Are you going on a family trip this summer and worried about spending too much time at the airport and on the plane?
Summer travel can mean long lines at the airport and crowded flights, and there's a chance the airline might ask you to give up your seat if you don't check in on time. This can be especially stressful for parents with young children.
As airports and airlines in the UAE handle a large number of passengers, travel experts have some helpful tips to make your travel easier. Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines, the national airlines of the UAE, have a simple checklist that can make your travel much smoother.
Things to do before you get to the airport
- Pick your seat before you fly to make sure you all sit together
- Sit children away from the aisle seat to keep little hands away from hot food and drinks passing by
- Bring a surprise you know your child will love, like a new toy or book
- Pack child-sized headphones to watch their favourite film or cartoon
- Plan your packing list so you don’t have too much to carry
- Use a smaller baby stroller which can be used till you board the aircraft. It will be waiting for you when you get off the plane
- Pack snacks in case of delays
- Have a bottle of water ready for take-off and landing – swallowing will help little ears with change in air pressure
- Prepare for security and make sure anything that will need to be removed is at the top of your bag
- Bring a change of clothes in case there are any accidents
- Weigh your bags before baggage drop-off to reduce delays or the need to re-pack
At the airport and in the air
- Ask airlines for priority check-in if you are travelling with kids. This will ensure kids don’t wait too much and have more time to get settled into their seat.
- Some airlines, such as Emirates operate a dedicated family check-in area at Dubai Airport during peak travel periods, to ensure a swift and smooth experience for families with minimal queuing.
- Check if any of your bank cards offer access to airport lounges, and ask your airline to direct you to one, as these are generally equipped with mother and baby care rooms, comfortable feeding areas and baby changing facilities.
- For infants under 2 years old, parents can book seats with safe and comfortable bassinets so that their babies can snooze comfortably throughout the flight. Parents can also bring approved car seats onboard for extra familiarity and safety.
- You can use an “Unaccompanied Minors service” for your children aged 5-11 years in the event they need to travel alone. Airlines offer this service whereby children are accompanied and supervised by specialist staff every step of their journey.
- Pack meals that your kids are comfortable with. Many airlines have goody bags for children which can help you in case of an emergency.
- Emirates and Etihad offer organic baby food, milk formula and baby bottles onboard their aircraft for infants if parents and guardians require them during the flight.
- Parents should know that airlines do offer an infant amenity kit including diapers, a bib, lotion and a changing matt so that the littlest passengers stay fresh throughout their journey. Emirates aircrafts have bathrooms equipped with baby changing tables.
- Emirates Airlines has special arrangements for their younger passengers. Kids of all ages are offered free wi-fi for messaging as well as a selection of toys and giveaways onboard.
Travelling with an infant?
If you're traveling with more than one baby who is under two years old, each baby must have an adult with them. Babies don't need their own seats, but you can buy a seat for them if you want to.
If you decide to get an extra seat for your baby, they need to sit on your lap during certain times like when the plane is moving on the ground, taking off, landing, or when the seatbelt sign is on. Another option is to use an approved car seat for your baby, and they can stay in their own seat for the whole flight.
Also Read - Dubai International rated the best airport for layovers
News Source: Gulf Business
