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“They Behave Better” New Survey Shows That People Prefer Pets Over Children On Planes
Going on a long-awaited holiday is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Setting that sweet “out of office” automatic reply, packing the best outfits and splurging on a ridiculously overpriced airport sandwich – ah, nothing can ruin that. That is, until you step onto a plane and realize that you’ll be sitting next to a screaming child. Would you prefer to sit next to a pet instead? According to this recent survey, the majority of people would choose to fly next a pet rather than a child.
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New survey shows that passengers prefer to travel next to a pet rather than a child
Image credits: utahdoodles
Flying can be a stressful experience. What if you accidentally packed something forbidden? What if you left your passport in the kitchen? Or, perhaps, you decided to watch Final Destination the night before. Either way, it is exhausting and all you want to do is kick back and relax with your favorite podcast while you fly to an exciting new destination. Everyone’s heart skips a beat when they see an unruly child boarding a plane, checking to ensure they’ve packed those noise-cancelling headphones.
It’s no wonder why people prefer sitting next to a pet rather than a child.
The latest survey, conducted by The Upgraded Points, shows that 57% of non-pet owners would prefer to sit next to a pet. There is a low chance that a dog or a cat would kick your seat or ask to see if you have any games on your phone while their mom is scrolling on her phone. Imagine finally getting on board after your flight has been delayed and seeing that you’re sitting next to a fluffy animal – now that would surely boost your serotonin levels.
34% of respondents expressed discomfort in sharing cabin space with furry companions. That is understandable – some people simply feel uncomfortable or even afraid of the animals. Others suffer from severe allergies and the idea of having swollen eyes and a runny nose for the duration of the flight is not fun.
57% of non-pet owners would choose to sit next to a dog or cat instead of an unruly child
Image credits: Athena (not an actual photo)
Image credits: ConvertKit
There are many horror stories of children causing havoc on planes so the survey results are not that surprising
Image credits: Jep Gambardella (not an actual photo)
Sharing a flight with a crying baby who possesses an amazing lung capacity is challenging, to say the least. However, it is important to recognize that it’s not their fault. They are just little humans, overwhelmed by the flying experience, dozens of strangers staring at them and an unexplainable pain in their little ears. It’s the ignorant parents who choose to ruin everyone’s day. They let their spawn “let it out” while they blissfully scroll on their phones, knowing that their kids are somebody else’s problem now.
It is unsurprising that airlines started offering “child-free” zones on their flights. For a little extra cash, you’re guaranteed peace and quiet in the company of the adults who, probably, won’t screech or kick your seat. However, you can never know – there are hundreds of horror stories floating around the internet.
As more and more people choose to travel with their pets, four-legged pals in the cabin soon will become a norm
Image credits: Egor Gordeev
Image credits: Hanson Lu (not an actual photo)
Many people regard their pets as children and take them everywhere they go. Cats and dogs have become more than companions who patiently await their owners’ return. Now they get to experience the world together, making everlasting memories. The world seems to be adapting to this new normal; more places are becoming pet-friendly, from cafes to stores. The travel industry has also changed; now every day you can see a dog on a train or a ferry, and even in the cabin of the plane.
A survey from September 2023 showed that a whopping 85% of the participants still experienced challenges when bringing their pets on trips. The majority of the airlines still require pets to travel in the cargo area which can be stressful and even dangerous. Luckily, more and more of them are offering an option to take pets in the cabin.
Despite the difficulties, people are still determined to take their pets on trips. 33% of pet owners would forfeit their dream destination in favor of a pet-friendly one. That is the right way to repay four-legged companions for their love and undying loyalty!
Pets have such a short life – they deserve a good vacation with their humans once in a while!
Image credits: Josh Rakower
Over 60% of owners are willing to splurge on accommodations that allow pets and have amenities for their comfort. If my dog had a job, we too would be able to stay at the luxurious places, but alas, he is unemployed.
Fortunately, booking a trip with your pet pal is easier than ever – there are plenty of services that allow you to find a cozy place to stay and talk about fun things to do with your dog in the area. Imagine chilling on the comfy hotel bed and sharing room service snacks with your dog.
If you’re unsure about your next destination, check out the pet-friendly city guides. The criteria include dog parks, beaches, public transport rules and places that allow dogs to visit. Although we firmly believe that everywhere will be plenty of people who would smile at your dog in any setting.
