Indian Airline IndiGo, recently announced new Quiet Zones on its flights, barring children aged 12 and under in rows 1-4 and 11-14. While some applaud the move, others call it age-based discrimination.

There are many dilemmas around children onboard planes, all of us have probably groaned when a young child starts crying, again and again.But, let us remember that the child and its parents are passengers too and they have as many rights as any other passengers. Many parents are genuinely embarrassed and stressed by their childs behaviour, it is not a good experience for them either, trying to placate an anxious and upset minor.

In these circumstances I think we should all welcome Quiet Zones as a well intentioned policy that places the onus on those who want peace and quiet to say so, before they board the flight. It also takes away a burden from flight attendants who are somehow expected to be qualified child minders, nannies, and instant resolver of noise nuisances on flights. The idea is picking up fervent support out here in 'Internetland' and, if it is fit for purpose, we can see it spreading beyond one airline.