My Toddler Has Been On Over A Dozen International Flights, Here's What I've Learned About Family Travel
12.11.2024 - 13:43
/ travelandleisure.com
As a mom who frequently travels alone with my toddler internationally, hacking family travel to be as seamless, timesaving, and comfortable as possible is a new passion. My toddler has been on over a dozen international flights between North America, the Caribbean, Europe and North Africa. Flying with an “infant-in-arms” internationally does cost less than a separate plane ticket, but it’s never free. Depending on the airline, a child under two years of age’s ticket is between ten and twenty percent of the adult fare plus international taxes and fees. However, there are some airlines where your money goes a lot further. Here are five things you should look out for when considering how to travel internationally with your family and what airlines provide them.
Emirates is known for its five-star service. Offering a regular service between New York and Italy, the Emirates Airbus A380 is frequently my first choice. The service is impeccable, even in economy class. When traveling with an infant, a big comfortable plane definitely makes a difference. While your child might be on your ticket as an “infant in arms,” Emirates gives them their own separate baggage. On the flight, Emirates seems to be invested in building lifelong customers offering children Emirates branded plush toys, a blanket, and a kit with a spoon, wipes and baby toiletries. During meal service, there is a baby menu with an option of baby food in fruits or vegetables and formula. And, if you didn’t already feel like a VIP, a flight attendant will come by offering you the option of taking a polaroid of you and your child in flight!
Con: All this service does come for a fee as Emirates has one of the pricier infant-in-arms fare percentages at around twenty percent of the adult fare.
When traveling with your family, it’s natural to want to control all of the stress-causing variables and manage as much as you can before you get to the airport. Before your flight, Delta sends an email titled “What to Know When Flying Abroad With a Baby.” This email includes TSA information about milk and formula, helpful links regarding reserving a baby bassinet, and boarding guidelines. Having all of this information clearly laid out eases confusion at the airport. Delta’s flight crew are also very well versed on the rules and guidelines. Flying with an infant can be stressful and more often than not, the Delta crews go the extra mile with the human touch and initiative. I’ve had experiences with flight attendants even offering to watch my child should I ever need to go to the restroom. Whenever possible, the desk agents check to see if there is a free seat next to me so we could have the most comfortable flight possible.
Con: When flying internationally,