Seven ways British Airways is acing family travel
A holiday with children is wonderful, but the journey can be stressful for even the most patient, well-prepared parent. Thankfully, British Airways is launching two new Skyflyers characters this month – Peggy and Leon – meaning little ones will be amused every step of the holiday way. With this in mind, we take a look at how British Airways makes family travel a breeze, from easy check-in through to a generous baggage allowance to make sure you’ve got everything you need. No tears or tantrums here
30/09/2021
Get a handle on it
Travelling light with a young family is nigh on impossible as you pack for every eventuality. And that’s just the clothes. Don’t forget toys, snacks, pushchair, car seat… not to mention all the extra paraphernalia that comes with a baby. With this in mind, British Airways is the only airline to offer infants and children (aged two to 11 years) the same cabin and hold baggage allowance as adults, at no extra charge.
Pack it in
Any parent embarking on a long-haul journey with youngsters will be only too aware of the importance of keeping them occupied during the flight. A toddler meltdown or a fidgety five-year-old are not conducive to relaxation. Luckily, British Airways’ Skyflyers activity packs – this year featuring colourful new characters Peggy the winged horse and Leon the lion – contain crayons and a colouring book to tackle any on-board ennui (plus, they come in handy, reusable swimming bags). With the kids engaged, it’s time to order that gin and tonic.
Check in to check out
Feeling fraught at the airport isn’t the best way to start a holiday, and standing in a queue with restless kids is guaranteed to send your BPM rocketing. To make things as smooth as possible, British Airways is the only airline with a dedicated family check-in zone. Located at London Heathrow Terminal 5, here you’ll find games to keep little ones entertained.
Take time out
It’s all gone swimmingly so far – effortless check-in, calm kids – and then there’s the fear of your flight being delayed, creating fractious families and several challenging hours in the terminal. Not so if you’re travelling with British Airways. You can take the possibility of delays and disruption off your worry list as the airline has the best punctuality record on short-haul flights departing from London out of all the major carriers.
Be seat savvy
British Airways is unique in offering free seat selection at the time of booking for anyone travelling with an infant under the age of two, with carrycot/seat positions available on long-haul flights subject to availability. And it isn’t just mum or dad who can choose their seating without paying any extra –everyone they’re travelling with can, too (up to nine people).
Don’t forget your wheels
Even after landing at your destination, British Airways has families covered. Rather than carrying your tiny person to the baggage carousel after a long journey, BA endeavours to ensure your pushchair will be waiting for you at the aircraft door when you disembark (it does have to be fully collapsible and lightweight – larger pushchairs can be taken to the departure gate, but must be collected from the baggage carousel on arrival).
Get to the point
Travel can be rewarding even for the littlest members of the family. Sign up for the Executive Club Household Account for free, and you can pool your Avios with up to six people who live with you, including children, regardless of age. This way, not only can everyone reap the multiple benefits of Club membership, but you can put the collective Avios balance towards that holiday you’ve all been dreaming of.
