As more and more people become comfortable with traveling again, it seems that airplane violence is on the rise. According to Forbes, in the first half of 2021 about 2,500 incidents have been reported, and unfortunately flight attendants and airline employees are often the target of this violence. In May, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant lost two teeth when a passenger struck her. Others are agressively acting out against the federal mask mandate, which is still in place for those who choose to fly.
Blame it on the mandate, people flying for the first time in a long time, and higher stress levels due to the pandemic, but airplane violence is all too common these days, and it's undoubtedly a scary time to be a flight attendant (or even a passenger).
Of course, this can be scary to hear, especially for parents who are planning on traveling with their kids soon. But there are plenty of ways to stay safe while flying and avoid these conflicts, as long as you start out your trip prepared and know what to do should you end up being a witness to one of these acts of violence.
How to handle violence while traveling
Safety tips for air travel with kids
Of course, there are general safety tips that are important to keep in mind for flying anytime, not just during this contentious period.
- Take note of your surroundings, including emergency exits, when you board
- Pay attention to the safety video before take off, including how to inflate your emergency life jacket
- Bring a small pen flashlight in case of emergency
- Remember to frequently wash your hands and bring extra face masks
- Wear comfortable and sensible shoes
- Be kind to flight attendants and your neighbors
And if you're joined by your kids, make sure you fill them in on what to expect the day of your flight.
"When my kids understand their schedule for the day, they are calmer and happier. And when I task my big one with helping mommy take care of his little brother, he gets excited about the idea of travel," mom Brenda Janowitz wrote for Mom.com.
Here's hoping that airplane violence will peter out soon enough, but in the meantime, boarding your flight armed with all the right information (and plenty of entertainment for your kids) should definitely help.
