Ask Away: Children need to travel too

Kids and babies are unavoidable on flights, but you can discreetly ask to move seats. Photo / Getty Images

Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.

I've just flown from London to Auckland and was seated behind a screaming child the whole way. I don't have kids and don't particularly like them. What are the rules and etiquette for requesting staff move me or the child in that situation? I go back to Auckland in a fortnight and I really need the sleep.
Jason

This has been a hot topic again recently, with several viral news stories involving screaming children and angry passengers. I noticed one largely sympathised with the passengers, while in another, a woman who kicked up a fuss over a crying baby ended up being kicked off the plane before it even took off.

While I can understand how annoying an upset child can be, it's just part and parcel of being an air passenger. Kids and babies need to fly too and they're less tolerant of the stresses of flying.

I'd say if there are spare seats on the plane, ask one of the cabin crew nicely and there's a good chance they'll move you to another location. Try to do it quietly and avoid shaming the parents — I can guarantee they won't be feeling good about it. I wouldn't try to get the child and parents moved, just yourself. Otherwise, I always advise people to invest in some decent noise-cancelling headphones — it's a complete essential for a longhaul flight. I also suggest downloading a pink noise app to drown out the sounds around you even more. Noisli is one I've used and you can generate a custom pink noise that pleases your ears. Even without a screaming child, I find it helpful for getting sleep.

My husband and I are going to visit Moscow and St Petersburg as part of a trip in August. I know we need tourist visas (which we can't get until three months prior to leaving), but then you also need an invitation. Do you have any advice on how to do this?
Sarah

I've heard it can be a very complicated process. I asked my friend who is a Kiwi with a Russian partner and this is what they had to say:

For a 30-day tourist visa:

1. If you are travelling as part of a tour that includes accommodation then the tour company should sort out the visa for you, including the invitation and the instructions for registration (once you are in Russia). You'll need to check with the Russian Embassy in Wellington about what they need, which is usually a hard copy of the invitation, your passport, your itinerary and the fee. You want to leave plenty of time for this, though they do have an urgent service.

2. If you are travelling independently you can use a company like Way to Russia. They provide you with the invitation you will need to send to the Russian Embassy in Wellington, and will give you instructions on registering once you are in Russia. It's important to take care with all the steps and follow all the instructions carefully, including noting which cities you will be visiting, otherwise it can cause problems down the line.

Readers respond:

In regards to last week's question on sailing in Croatia, a few readers recommended Croatia Times Travel on Lincoln Rd, Auckland — they're specialists, so it would be worth asking them for advice.

Email your questions to askaway@nzherald.co.nz

Eli cannot answer all questions and can't correspond with readers.