Parents Fly First

A unique way to remove the pitfalls of flying with children is to banish them to the back of the plane. But airlines will not necessary make it easy for families to divide on class-lines. One member this week queries whether it is possible to have two adults flying in First whilst seating the children in Economy.

Our members look at some innovative ways in trying to make this scenario work. Afterall, children are not going to enjoy the champagne service of First Class and don’t need the additional leg room! One member suggests trying to secure the last row of Business Class and the first row of Economy Class to ensure that there is minimal division of the family.

However, it is predicted that the airlines will not make this scenario easy. Most members agree that seating children in different cabins will cause them to be classed as “unaccompanied minors”. This may mean that an adult fare is payable and the unaccompanied minor process would need to be complied with. The potential of being denied boarding if these procedures are not undertaken is a risk.

Some members voice their concerns about the welfare of the children should an emergency situation arise. The lack of supervision is also a concern and our members suggest that other passengers should not be forced to take on an in-flight supervisory role.

A suggested compromise is that one child and one adult fly in each cabin and the reverse occurs on the return journey.

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Staff Writers