solution and leave the DVD player at home.

It's effective parenting, not rocket science.

And trust me, if someone was being that obnoxious with some insipid kiddy DVD and no headphones, I'd be quite tempted to play music from my laptop without earphones as well--and as many around here are quite aware, I LOVE my nu-metal and hard rock!

Anne

 

[Maryr1]

I am the mother of an 8 y.o. developmentally delayed DD. We fly pretty often. She uses a DVD player and wears headphones-because I never told her it was an option NOT to......She also wears them in the car on long trips-again I never gave her an option! I also give her a decongestant before we fly-just like I always take a decongestant before I fly. I don't want any eardrum issues because of changing pressures and stuffy heads. Safe,not overused and perfectly medically acceptable. Also, as an "older" Mom, I traveled alot before she arrived. I always brought my own earphones and MP3 player,DVD player etc. and if a cranky child got to me, I put those on and went off to sleep. I will tell you that my DD has had a few cranky moments on planes and I do my best to get her back on track ASAP. I thank every patient person my daughter has annoyed over the past 8 years for their understanding-and I try to remember that no one-not even the parent-wants a fussy child.

 

[shades]

I've experienced more bad flights because of rude adults than unruly kids. I don't mind noisy kids at all - unless they cry for the duration of the flight - and even then I understand that sometimes it just can't be stopped. I fly 3 or 4 times a year and typically doing school holidays so there are lots of kids. There is the usual crying during take-off and landing - but, other than that - I don't hear much from the kids. Adults, on the other hand - sheesh! People talking loudly for the duration of the flight, one lady painting her fingernails (until somebody in front of her pushed the call button and flight attendant told her not to paint her nails. Then the young lady was obnoxious and asked "why not" - the flight attendant explained that nail polish is toxic and flammable. The fumes circulated through the plane fast and the entire plane smelled like nail polish for the duration of the flight), adults who can't fit in the seat they purchased and overflow into my 18" of space, adults have taken up all of the space in the overhead bin with their life possessions - causing me to have to put my carryon under the seat in front of me - so my space is now cramped, etc. etc. etc. Give me a plane full of kids any day over rude, inconsiderate adults!

 

[dkostel]

I love the adults that fit nicely into their seats, but then take out a newspaper & instead of folding it over they only have to hold one page at a time, they leave it open to both pages, taking up 1/2 of my space.

I always bring earplugs, usually use them because of chatty adults rather than kids.

I used to fly frequently with my niece when she was a toddler. She knew I'd pay her complete attention to keep her well behaved (that's when portable DVD players were first out & very expensive). I think it was a game for her, to keep me working, I always got off the plane exhausted.

 

[shades]

I love the adults that fit nicely into their seats, but then take out a newspaper & instead of folding it over they only have to hold one page at a time, they leave it open to both pages, taking up 1/2 of my space.

I always bring earplugs, usually use them because of chatty adults rather than kids.

I used to fly frequently with my niece when she was a toddler. She knew I'd pay her complete attention to keep her well behaved (that's when portable DVD players were first out & very expensive). I think it was a game for her, to keep me working, I always got off the plane exhausted.

Oh yea...I forgot about the newspaper thing! I used to fly a LOT more and and have learned to put my feet up against the bars on the seat in front of me to keep any men seated next to me from sliding their foot into my foot space. I don't know why men always think they can stretch out into the space under the seat infront of me - but, that is how it always seemed to work. Women never do that - at least not with their feet. Sometimes their carryon bag of stuff falls into my space. This was during my single years. Fortunately, now I'm with my family and don't have this problem anymore. I have taught my teenage girls how to "protect" their 18" of seat space, though! I've also been seated next to large folks who should have reserved 2 seats, only to find they have lifted the arm-rest to get more comfortable. I always appologize first and then explain to them that I prefer the armrest to be lowered. I feel bad that they are uncomfortable for the duration of the flight, but, I also don't feel that I should be expected to share a portion of my seat with a stranger.

