This airline has a "baby map" to show where infants are sitting on flights
Every person has a list of things that tick them off about travelling, and crying babies is perhaps one of the most common.
For those who wish to avoid babies when booking your seat, Japan Airlines (JAL) has just the tool for you: The baby map.
According to their website, “Passengers traveling with children between eight days and 2 years old who select their seats on the JAL website will have a child icon displayed on their seats on the seat selection screen. This lets other passengers know a child may be sitting there.”
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However, child icons will not appear if the seats are selected through other companies or means outside the JAL website, if seats are booked as part of a tour, or if the seats are booked using award tickets.
Additionally, the icons may not appear correctly if there is a change in aircraft.
Twitter user Rahat Ahmed commended the airline for the new tool, saying, “This really ought to be mandatory across the board.”
Thank you, @JAL_Official_jp for warnings me about where babies plan to scream and yell during a 13 hour trip. This really ought to be mandatory across the board.
Please take note, @qatarairways: I had 3 screaming babies next to me on my JFK-DOH flight two weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/kQYQFIqqCD
— Rahat Ahmed (@dequinix) September 24, 2019
On the flip side, if you are travelling with a small child or infant, JAL offers a variety of other services to make it a more positive experience.
Parents are able to rent strollers at the airport, and the airline will accept strollers as checked baggage for no cost.
Those travelling with small children also receive priority boarding.
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Additionally, the inflight crew on some aircraft can provide hot water for formula or baby milk. 100% fruit juice is also available.
Most aircraft have lavatories equipped with changing stations, and diapers can be furnished upon request for sizes medium and large.
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Soft blankets, exclusively for infants, are also available on select flights. However, there are limited numbers available onboard.
JAL original toys for children are available as well as inflight entertainment through the JAL free Wi-fi video service. Picture books are also on hand to borrow.