[Just another Joe]

Highly unlikely that spanking would have calmed an already worked-up 3 year old....

One swat on the bottom and the admonition, "Straighten up!", always did it for mine.
Instantly quiet, maybe a few sniffles but that's it.

It's all in how you raise them, and you can't start raising them too early. (Early for them, not you)

[r9etb]

One swat on the bottom and the admonition, "Straighten up!", always did it for mine.

1. I don't believe your "always."

2. Although your kids are no doubt very polite and nice, not all kids are like yours.

[Quilla]

I agree, it's all in how you raise them. Both my children were incredibly well behaved when they were little. I inherited "The Look" from my mom and that worked like a charm if needed. I find it difficult to imagine losing a battle of wits to a 2 or 3 year old.

[California74]

One swat on the bottom and the admonition, "Straighten up!", always did it for mine.

Yep, that's how I was raised.

We've become such a permissive society and discipline is a thing of the past. It's just wrong.

People and children seem to have no consideration for others. Kids are going to cry on planes, yes. A little crying is to be expected. They're kids. You comfort them, distract them and nove on. But a full out tantrum at the moment the plane is to take off -- airlines have schedules to keep - well, the parents should be expected to be ushered off the plane in circumstances like that and shouldn't complain as it's for the good of everyone involved. Just MHO.