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Japan airlines offer seat maps to avoid tots
Fly the unscreaming skies of JAL or ANA
ByAT Contributor

Fed up with finding yourself next to a screaming child on a long-haul flight? On some Japanese airlines a seat map will warn you where potentially bawling babies are sitting.

The facility, offered as part of Japan Airlines’ “Smile Support” travel service for those with infants, is not new, but lit up the internet after a Twitter user praised it.

“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,” venture capitalist Rahat Ahmed tweeted.

A somewhat bemused JAL spokeswoman confirmed the feature, pointing out it was not a novel offering.

At least one other Japanese airline does the same: All Nippon Airways (ANA), where a spokeswoman confirmed its seat maps have shown where children are sitting “for a while.”

JAL’s maps indicate where infants under two are sitting, with a child icon to let “other passengers know.”

The revelation caused an internet firestorm, with supporters and naysayers battling it out.

“Answered prayers”, airline specialist site The Points Guy titled a post on the subject.

“Nice. But how long before we get upcharged for seats away from said babies?” one user asked.
https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/09/artic ... void-tots/

That’s great news.

Never flew on ANA before because ticket prices to Phnom Penh are double to triple that of EVA. But when the typhoon shut down all flights in and out of Tapei, I scrambled onto the last seat of the ANA flight out of Cambodia. Does it justify the higher ticket price?

Review of ANA to EVA.
Bottom line. Older technology, fewer amenities, but very Japanese.

Toilet is typical function spray, but overall compartment is smaller.



Available self serve amenities and snacks are sparse.



Entertainment system is old and poorly organized, relies on the handheld to navigate.



The meal selection is Western or Japanese. No special meals. Japanese is very Japanese.







On board had about half a dozen made to order Japanese snacks. I ordered beef balls. Very good.



Also had an available tatami mat liner to sleep on.

But the air quality from Japan back home was the worst. Even worse than in Cambodia.



Does having Japanese food but overall less selection, older technology, and dirtier air justify the doubling or tripling of the ticket price?

i think a great idea as having spent several long haul flights , ready to jump out of door,ioi