A traveler recently shared his experience dealing with a crying baby during a challenging 29-hour flight to Germany, igniting a lively conversation about children on airplanes.
Henry Beasley, a musician and part of the New Zealand duo Balu Brigada, recorded the experience and posted it on TikTok, where it quickly gained popularity.
In the video, Henry playfully asks viewers to “rate my 29-hour journey to Berlin” before revealing his reactions to the ongoing wails of the child seated nearby.
As the footage unfolds, his subtle signs of annoyance—like eye twitches and dramatic sighs—show his growing frustration. Yet, he keeps a cheerful demeanor, humorously commending the child for their “amazing stamina” and giving their “stellar performance” a “10/10” rating.
The video struck a chord with many, amassing over 3.7 million views and sparking discussions about the difficulties of flying with young kids. Commenters had varied opinions, with some supporting Henry and expressing their irritation at the parents’ choice to bring a small child on such a lengthy flight.
One viewer commented, “Kids don’t remember anything from those trips. Why would anyone bother?”
Even some parents acknowledged that traveling with little ones can be tough for everyone involved. “I know some people don’t have a choice, but I never took my babies or toddlers on flights. It’s just too hard for everyone,” one individual shared.
Another person offered a rather unconventional, yet controversial, solution: “My mom used to give my brother and me cough syrup or something to help us sleep. At least she was trying to be thoughtful.”
This situation also sparked renewed discussions about child-free flights. Many commenters expressed a willingness to pay extra for flights without children. Some airlines have already introduced child-free zones to accommodate travelers looking for a more peaceful experience.
For instance, budget airline Scoot has a “ScootinSilence” section that prohibits children under 12. Likewise, Japan Airlines allows passengers to see seat maps that indicate where infants will be seated, helping travelers choose their seats accordingly.
While these options offer some relief, the conversation remains contentious. Critics argue that child-free zones may not always be practical or fair. Others view them as a sensible compromise to enhance the flying experience for everyone.
Henry’s video humorously captures a common travel dilemma, resonating with viewers around the globe. Despite the challenges, his playful take encourages us to find laughter in tough situations, even during the longest flights.