Flying First Class with Toddlers: The Pros and Cons

We all aspire to fly first class every time we have to be on a plane. It has ample legroom, along with personal and storage spaces, that will make your travel comfortable. Well, add kids to the equation and the decision becomes a bit complicated. You have to decide what is best for you, your kids, and the passenger next to you, least your delegation breaches the flight etiquette. There have been cases where parents have been unfairly judged for flying first class suite with kids before the plane is off the runway. We now break down the pros and cons of flying in the first class suite in your kids’ company.

Pros

More space

When flying in the first class suite, your seats will be more spacious and there will be fewer seats around you. You and your baby will also have a bigger and calmer atmosphere since the luggage sections in the cabin are much larger than those in the economy class. You also get extra storage compartments for baby wipes and feeding bottles, with the reclining seats giving your child an unlimited space to make your trip have less drama.

More comfort

More space also means more comfort. You do not have to endure your knees getting jammed into the tray table or fight with the next passenger over the middle armrest when trying to cuddle your baby into sleep when flying first class.

You will also be able to recline your seat or turn it into a bed without having to check on the person behind you. You and your child will be able to stretch more during long flights, thus arriving feeling more refreshed at your destination. While flying in the first class suite, your airline may also offer you an amenity kit to make your journey more comfortable.

No need for a bassinet

At present, most airlines do not allow bassinet reservations, which can leave you clueless on whether your child will find one in the plane until you have boarded. If they are present in the economy class, you will have to buy an additional seat for your kid or have them on your lap during your entire trip, which can be stressful. When flying in first class, there is plenty of room for your child to nap while leaving enough space for you to sit, enjoy a meal or watch TV.

Cons

There are truly more advantages to fly in first class with your family. However, there are cons to this situation. Here are the factors to consider when taking a first class flight with your kids.

More expensive

Flying with kids in first class can be quite pricey, more so when paying cash. While paying for a first class suite with miles offers value for the money, it costs twice the amount of an economy ticket. This means that you will be spending miles enough for two family vacations on one flight.

You also have to consider the cost of letting your child sit in your lap with flying with kids. Domestic flights may allow children under two years to sit on your lap, while international flights usually charge a small fee, usually 10% of the fare, applicable even when using miles to pay.

Restrictive layouts

Lately, airlines have been offering new seat offers in first class flights that offer more privacy. Some of these seat offers can convert your seat into a suite. While this might be a great option if you are traveling alone, it might be challenging when traveling with kids.
Reaching over your kid’s seat to help them out might be a challenge depending on your location and the seats’ layout. You may need to get out of your seat and walk around if your child requires help, which may not auger well with the flight etiquette. Again, during long overnight flights, when the other passengers have reclined their seats, you may have to occasionally pop out of your seat to see that your child is peacefully asleep.

While it may be costly to fly with kids in the first class suite, the benefits including extra services, more space and comfort, far outweigh the costs of this luxury. Flying first class helps enhance flight etiquette among your little ones for a better flying experience for you and other passengers.

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