Traveling, be it next to a kid or a pet, is stressful. It is important to remain kind and understanding in any situation
Image credits: Ivan Shimko (not an actual photo)
At the end of the day, we are all people who are just trying to make their destination with our kids or pets in tow. It will be stressful, loud and your nostrils will dry out from the airplane air. Whilst we cannot control the situation, we can control our reaction. If you’re next to a screaming baby, smile at them – babies love smiling faces – and pop on those soundproof headphones you splurged on. It’s just a few hours and in most cases, parents will be grateful for your kindness. And if you’re travelling next to someone’s fur baby, ask them if you can pet their animal and drink in that wonderful feeling when the pet decides they like you and rubs their adorable face on you.
What do you think of this? Would you rather travel next to a pet or a child?
The overwhelming majority of people agreed with the results – they too would prefer to sit next to a cute pet
What do you think ?
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
My cats fully support the other news, and avoid WET like the plague.
Load More Replies...
cerinamroth 2 years ago
Depends on the pet, depends on the kid. There we go. Personally, I would sneeze my head off for the duration of the journey to the annoyance of all passengers if I was seated next to a dog or cat because I am allergic to them. It would be a pretty miserable experience for me. I would also not enjoy being seated next to some of the more bitey dogs, which would of course also be permitted because otherwise "discrimination".
Agnieszka 2 years ago
I regularly travel with my dog on a train (7-8 hours rides) and other passengers lighten up the moment we enter the compartment. Once I entered the wring compartment by mistake and the people there were actually disappointed that I needed to leave. Since I got myself a dog, I always have somebody to talk to: a bus, a train, you name it. Though I always make sure that my doggo is clean and groomed, has eaten a few hours before the trip and I always have his water, banket and a toy with me, so that he doesn't disturb anyone.
Sunny Day 2 years ago
That's because - if the pet is being noisy, you can still tell it to "be quiet" without starting WWIII.
sturmwesen 2 years ago (edited)
Try that with the 5 barketeers we got this year in our street. We get barked at by 3 maltese, a cocker spaniel and a dachshound every frigging day. I hate the trend to not set boundaries for dogs. I once got verbally abused by a granny because I sent her terrier away that was fletching at mine while she was 50m away and "he didn't do nothing".
Load More Replies...
Beachbum 2 years ago
Jesus the people on this page must really hate kids! I love my dogs more than anything, and if an airline is ever set up for dogs, I would fly that in a heartbeat! But I have been on flights where kids are amazing, and where kids ar just being kids and crying.....but everyone call these kids spoiled brats.... damn calm down. You were a spoiled brat at one time, and sounds like some of these people still are!
Sheena Leversedge Wood 2 years ago
I would LOVE to end up next to a dog or cat. as long as the owner was okay with me giving them fusses.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
If it's just a noise thing, I don't have a ton of sympathy for people who didn't plan for the possibility of there being a baby on their flight; you can get a box of 10 pairs of earplugs at the grocery store for about $3 (both the foam in-ear kind and the putty that goes over your ear holes but not into them), noise cancelling headphones are a thing that exist, etc. But yeah, it's pretty f*cking obvious nobody wants to sit anywhere near a child whose parents aren't even trying to rein them in; noise can be blocked out, but things like kicking seats, making a mess, running up and down the aisle, etc cannot.
Uncle Schmickle 2 years ago
" Do you like children ? Yes, if they're properly cooked ". W C Fields.
iseefractals 2 years ago
I would rather sit next to an ugly pet, over a cute child. When i was younger, from like the time i was a 7 or 8 year old kid until i was in my early 20's (just turned 40 3 days ago) i was always the one who distract upset children. Funny faces, play games, talk to them. Planes, stores, restaurants, didn't matter. Kids love me....and whenever i would do that, the parents would be not only grateful, but apologetic to EVERYONE around them. But that stopped being the case with increased frequency over the past 15 years or so. Parents started getting pissy and offended by anyone interacting with their precious little snowflakes.....while refusing to do anything about their disruptive outbursts. And yes, of course "not all parents" but....the good ones seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Society needs to come together and facilitate having these exceptional breeders, quarantined into "family zones" Soundproofed, where they can endure the sticky, smelly, germ ridden consequences.
vogonpoet 2 years ago
When my children were little (three are adults now), on flights they'd all promptly fall asleep as soon as the plane was taxing. They just need the correct training. I used to pay airplane cabin noise (without voices) as white noise for my girls, and still do for myself as it makes me sleepy.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Audi might enjoy a plane ride. Bouche would be absolutely miserable. I would always choose a pet-sitter for her sake. My dearest friend is deathly allergic to cats. She's also allergic to dogs, but not to the point of death if she's around them. Within a very short time around a cat, she's struggling to breathe.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
My cats fully support the other news, and avoid WET like the plague.
