Flying Kid-Friendly Skies: Top 5 Airlines Welcoming Children

Traveling with children often presents its own difficulties, both for the parents and for fellow passengers on an airplane. Whether you have been the person unfortunate enough to be seated next to a disgruntled, wailing infant or if you were the parent of that infant yourself desperately trying to calm your child, you know that flying anywhere with young children is rarely a pleasant experience. Kids tend to get bored easily, babies suffer ear pain from the cabin pressure, and parents often feel as if their fellow passengers are about to become a lynch mob.

Not every airline ignores the issue of family flying travails. In fact, some very intelligent airline executives have realized how beneficial it is for all of their passengers for the airline to take note of the difficulties arising from traveling with young people and make special concessions for children. Before you book your next flight with kids, check with the airline to see if they offer kid-friendly amenities that will make flying with children a much more pleasant and friendly experience. 

The following five airlines go above and beyond to make “flying the friendly skies” especially friendly for your kids.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

This is an airline with a distinct understanding of what makes a child happy and comfortable- and of what makes that child’s parents happy as well. British Airways has a very insightful policy at mealtimes, which is simply “Feed Kids First.” After all, most mealtimes at home see the kids getting served first so moms can get their children settled and focused on eating before even attempting to sit down to dinner themselves. Flight attendants will bring kids a nutritious meal full of healthy vegetables and fruits, and then parents get a chance to enjoy their own meals a little more peacefully.

British Airways also provides activity packs that resemble Paddington Bear’s suitcase and help keep children occupied during long flights. Even better, British Airways does a “one-up” on other airlines that let kids under 2 fly free seated on a parent’s lap. As long as you bring a Britax carseat and make the arrangements in advance small children get their own free seat on a British Airways flight.

AIR TAHITI NUI

Flight crews on every Air Tahiti Nui flight provide impeccable service for all passengers, young and old, economy and first-class. Attendants make a point of giving special attention to their youngest passengers to make sure they are content. Special kid-friendly meals and snacks are served to children, and during all flights to and from French Polynesia, children are given backpacks loaded with fun activities including coloring books and magnetic puzzles. Infants also get special care as parents are provided with bottled water for formula, diapers and a rattle.

GULF AIR

While other airlines may also be taking special care to cater to the needs of traveling parents and children, Gulf Air has topped them all with their Sky Nanny program. Imagine the convenience of having an assistant the instant you board the plane! A qualified nanny is available to help with everything from setting up a bassinette to playing games with your child while you get settled in, or while you enjoy a quiet meal of watching the in-flight film. Diapers, baby food and coloring books are provided as well, and with the benefit of the Sky Nanny both parents and kids enjoy a relaxing, leisurely flight on Gulf Air.

EMIRATES

Even before your flight lifts off, Emirates is already making life easier for parents who travel with small children. Strollers are provided during check-in and waiting families are directed to special play areas in the airport lounges. Once on board kids are thrilled to check out the ICE in-flight entertainment system, which lets them watch Disney classic movies and play interactive games, keeping them occupied for hours. Infants are treated to bassinets and toys, and baby formula is also available. Young frequent flyers can earn points on the Skysurfer program that can be used for anything from future flights to water park tickets in Dubai.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC

How about in-flight meals that your children will actually love to eat? Virgin Atlantic has a special menu that includes kid-friendly foods like pizza, chicken fingers and string cheese that are served on child-sized plates. Young jetsetters also receive fantastic activity backpacks with sunglasses, coloring books, toys and even a digital watch. Babies get special sleeping cots and complimentary bottles and diapers are provided as well.

If you are booked to fly on a different airline from one of these that are known to be kid-friendly, then you can take special precautions to help smooth the way for a more pleasant traveling experience. Pack a bag that will fit into the overhead compartment with plenty of snacks, toys and games. Let kids that are old enough chew gum to help with ear pressure, and try to put off nap-time until your flight lifts off. 

Have a pleasant journey!

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