The Lollipop Road

Posts Tagged ‘infant travel’

Flying first class with a baby is not only possible, but likely easier than flying in coach.  The fear of baby spitting up or having a smelly diaper is a deterrent for many parents, not to mention the crying and other uncontrolled behaviors of an infant.  What will people think?  After all, it is first class.

Despite the recent chatter advocating the creation of separate seating for families on airplanes, it really isn’t that bad.  Although we’ve endured a few dirty looks and snide remarks as we’ve settled into Row 1 with our little cherub, most passengers and flight attendants have been very gracious and helpful.  The trick is to be prepared and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.

Like when flying coach, lap infants in first class fly free on domestic flights.  Be careful if you are flying internationally, however, as the infant fare is typically 10% of the least expensive fare for your cabin.  If you are seated in the first class or business cabin, you’ll pay a bit more for an infant than if you were in coach.  Okay, so that’s great, my baby flies free, but I can’t afford first class!  I hear what you’re saying…there are economical ways to fly first class, many of which you’ll learn about by reading my blog every day.  In our case, we typically use frequent flyer miles to fly first class on longer itineraries and red-eyes.  The incremental mileage cost is small compared to the benefit.  When you’re traveling 5+ hours, it really does make the trip easier.

No matter where you are sitting on the airplane, you’ll want to make sure you have ample supplies (wipes, diapers, extra clothes, food, etc) handy.  Although we do bring along a few baby toys, there is usually enough on the airplane to keep baby busy.  For some reason, those flight safety cards and in-flight magazines are fascinating toys.

However, the main goal is to coincide the flight with nap time.  A sleeping infant will make the time pass quickly and keep everyone else on the airplane happy as well.  The best part about first class is that if things don’t go as well as planned, the liquor is free.

Being seated in first class will have its privileges.  Even if the gate agent has overlooked pre-boarding (which happens very frequently), being seated in first class will automatically entitle you to priority boarding.  We always recommend sitting in the first row, also known as the bulkhead row; you’ll be able to get settled more quickly upon boarding.  There is no storage on the floor for baby’s many necessities, but your flight attendant will be happy to assist you in retrieving them when necessary.  Having no seat in front of you will allow easy entrance and exit as well as eliminate the problem of baby kicking or grabbing the seat in front of them.  These seats are often blocked, but you may call the airline and request these seats upon making your reservation.  Tell them you are traveling with a lap infant and they will assign the seat of your choice as well as add your infant to the passenger record.

The first row will typically accommodate a bassinet.  Let me just say now, don’t use the bassinet, you’re flying first class and there will be plenty of room for you and baby in your seat.  Airplane bassinets can be dangerous, unreliable and undoubtedly more trouble than they are worth.

If your flight is more than 2 hours, you’ll likely be served a meal during mealtimes.  If you are traveling alone, it will be a challenge to partake in the first class meal service, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.  You may be able to find a sympathetic neighbor or flight attendant to help out for a few minutes, but don’t rely upon it.  Make sure that everyone is fed and fresh before boarding.  Traveling as a couple, it will be fairly easy, you can take turns eating and entertaining baby.

The extra space that first class affords for you and baby will make it a much smoother and more enjoyable trip.  Don’t worry about what those around you think, but do be respectful.  Enlist the assistance of the flight attendant.  As a first class passenger, you will receive more attentive service, which can be of great value when traveling with an infant.  Need something to sooth those swollen gums…one bottle of whiskey coming up.  How about a warm bottle…no problem.  They’ll take your coat, help fetch baby gear, give you a blanket to keep you warm and make sure that your flight is a pleasant one.  First class with baby is definitely the way to go!

Disclosure

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

Cruising with an infant or toddler (or both) requires some special planning and an open mind.  With all but one major cruise line requiring infants to be at least 6 months of age at the time of sailing, we’re finally getting closer to a single standard within the cruise industry.  Just a few years ago, the minimum age was all over the board, but as cruise lines realize the importance of the family market, they’re not only standardizing their policies, but are also adding more family friendly services and activities.

At present there are two exceptions.  Disney Cruise Line allows infants onboard beginning at 12 weeks of age and the minimum age for “exotic” itineraries (Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific, etc) remains at a uniform 12 months among most major cruise lines.

Having sailed with an 11-month old, then again with an 8-month old and a 3 1/2 year old and then again with a 19-month old and 4 1/2 year old, the difference in age did have a significant impact on the cruise activities that were realistically available to us.  I personally discourage cruising with an infant under 12 months of age unless you have extended family or friends sailing with you who can assist with baby duties, you’re a seasoned traveler or you have an easy to care for infant who takes travel in stride.  As I always say – you know your child best.

Be prepared - the challenges that cruising with an infant presents will severely limit your ability to participate in activities (at least together) and cruising isn’t going to relieve you of the day to day responsibilities associated with caring for your infant.  Let’s face it, you want your vacation to be relaxing and that includes not having to deal with your normal day to day responsibilities.  You also want a family vacation where you can spend quality time with your kids.  Successfully merging these two objectives together is where the difficulty lies.

Start by setting your expectations low.  Plan on attending one or two activities each day as a family.  Schedule simple, entertaining shore excursions like going to the beach.  Vary your meal schedule – room service is always a good backup.  Make sure that you select a cabin that provides ample room for play and a crib (not recommended) if you need one.  Bring your child’s favorite toys, videos, foods and any comfort items.  You’ll also want an umbrella stroller and/or other carrier to make transporting baby a bit easier.  A good ride around the deck in the stroller and they’ll be asleep - you might even have a chance for some quiet time.  If you can cruise with extended family or friends, they may help make caring for baby easier.  Don’t expect to be dancing in the disco or sitting through an entire evening show, but you should be able to enjoy the ports and squeeze in a few fun activities.  Making it through dinner will be an accomplishment.  Your activities and freedom will undoubtedly be limited by your baby’s schedule.

As your infant becomes a toddler, s/he will eat more varied foods, move around more independently, be able to communicate some basic needs, begin to interact with other children and play more independently.  As their freedom increases, so will yours.  Even though you’ll still be stuck carrying around the same gear, the opportunity to relax and maybe even spend time alone as a couple will increase at around 12 months old and even has the potential to significantly increase at 2 years of age (depending on the cruise line you choose).  So, if you’re debating whether or not to take a cruise with your 6-12 month old, my advice would be to wait until your cherub is at least 12 months old or even better, 2 years old.  Not only will you enjoy your cruise more, your child will too.  If you do decide to cruise before your baby reaches 12 months of age, set simple goals for yourself and your family each day and most of all, be flexible.  You’ll still have fun…we certainly did.

Check back tomorrow when we review the various infant and toddler babysitting options offered by major cruise lines.

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby.

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