A former flight attendant has sparked discussion online after suggesting families with babies should board flights last, rather than first, which is the standard practice.
In a viral TikTok video viewed more than two million times, Florida-based mum Laura shared her opinion based on both her work experience and travelling as a parent.
“Okay don’t come for me but I think families with babies should board last,” she wrote.
“I know. I KNOW. And yes I used to be a flight attendant.
“I have seen things. I have opinions. This is one of them.”
She described early boarding as more stressful than helpful for some families.
“He’s fine for the first 10 minutes. Then he’s done. DONE,” she added.
“And we still haven’t even pushed back from the gate.”
Laura said pre-boarding can mean long waits on the aircraft before departure.
“I spent years watching families board first and slowly unravel before we even closed the door.
“Board last. Sit down. Take off immediately. Baby never knows the difference. Trust the ex-flight attendant on this one. The pre-board privilege is a trap.
“I handed it out for years and I’m only now admitting that.
“You’re welcome. Or I’m sorry. Depending on how strongly you feel about this.”
The video has prompted thousands of responses, with more than 4,000 people weighing in on the discussion.
Some suggested alternative boarding strategies for families.
“Hear me out — one parent boards first and gets everything loaded and ready while the other gets the energy out of the kiddo and boards last with them!” one wrote.
Others questioned whether boarding order could be improved more broadly.
“I will never understand why they don’t just board back of the plane first,” another said.
“Hear me out — they don’t board at all…” someone else added.
Some travellers defended the current system, pointing to practical needs when travelling with young children.
“Gotta get the overhead bin space for the stroller and get the car seat in! Two adults travelling works, but solo with a child gotta get on first.”
Others shared their own approaches to making travel easier.
“My husband goes in first, sets the car seats, organise the items we need for the flight, puts up what’s not necessary and make sure some ‘what if’ items easy to reach. Then when everyone boarded I come in with our boys. Best thing ever. No need to have babies sitting in there longer.”
Images: TikTok
