A mother was left in shock when a fellow passenger made an unexpected request to her three-year-old daughter during a Virgin Australia flight boarding process. Emma Darrouzet, who was traveling with her family from Brisbane to Port Douglas, recounted the unsettling incident that took place at the airport.
As the family prepared for their holiday, Emma Darrouzet was checking her bags when a stranger approached her daughter, Odette. The woman tapped the child on the shoulder and said, “Hello, I hope you know you need to be quiet on the airplane.” The unexpected interaction left both mother and child taken aback, leading to further discomfort when the woman was later spotted queuing for the same flight.
Public Reaction to the Incident
The incident sparked a wide range of reactions online. Some individuals suggested airlines should consider implementing child-free flights, while others emphasized the need for peaceful travel experiences. In a TikTok video, Ms. Darrouzet expressed her disbelief at the audacity of the stranger’s actions, questioning the etiquette of touching another person’s child.
Commenters on social media were divided, with some supporting the idea of child-free sections on planes, akin to those offered by Asian carriers like Scoot and AirAsia. These airlines have introduced ‘ScootinSilence’ and child-free zones in certain cabins, providing options for travelers seeking a quieter journey.
Conversations About Travel Etiquette
While some travelers voiced support for more peaceful flights, others were appalled by the woman’s approach to a young child. One individual expressed that, despite preferring quiet, they found it “100 percent unacceptable” for a stranger to address a child with such a comment.
Emma Darrouzet shared her thoughts with Yahoo Lifestyle, explaining that her daughter is accustomed to flying and had not caused any disturbance at the time. The encounter has fueled broader discussions about appropriate behavior and boundaries in public spaces, particularly when it involves children.
The debate continues as airlines and passengers alike consider how to balance the diverse needs of travelers. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in shared travel experiences and the importance of respectful interactions.
