Being a parent of a 2.5 year old and another one due in April I can relate. I also grew up as a nonreving kid since birth and my parents taught me the way to behave on an airplane. BUT, being a parent I can also relate to those who are trying to deal with their children. If the child is acting out for attention then spank away and get the child back into reality. If we are talking about an infant who can't be reasoned with and is crying because of pain (ear, food, or ??) then it's NOT the fault of the parents. I for one would ask to get off if my child was acting out and I couldn't control him/her. But for a passenger to expect to have a perfect flight coast to coast is asking too much. I've been stuck in coach in the middle seat of a wide body next to:
1) The guy with Terets that kept smacking me in the head once I'd fall asleep. (Went back to the cockpit and sat it out for the remaining 5 hours.)
2) Between the two fatties that did nothing but eat and talk and wouldn't sit next to each other because they were too huge.
3) Between any number of kids of any age range.
4) The moron who knows how to fix the aviation world and has to let me know his thoughts.
5) The scared old lady that wants 5 hours of ground instruction for free to calm her nerves.
6).......The list goes on and on as I'm sure it does for most of us.
So bottom line - get over it. Kids have rights to. Be a good parent and instruct your kids of appropriate behavior before getting to the airport and do the best you can.
As for you non-reving complainers - I'll listen to your rant the day you buy a ticket....Until then, sit down, buckel up, and shut up - you're riding for FREE!!!
My $.02.....Baja.