Traveling with children can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. From packing the right snacks to keeping them entertained, every detail counts. However, the choice of airline can make a significant difference in your travel experience, especially when it comes to international flights. Certain airlines go above and beyond to ensure that families traveling with kids have a smoother and more enjoyable journey. In this article, we explore some of the best international airlines for children, focusing on their facilities, services, and overall family-friendliness.
**Emirates**
Emirates is often lauded for its exceptional service and it extends this reputation to catering to families. Kids are treated with special attention right from the moment of check-in with complimentary toys and activity packs. In-flight, children can enjoy a plethora of entertainment options through the ‘ice’ digital widescreen, which offers numerous channels of movies, games, and TV shows suitable for children. Moreover, Emirates provides special children’s meals, which can be pre-ordered to suit dietary needs and preferences.
The airline also features a ‘Fly With Me’ magazine for kids that includes educational content about aviation and geography. For parents traveling with infants, Emirates provides a bassinet service on most flights, which can be requested at the time of booking.
**Singapore Airlines**
Singapore Airlines is another top choice for families. It offers the ‘Young Ones’ program, designed to make flying with children as easy as possible. The airline provides a range of toys, games, and coloring books to keep young flyers engaged. Singapore Airlines also offers child-friendly meal options and these need to be requested ahead of the flight.
Their in-flight entertainment, KrisWorld, boasts a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and interactive games that cater to young passengers. Furthermore, the cabin crew are well-trained to assist with any needs that might arise during the flight, making the experience less stressful for parents.
**Qatar Airways**
Qatar Airways makes flying with kids a breeze with its dedicated ‘Oryx Kids Club’ that features fun, educational, and interactive content. It includes an exclusive collaboration with Hasbro for in-flight kids’ kits that contain board games, plush toys, and activity books. The airline also offers a special service called ‘Young Travellers’ Loyalty Programme’ which allows children to earn miles and redeem them for exciting rewards.
The in-flight menus for kids are specially designed to be both nutritious and appealing. Additionally, the Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport in Doha includes a nursery and playroom, providing a comfortable space for children to relax and play before the flight.
**British Airways**
British Airways offers a great family flying experience with its ‘Skyflyers’ kids’ program. This program provides children with activity packs that include puzzles, coloring books, and crayons. For older children, there is a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games available through the in-flight entertainment system.
Parents can book seats in advance to ensure the family sits together, and the airline provides child meals that are both healthy and kid-friendly. Furthermore, their customer service is highly accommodating when it comes to assisting families with any special requirements.
**Air New Zealand**
Air New Zealand goes the extra mile to ensure its littlest passengers are comfortable and entertained. The airline’s ‘Jet Cadets’ kids’ pack is filled with an activity book, stickers, and games. In-flight, children can tune into dedicated kids’ channels on the individual seatback screens.
The airline also makes a particular effort with its meals, offering a variety of options for children, and cabin crew who are always ready to help out with families. Air New Zealand’s Skycouch feature is also ideal for families, turning a row of economy seats into a couch after takeoff, where children can stretch out to sleep or play.
**Conclusion**
Flying internationally with kids doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Air New Zealand have tailored their services to cater to families with children, ensuring that both the young ones and their parents have a comfortable, enjoyable journey. From pre-flight to touchdown, these airlines cover all bases to deliver a seamless travel experience. When planning your next family vacation, considering one of these carriers could make all the difference in your travel experience.
Leave a Reply