Time for Family-Only Sections on Airplanes?

Sept. 15, 2010 — -- Did you hear about the restaurant in North Carolina that bans crying babies? Yes, Olde Salty's in Carolina Beach, N.C. has a big sign that reads: "Screaming Children Will NOT Be Tolerated!"

Maybe it's turned off some families, but Brenda Armes, the proprietor, says, "It has brought us in more customers than it's ever kept away." Apparently when kids begin acting up and making noise, they and their parents are ejected.

Now what about doing something similar on airplanes?

No, I don't mean mid-air evictions; for one thing, you can't open an airplane door in flight.

But what about family sections on planes? Is this an idea whose time has come?

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If you think family sections on planes are farfetched, well, it's worked elsewhere. In church, for instance.

You've heard the term "cry room," right? Children erupting in full voice during solemn services seems to be an interfaith dilemma, prompting many houses of worship to add soundproof rooms to keep the decibels down.

Let's look at other "family only" activities. Example: families get their own sections -- or special days -- or togetherness-type events at ball games. Take the minor league Jacksonville (Fla.) Suns: this summer, the team offered such promotions as "family faith" night, "family feast" deals and evenings of "family fireworks" (hmmm -- not sure I like the sound of that last one -- hope it was simply a celebratory affair).

Want more examples? Look at cruises and resorts like Club Med that have vacations geared just to the families -- including special kids-only activities, for teens, and even babies.