A recent viral TikTok video has sparked a lively conversation about flying with young children, after a passenger documented his 29-hour flight to Germany with a crying baby nearby. Henry Beasley, a musician from the New Zealand duo Balu Brigada, shared the challenging experience on TikTok, where it quickly garnered millions of views.
In the video, Henry humorously invites his followers to “rate my 29-hour journey to Berlin,” while capturing his reaction to the constant cries of the infant. His subtle signs of frustration—like eye twitches and exaggerated sighs—highlight his growing annoyance, though he maintains a playful attitude throughout. He jokes about the child’s “incredible stamina” and gives their “stellar performance” a “10/10.”
The clip struck a chord with many viewers, racking up over 3.7 million views and igniting a debate on the challenges of flying with young children. Commenters offered mixed opinions, with some sympathizing with Henry and questioning the wisdom of bringing a baby on such a long flight. One user remarked, “Kids don’t even remember anything from those trips. Why would anyone do that?”
Even parents acknowledged the difficulty of traveling with little ones, with one commenting, “I know some people don’t have the option, but I never took my babies or toddlers on flights. Ever. It’s painful for everyone.” Another user suggested a controversial solution, recalling how their mother used to give them cough syrup to help them sleep during flights.
The video also reignited the ongoing debate about child-free flights. Some viewers expressed a willingness to pay extra for flights without children, while others pointed out that certain airlines are already offering child-free zones to accommodate those seeking a quieter journey. For example, Scoot Airlines offers a “ScootinSilence” section for passengers who prefer to fly without children under 12, and Japan Airlines allows passengers to view seating arrangements to avoid being near babies.
Though these options provide some relief, the debate continues, with critics arguing that child-free zones might not always be practical or fair. Nonetheless, Henry’s video humorously captures the shared frustration of long flights, reminding us to approach travel challenges with humor, even when the journey feels endless.
