Traveling with young children can be a joy and a challenge, especially when a long plane trip is involved. While there are a lot of things about air travel to make it enjoyable for kids — riding in an airplane, meeting the captain and being responsible for their own carry-on bag — there are a host of problems that can snag the most carefully laid plans, such as turbulence or kid-unfriendly meals. Thankfully, airlines make it easier for families to travel with little ones through special programs and offers. The following list of airlines went the extra mile, making the trip easier for everyone involved.
In addition to healthy, nutritionally balanced meals designed especially for children, British Airways has the Feed Kids First policy. With this program, your little ones eat first. That frees you up to sit back and enjoy your own meal while they nap or enjoy some kid-friendly entertainment. The airline also offers Skyflyers Activity Packs that include a set of crayons and an activity book — just ask your flight attendant once you board your flight.
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This Australian airline works hard to meet the needs of families traveling with children by giving them access to the Joey Club. This fun program provides entertainment options both on and off the plane. Children ages 3–6 are greeted with complimentary in-flight activity kits complete with activity books and an airplane-themed Etch-a-Sketch. In select airports throughout Australia, Qantas lounges are equipped with family-oriented Joey Club Zones that have plenty of options for kids to burn off some energy before boarding a long flight. Club zones have play areas, books and kid-sized furniture, as well as healthy meals and beverages. There is even an online store where you can purchase child-sized captain and crew uniforms so your kids can play dress-up during the flight.
Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways just might take the prize for catering to families traveling with children. The specially trained flight attendants in orange smocks are ready to not only assist you in the boarding process, but they are well-stocked with a bag of goodies and tricks to help entertain and look after your little one during the flight. Origami, hand puppets and face painting are just some of their secret talents. These on-board nannies are available free of charge on long flights. They also have on-board entertainment designed especially for kids and teens. Nutritious kids’ meals and even baby meals are available when ordered 24 hours in advance through the airline. Bottle warming is available in flight for parents traveling with infants.
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