Load More Replies... cerinamroth 2 years ago
Depends on the pet, depends on the kid. There we go. Personally, I would sneeze my head off for the duration of the journey to the annoyance of all passengers if I was seated next to a dog or cat because I am allergic to them. It would be a pretty miserable experience for me. I would also not enjoy being seated next to some of the more bitey dogs, which would of course also be permitted because otherwise "discrimination".
Agnieszka 2 years ago
I regularly travel with my dog on a train (7-8 hours rides) and other passengers lighten up the moment we enter the compartment. Once I entered the wring compartment by mistake and the people there were actually disappointed that I needed to leave. Since I got myself a dog, I always have somebody to talk to: a bus, a train, you name it. Though I always make sure that my doggo is clean and groomed, has eaten a few hours before the trip and I always have his water, banket and a toy with me, so that he doesn't disturb anyone.
Sunny Day 2 years ago
That's because - if the pet is being noisy, you can still tell it to "be quiet" without starting WWIII.
sturmwesen 2 years ago (edited)
Try that with the 5 barketeers we got this year in our street. We get barked at by 3 maltese, a cocker spaniel and a dachshound every frigging day. I hate the trend to not set boundaries for dogs. I once got verbally abused by a granny because I sent her terrier away that was fletching at mine while she was 50m away and "he didn't do nothing".
Load More Replies... Beachbum 2 years ago
Jesus the people on this page must really hate kids! I love my dogs more than anything, and if an airline is ever set up for dogs, I would fly that in a heartbeat! But I have been on flights where kids are amazing, and where kids ar just being kids and crying.....but everyone call these kids spoiled brats.... damn calm down. You were a spoiled brat at one time, and sounds like some of these people still are!
Sheena Leversedge Wood 2 years ago
I would LOVE to end up next to a dog or cat. as long as the owner was okay with me giving them fusses.
Tracy Wallick 2 years ago
If it's just a noise thing, I don't have a ton of sympathy for people who didn't plan for the possibility of there being a baby on their flight; you can get a box of 10 pairs of earplugs at the grocery store for about $3 (both the foam in-ear kind and the putty that goes over your ear holes but not into them), noise cancelling headphones are a thing that exist, etc. But yeah, it's pretty f*cking obvious nobody wants to sit anywhere near a child whose parents aren't even trying to rein them in; noise can be blocked out, but things like kicking seats, making a mess, running up and down the aisle, etc cannot.
Uncle Schmickle 2 years ago
" Do you like children ? Yes, if they're properly cooked ". W C Fields.
iseefractals 2 years ago
I would rather sit next to an ugly pet, over a cute child. When i was younger, from like the time i was a 7 or 8 year old kid until i was in my early 20's (just turned 40 3 days ago) i was always the one who distract upset children. Funny faces, play games, talk to them. Planes, stores, restaurants, didn't matter. Kids love me....and whenever i would do that, the parents would be not only grateful, but apologetic to EVERYONE around them. But that stopped being the case with increased frequency over the past 15 years or so. Parents started getting pissy and offended by anyone interacting with their precious little snowflakes.....while refusing to do anything about their disruptive outbursts. And yes, of course "not all parents" but....the good ones seem to be the exception rather than the rule. Society needs to come together and facilitate having these exceptional breeders, quarantined into "family zones" Soundproofed, where they can endure the sticky, smelly, germ ridden consequences.
vogonpoet 2 years ago
When my children were little (three are adults now), on flights they'd all promptly fall asleep as soon as the plane was taxing. They just need the correct training. I used to pay airplane cabin noise (without voices) as white noise for my girls, and still do for myself as it makes me sleepy.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Audi might enjoy a plane ride. Bouche would be absolutely miserable. I would always choose a pet-sitter for her sake. My dearest friend is deathly allergic to cats. She's also allergic to dogs, but not to the point of death if she's around them. Within a very short time around a cat, she's struggling to breathe.
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