Flying First Class With Baby
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!
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