A passenger’s TikTok video documenting his 29-hour flight with a screaming baby has sparked a global conversation about the challenges of flying with young children. Henry Beasley, a musician from New Zealand, shared his experience on the grueling journey to Berlin, capturing the frustration of sitting near a crying child for nearly the entire trip.
In the video, Henry humorously invites viewers to “rate my 29-hour journey to Berlin” before showcasing his reactions to the baby’s persistent cries. His subtle expressions of frustration—eye twitches and exaggerated sighs—highlight his growing exasperation. Despite the ordeal, Henry keeps the tone lighthearted, jokingly praising the child’s “incredible stamina” and giving their “performance” a “10/10” rating.
The video quickly went viral, amassing over 3.7 million views and sparking a heated debate. Many commenters sided with Henry, questioning why parents would bring a small child on such a long flight. “Kids don’t even remember these trips. Why put everyone through that?” one viewer wrote.
Even some parents admitted that traveling with young children can be challenging for everyone. “I never took my babies or toddlers on flights. It’s painful for everyone,” one commenter shared. Others suggested unconventional solutions, like giving children cough syrup to make them drowsy—a controversial but sometimes-used tactic.
The incident has also reignited calls for child-free flights. Many travelers expressed a willingness to pay extra for flights without children, and some airlines are already offering child-free zones. For example, Scoot Airlines has a “ScootinSilence” section that bans children under 12, and Japan Airlines allows passengers to see seat maps indicating where babies will be seated.
While these options provide some relief, the debate remains divisive. Critics argue that child-free zones might not always be practical or fair, while others see them as a reasonable compromise. Henry’s video, though humorous, highlights a shared travel struggle and reminds us to find humor in even the most challenging situations.
