Stressing about your next flight with a child in tow? Many airlines provide complimentary extras to enhance the onboard experience for young passengers, yet numerous parents remain unaware of these valuable perks. From activity packs to priority boarding, these offerings can transform a potentially challenging journey into a more pleasant and engaging adventure for families.
Making Family Travel Smoother with Airline Freebies
Flying with children, whether it involves an unsettled baby, an active toddler, or a bored teenager, is rarely straightforward. However, several airlines strive to improve the experience by providing special amenities tailored for younger travellers. These freebies are often available even in economy class, particularly on long-haul flights, where airlines frequently cater to families with dedicated entertainment, meals, and amenity kits.
TUI: Perks for Short and Long-Haul Journeys
On TUI's short-haul services, parents benefit from several conveniences. Car seats and pushchairs can be checked into the hold at no extra charge or brought onboard if they meet size restrictions. Families with young children also receive priority boarding, allowing for a smoother start to their trip.
For longer haul flights, TUI offers complimentary food and drinks for all passengers. Children aged two to twelve are served specially prepared kids' meals. Additionally, young travellers receive free headsets to access kid-friendly entertainment on seatback screens. Upon boarding, each child is given an age-appropriate activity pack filled with holiday-themed fun to help pass the time during the flight.
British Airways: Entertainment and Comfort for Kids
British Airways provides Skyflyers activity packs for children on flights lasting over three hours. These packs, available at Family and Club World check-in zones at Heathrow Terminal 5, Gatwick, and London City upon request, include items like an eye mask, socks, crayons, and a postcard for sending home.
Onboard, kids' meals can be ordered in advance with multiple menu options, while snack boxes are purchasable on shorter routes. Carrycots are offered free of charge for infants needing naps, and car seats and pushchairs can be checked in without extra fees. For entertainment, seatback screens feature a wide selection of kid-friendly shows and movies to keep young minds occupied throughout the journey.
Virgin Atlantic: Meals and Amenity Packs for Young Passengers
Virgin Atlantic includes complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks across all classes. Parents travelling with children can log into their booking up to 24 hours before departure to select a kids' meal, which is perfectly portioned and comes with fruit and a sweet treat.
At the gate, children receive an amenity pack regardless of their class. These distinctive red drawstring bags typically contain items such as a popping toy, colouring book, sunglasses, and other small surprises to entertain young flyers during the flight.
Emirates: Age-Appropriate Kits for All Young Travellers
Emirates offers free amenity kits tailored to different age groups: 0-2 years, 3-6 years, and 7-12 years. These kits come in bags adorned with colourful images from various Emirates destinations and include cuddly toys, activities, and collectibles to keep children engaged.
Even the youngest passengers are catered for with baby and infant kits that contain practical items like baby wipes, cream, and a reusable changing mat. These kits also feature a soft plush toy that can be attached to the seatback and a cosy blanket for nap time, ensuring comfort throughout the flight.
By taking advantage of these airline freebies, families can enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience this summer. Always check with your airline when booking to confirm available perks and make the most of your journey with children.
