Forget snakes: What about diapers on planes?

Several people took issue with my proposed rule of “No diaper changing on the seat cushions or the tray tables.”

Carol W. of Richmond, Va, wrote:

“ ... I do wonder exactly where a parent should change a child. I was a flight attendant for 25 years and during that time was aghast at seeing a mother or father change their child in a seat. (Never saw anyone use a tray table — ugh) When I retired I took my son on his first plane ride when he was two months [old]. Fortunately no diaper change was necessary, but had it been, I honestly don't know where we would have gone. Airplane lavatories don't have any surface large enough to change a baby, and can you imagine putting a baby on the floor? The only place I can see using is the seat. I always carried a plastic mat in my diaper bag which I would have covered the seat with, but fortunately I never had to go that route.”

Plastic mat or not, I wouldn’t want to be seated on an airplane next to someone while they change their baby’s diaper. But Carol W. raises a good point. Parents: how DO you change a baby’s diaper on an airplane without grossing out your seatmates?

The Well-Mannered Traveler 9 hot spring break destinations Great travel deals, rock-bottom prices Discounts abound for major attractions Don't call with your travel complaints TSA's new secret weapon: politeness Money-saving tips for travel tightwads Ethnic profiling persists at airports How to get a quiet hotel room Canadian carriers cram to obey obesity ruling How to behave in that home away from home

Diapers aside, I’m just about ready to issue my “clip-and-save” version of the Air Passengers’ Code of Cordiality. But while many readers wrote to say “Where do I sign?” others aren’t so sure: “The big question is: If the code does come into existence, who will [be asked to] enforce it? That's an awfully big burden to impose on cabin crew.”

Another reader was adamant: “ ... You will NEVER get a code of conduct enacted or enforced.  As soon as you try, you will wind up in court. You cannot legislate morality or manners.”

Nope, we can’t. But we can give the Air Passengers’ Code of Cordiality a try. For starters: How did you enjoy your last flight?

Don't miss this on MSNBC.com Pass it on: Sons of infertile men may be next The eight biggest Olympic marketing debacles Reality show judges range from wise to wacko Cosmic Log: Is this your jetpack? Forget your inhibitions: World's sexiest islands

MORE FROM TRAVEL

Travel Section Front

America’s favorite cities Southwest apologizes to mom kicked off flight Can’t-miss holiday gifts for the traveler in your life Couple accused of stealing tons of luggage What your travel agent isn't telling you Ex-cons guide tourists through Naples World’s largest cruise ship clears crucial obstacle Tips for traveling safely during flu season From L.A. to Auckland, love is in the air Pack smarter — pack like a professional Travel Section Front   Add Travel headlines to your news reader: