Stress-free half-term flying
Flight price comparison site, cheapflights.co.uk, has researched the best airline offerings to keep kids amused en route to holiday destinations.
Visit the website's tips page on Travelling with Children, covering everything from pushchairs and facilities, to food options for tiny travellers and turn what can often be a trying time into a triumph.
"Half-term breaks can drum up a combination of excitement and dread, but creating a family-friendly environment both prior to as well as in-flight, can help drop the dread and make for a stress-free getaway", says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk.
"Our parent-tested tips on how to plan in advance for keeping kids entertained both in-flight and at the airport equal a turbulent free ride," adds Hallak.
Given the rise in popularity of child friendly travel, the industry as a whole is doing its utmost to accommodate, in the way of specialised airport lounges and increased in-flight activities to keep both kids and parents happy.
Many airlines ensure a playful flight, starting with Virgin Atlantic which offers kids a backpack full of goodies and seat-back entertainment including kids TV, movies, and Nintendo video games. Even mealtime is fun with the airline's 'Grub' menu serving up pizza, among other favourites.
British Airways tailored its children's entertainment to coincide with Paddington Bear's 50th Anniversary. It has also launched a Skyflyers activity pack suited to two different age groups: 3-5 and 6-12. The younger flyer's pack is design to resemble the well-travelled bear's suitcase, which includes a range of goodies such as an activity book with finger puppets and crayons. The older flyer receives a Paddington Bear pencil case, pen, Skyflyers activity magazine, and a pack of playing cards.
Emirates Airlines give out special headphones for kids, which are smaller than the adult ones for a snugger fit while watching children's programmes, movies, and playing games. The airline also gives out a coloured rucksack that comes in a range of colours, and includes a soft toy, activity book, and games. With advanced notice, Emirates will make your child feel extra special if travelling on his or her birthday by serving up an in-flight celebration complete with birthday cake. It also provides special meal options for kids.
Low cost airlines tend to have very limited child-friendly facilities, so pack plenty of snacks, activity books and gadgets to keep them amused during flights.
Gatwick has a play area kitted out with baby-landings, soft play and finger-box play tables and has recently introduced a family lounge, which requires pre-booking.
Heathrow also offers family fun with a supervised family lounge for kids aged five through to 14, which is equipped with a TV, DVD player, reading material, toys, non-electronic as well as computer games.
Find more parent-tested tips for both the journey and the holiday itself at: cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips/travelling-with-children