Business travellers have called for an over 18 service on airlines after three quarters admitted children drive them crazy when they’re travelling in business class.

The survey was carried out by the Business Travel & Meetings Show, which takes place in London next week (8-9 February). 1,000 UK business travellers were asked what annoys them about business class travel. 74 per cent said children. 18 per cent were riled by travellers on a free upgrade when they had paid full whack. 15 per cent wanted more privacy from travellers in economy. And 12 per cent were upset when they pay first class rates and get an economy standard service.  

Business travel journalist and expert Dave Richardson commented: “I definitely think introducing an adults-only cabin or service is a good idea and it would work well on high-frequency routes so that families could be accommodated on other services. On long-haul routes I might look to more innovative airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Emirates or Etihad to consider taking this on board. Many airlines will continue to operate the B747 far into the future, so making the upper deck adults-only should not represent a huge logistical problem, and most airlines also have business class seats downstairs on 747s.”

The show’s event director David Chapple said: “It’s understandably frustrating for business travellers who have paid a premium in expectation they can work and sleep in comfort, to have that peace disturbed by children. Unsurprisingly family and business travellers want very different experiences and the travel industry has taken that on board. A number of train operators, for examples, have introduced Quiet Zones. The idea of banning children from cabins altogether is certainly an interesting one –I’d be fascinated to see how airlines react.”