 

[DMRick]

I've experienced more bad flights because of rude adults than unruly kids. I don't mind noisy kids at all - unless they cry for the duration of the flight - and even then I understand that sometimes it just can't be stopped. !

I guess I prefer neither be rude or unruly. And it's not the kids I have a problem with (hey, we all admit, kids get excited about the trip)..it's the topic we were talking about. DVD players..I prefer to not hear children's or adults movies..or the hard rock of the person three seats away..thank God SW people have no problem asking for the sound to be put down if it's too loud).

We're lucky..we too often fly with lots of kids, since we do go many times a year to Orlando..but for the most part, we seem to fly with considerate parents and adults without kids that are also quiet (reading, listening to DVD's etc). I prefer not to hear noisy kids for 3 straight hours, or noisy adults...but we seldom hear either.

I also can count on one hand, problems with newspapers, someone taking over our seat, someone with lots of perfume (or a tuna sandwhich..oh, that's right, that was me..oh, I was so embarassed when I realized what it smelled like..and put it away immediately LOL..sorry, if you were on that flight) etc.

Many on this thread understand excited kids, kids who have ear problems on take off and landing, special needs kids, a crying child for whatever reason. But as many of the responsible parents have posted..we all appreciate the parent who is as prepared as it's possible to be. Stuff will still happen...it's the nature of flying with kids in the plane.

Oh, and I think I was on that flight with the nail polish LOL. At least it was the same..the SW gal kept trying to explain why you couldn't use the nail polish remover and polish..and the gal she was talking too, just didn't understand why.

 

[ducklite]

I prefer to not hear children's or adults movies..or the hard rock of the person three seats away..

I just want to clarify, when I listen to music onboard I wear earphones, and don't listen loud enough that you can hear it spilling out of the ear buds--that's jsut as annoying IMHO.

Anne

 

[kaytieeldr]

If nothing else works, then you should be willing to share the Xanax.

I sure hope you were kidding in this statement. No one should give children perscription medicine that was not subcribed for them personally

Oh. I thought DMRick meant that mom should be willing to share the Xanax with the other ADULT passengers.

If the sound of happy children gives you such a horrible headache then maybe YOU ought to be the one wearing earphones...

"The sound of happy children" is children laughing, giggling, playing together, even singing softly... NOT the sound of diversionary electronic equipment.

And trust me, if someone was being that obnoxious with some insipid kiddy DVD and no headphones, I'd be quite tempted to play music from my laptop without earphones as well--and as many around here are quite aware, I LOVE my nu-metal and hard rock!

Excuse me... there IS no music other than country. I'll meet you on any flight and play MY music without headphones while you do the same - only, naturally, if there's already at least one DVD player operating without headphones.

I also can count on one hand, problems with newspapers, someone taking over our seat, someone with lots of perfume (or a tuna sandwhich..oh, that's right, that was me..oh, I was so embarassed when I realized what it smelled like..and put it away immediately LOL..sorry, if you were on that flight) etc.

Scratching plans to pick up tuna melt from Earl of Sandwich on way to airport.... Do you think a BLT would be inoffensive?

I just want to clarify, when I listen to music onboard I wear earphones, and don't listen loud enough that you can hear it spilling out of the ear buds

Yeah, we know... unless, of course, you're provoked...

 

[DMRick]

I had no doubt, that you kept your music to yourself
Thanks!

I just want to clarify, when I listen to music onboard I wear earphones, and don't listen loud enough that you can hear it spilling out of the ear buds--that's jsut as annoying IMHO.

Anne

 

[shades]

I guess I prefer neither be rude or unruly. And it's not the kids I have a problem with (hey, we all admit, kids get excited about the trip)..it's the topic we were talking about. DVD players..I prefer to not hear children's or adults movies..or the hard rock of the person three seats away..thank God SW people have no problem asking for the sound to be put down if it's too loud).

