Lets separate "screaming babies" from older children who have the ability to "behave" in public. Babies cry because they cannot communicate their discomfort with words. Babies cannot be controlled, disciplined or reasoned with. They cannot consider anyone else's feelings. The last time I flew on a plane, the woman next to me was drenched in Obsession perfume, the man on the other side hadn't bathed for a month, the couple in front of me was engaged in a three hour liplock complete with slurping noises and groping of genitals, and the teenagers behind me were telling obscene racist jokes the whole flight. And yes, there was a crying baby a few rows back. Did I demand or even expect apologies from any of them? No, I smiled and exchanged pleasantries, and prayed for a speedy and safe arrival. Yes, it does suck to have your senses assaulted in an enclosed space for several hours. But just because you paid for a ticket doesn't mean you get to choose the other passengers. If that were to be the case, I'd be the first in line for the Perfume Free, Frequent Bathers, and Politically Correct flights. And when I am confronted with unruly children I have no problem speaking to them directly -just muster that look your father used to give you, and ask them firmly and politely to stop kicking your seat. If that fails make up a creative but nonviolent threat such as "Flying makes me feel sick, and if I don't get to sleep in the next 5 minutes, I'm going to throw up on everyone in a 10 foot radius - including you". That should help engage the support of the other passengers nearby. Happy flying!