Travelling long haul first class with a baby

Actiongirl_2

hopefulfooluk wrote: »

Totally unrelated but if you haven't already, don't forget to sign up for BA's Executive Club before you go - you get mountains of points and miles for a return trip first class to Australia.

thanks - we already have a household account and are looking forward to a couple of free european flights with the points we accumulate!

violetta

I'm quite surprised there is no age limit for 1st class - say no children under 8 or 12. Boss flew to Fort Lauderdale first class at Christmas and was tut tutted for speaking very quietly during the night to her poorly mum on the flight back, so no tolerance there then!

She said there were two young children in 1st on the way out there, who spent quite a lot of the time howling, but she said it was not too bad as a relatively short flight.

Actiongirl_2

violetta wrote: »

I'm quite surprised there is no age limit for 1st class - say no children under 8 or 12. Boss flew to Fort Lauderdale first class at Christmas and was tut tutted for speaking very quietly during the night to her poorly mum on the flight back, so no tolerance there then!

She said there were two young children in 1st on the way out there, who spent quite a lot of the time howling, but she said it was not too bad as a relatively short flight.

I think I would have told that person what I thought of them if I had been travelling with a poorly person.

I would hope that we are quite considerate parents and travellers - we do fly to Europe to see the inlaws a lot and both hate the kind of children that kick you in the back of the seat, and whine etc. At least with a baby, she can't talk, she can't move anywhere really unless we let her/help her and biscuits work relatively well as a bribe!

I have just been to my online booking to check how full the cabin is - on the way out, there is currently us and only 2 others! So if they want to change seats, they will have ample choice! I can't see that many more people booking 1st class now that finances are being affected in so many ways.

ChasingButterflies

Hey,

Just a thought (from someone who has never flown long haul with kids :rolleyes: however lots of short haul flights with kids 6wks onwards) I think the most important thing is to either give them something to drink (in the sort of container that they need to suck hard on) or if you are bf to withhold a feed until takeoff - older toddlers tend to be happy with a lolly/sweet to suck. It helps with the whole sore ears things as in it will make their ears pop to they aren't sore.

We have 3 kids all quite close in age, although we have never flown aything other than cattle class with them there have been some passengers who look at you when they realise that they HAVE to sit near you and you get the look :rolleyes: It is always nice at the end of the flight when they have the good grace to comment on how well they have behaved

You have just as much right to your seat(s) so take any tutting or rolling of eyes in your stride - oh and have a fantastic time!

Actiongirl_2

You have just as much right to your seat(s) so take any tutting or rolling of eyes in your stride - oh and have a fantastic time![/quote]


Thank you! I was starting to feel slightly sick at the idea of facing all those CEOs at 3am!

Thats a lovely thing to say.

We flew back from Europe on a flight last year - most of the passengers were a golf tour, middle age blokes etc.... the looks when we got on with a 9 week old baby.

She slept all the way home and as they got off, every one of them had a look at her and said what a lovely baby she was!

Heres hoping!!!!!

ChasingButterflies

Sorry I submitted too quick - need to do the school run soon...

You also need to give lo something to suck on the way back down although tbh I always seem to suffer with my ears not popping, but the sweet thing seems to work for them (and before that a feed!)

It is all in the planning - you will be fine

lesley1960

have you got a seat for her? , we have just flown to Florida with a 2 yr old and a 10 month old and tbh they werent really a problem , but then it was economy and its a hellhole in there at the best of times lol.

I have flown upperclass and was surprised by the number of young children in there but never noticed them causing a disturbance ?

What is the seat layout in BA? because Virgin seat layout isnt good for families imho

enjoy the flight i am sure she will be fine

Tojo_Ralph

....
With regard to all the comments relating to how one should expect ones fellow passengers travelling in First Class to behave towards children ..... Where not clearly stated, are these comments based on first hand personal experiences or are they based on hearsay, conjecture and friend of a friend fables?
.....

Rachie004

I'd like to echo what ChasingButterflies has said! Excellent advice there!
Also, if they're really struggling with sore ears, the best thing to do is let them cry as it can help alleviate the pain/pressure/sensation/whatever you'd like to call it!

I don't see what the big fuss is about small children on flights, I'm crew (although not for BA) and I LOVE having kids on my flights. They're great entertainment and usually much better behaved than some grumpy business men

davidla

I flew with a 6 month old from London to Hong Kong in Business Class (actually we were booked in Economy but got upgraded to Business because they didn't have a bassinet for us )
Seeing as you're on a night flight, see if you can keep her awake until after take off (although obviously you don't want her to get tetchy!). Hopefully after an hour or two of excitement she should go to sleep.
Airlines do have kid's meals which you should pre-order although they are designed for older kids. Probably a good idea to take some baby food as well if she is still eating it just in case she doesn't like the kids food.
Our son was a very quiet baby, but on Cathay every time he made any kind of noise the cabin crew came along and gave him a cuddle and a walk. When we fell asleep (he slept with me) I slept really deeply - those chairs are pretty comfortable. Just ignore anyone who gives you the evil eye regarding your daughter making a noise.
Don't be afraid to walk her up and down the plane - it's a long walk all the way to the back of Economy.
Don't forget they have TV/films - so she can be entertained that way.
And you can do nappy change in the toilets - they have a pull down thingy.
Finally, don't worry too much about it - this is your holiday, go and enjoy it!
David