We're lucky..we too often fly with lots of kids, since we do go many times a year to Orlando..but for the most part, we seem to fly with considerate parents and adults without kids that are also quiet (reading, listening to DVD's etc). I prefer not to hear noisy kids for 3 straight hours, or noisy adults...but we seldom hear either.

I also can count on one hand, problems with newspapers, someone taking over our seat, someone with lots of perfume (or a tuna sandwhich..oh, that's right, that was me..oh, I was so embarassed when I realized what it smelled like..and put it away immediately LOL..sorry, if you were on that flight) etc.

Many on this thread understand excited kids, kids who have ear problems on take off and landing, special needs kids, a crying child for whatever reason. But as many of the responsible parents have posted..we all appreciate the parent who is as prepared as it's possible to be. Stuff will still happen...it's the nature of flying with kids in the plane.

Oh, and I think I was on that flight with the nail polish LOL. At least it was the same..the SW gal kept trying to explain why you couldn't use the nail polish remover and polish..and the gal she was talking too, just didn't understand why.

Tuna sandwich! YIKES!! And, strong perfume - I'd forgotten about that one! Just one more reason why I dislike flying so much these days. Those women that like to wear HEAVY perfume and reapply during flight.

Honestly, flying commercial is a piece of cake compared to most military aircraft I've flown on! I flew on a C-130 prop job from Japan to the Phillippines and thought I'd never get there. It's a slowwwwwwwww airplane with no "lavatory" on board. There is, umm, a cup for men and they strap a "honey bucket" to a pallet in the back of the aircraft and hang a curtain for the times they have a female passenger. I've also been on C-141 aircraft, sat in red nylon troop seats with my knees/legs interwoven with the guy's in front of me because there is only about 12" seperating the seats apart and they are facing seats. I did that on a 9 hour flight to no where and I have to admit, when I think about trips like these - give me loud playing dvd players any day!

 

[brymolmom]

Trust me, people have been flying for years with kids, and haven't needed to rely on obnoxious electronic devices to keep them happy and quiet.

Very simple. get your kids used to the headphones AT HOME BEFORE you fly. Simple solution, earphones or no movie. Trust me, even at two they figure it out quickly. Let the meltdowns happen at home prior to the trip so that by the time you fly they are used to the headphones.

If they aren't going to get it, then find another solution and leave the DVD player at home.

It's effective parenting, not rocket science.

And trust me, if someone was being that obnoxious with some insipid kiddy DVD and no headphones, I'd be quite tempted to play music from my laptop without earphones as well--and as many around here are quite aware, I LOVE my nu-metal and hard rock!

Anne

Thank you for that effective parenting lesson. Now for your reading lesson - I did indicate that we would do 'trial runs' at home first - but thanks for the suggestion.

And it is not for my benefit that I even bring the DVD player- I'd prefer not to have it at all - I'm very used to my kids behavior bad and good and since I love them - I only find it endearing. However, I do not expect those around me on an airplane to share these sentiments, so it is purely for their benefit that I even consider it. I have no problem entertaining (which does involve a lot of talking and playing and noise) and no problem disciplining inappropriate behavior of my children whenever and wherever it is called for (again, noise and disturbance for neighbors). And yes, I realize that 'in the old days' people did it without a DVD player. But why not attempt to use technology to make everyone's trip a little nicer? I do hope that no one using this argument in this post uses any technology at all - after all - people made due without headphones, music, laptops, gameboys, rolling luggage....for so long -why would you possibly need one?

Honestly, I'm just surprised. I really thought people would prefer the music. I have been proven wrong (unless enough 'yes' voters just haven't been responding).

 

[hubermom3]

Well just to let you all know that I am going to be the rude parent on the flight to MCO from Detroit on July 3rd. My kids will be having a DVD player and WILL NOT be wearing headphones. If you don't want to hear the sounds on the airplane then I suggest that YOU bring ear plugs or headphones.