How to find family-friendly airlines

FLYING with children can be pretty daunting, but there are ways to make things go that bit more smoothly. Here are eight ways to find the perfect airline.

Supplied Travel Etihad Airways has launched a dedicated in-flight child care assistance program for families with

FLYING with children can be pretty daunting, but there are ways to make your trip fuss-free.

From looking for sky bridges to an in-flight nanny service, here are eight tips for finding that perfect kid-friendly airline, according to family travel website Suitcases&Strollers.

1. Look for airlines that pitch themselves towards families

If the airline’s website only focuses on business travellers, for example, or has a no-kids zone on the plane this is likely not your best choice. For instance, Etihad just launched their Flying Nannies service last year with staff on-board specifically trained to help you with your children — this seems like an obviously good option.

2. Opt for airlines that consistently win industry awards for service

Singapore Airlines is a good example. Although they may not initially seem like a family-friendly airline, their service is consistently impeccable which is a huge positive for parents because even if the staff don’t want to help you, they’d never be rude enough to actually refuse to do so. (Insider tip: Singapore Airlines actually does often carry spare nappies and infant purees on-board in case of parental emergencies.)

3. Fun first

Airlines that are trying to present themselves as fun to fly are also more likely to work for kids. Ava Air has a fleet of planes called Hello Kitty Jet which doesn’t necessarily specifically target a children’s audience. But pastel pink airlines with everything from the boarding passes to seated upholstery themed Hello Kitty is obviously going to be a huge hit with the little ones.

4. Opt for newer aircraft

They usually have a better interior design and will be cleaner. For instance, the A380 has a few spots throughout the craft where you can stand in a quiet corner and rock an infant to sleep. And since these are the airline’s premium planes in the fleet they will be more likely to be fitted out with all the little things you need for children such as the full entertainment system and multiple bassinets and toilets with baby change tables.

5. Sky bridges

They really do make a whole lot of difference, especially if you are travelling on your own with very small children. Shepherding multiples toddlers and infants along the tarmac, past the noisy engines and up the stairs is hard enough while carrying your copious amounts of hand luggage. Imagine what it’s like if it’s raining!

Sky bridges are very important.

6. Family holidays can be expensive, so it is worth looking at low cost carriers

But beware of what you will lose when you travel budget. Although the initial fare may be cheap, often by the time you add in the baggage allowance, pre-allocated seating, food, airport tax and credit card surcharge you may find the costs work out the same as on a full-service airline. And you could lose those little extras that make flying with kids so much easier — priority boarding, sky bridges, major airport hubs and frequent flyer points.

7. Check out the entertainment offerings

The more kid-friendly options there are, the better. An airline that’s cutting costs by not installing entertainment units, for example, is unlikely to also supply children’s colouring in kits and they will probably be so short-staffed no one will have anytime to help you throughout the flight.

8. Ask around and talk to other parents

Some airlines advertise themselves as family-friendly but just don’t end up delivering when on-board. You’re only going to hear this via word of mouth, so talk to friends and family that have flown on similar routes.

Suitcases&Strollers.com has a continually evolving list of airlines and their family-friendly (and not so family-friendly) features. To see the latest in which airlines are the most welcoming to travellers with kids, click here .

Suitcases&Strollers founder Aimee Chan.