[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Travelling is fun. But it can also often be stressful. Despite all your preparations, flights may be delayed, hunger pains can overtake the children. And what will they watch on the flight?
We asked Qatar Airways for their tips and tricks for flying with kids. Follow these and you will be prepared for a smooth introduction to your holiday.
Flying as a family
Arrive early for check-in or check-in online beforehand to ensure you’re seated together. Qatar Airways offers advanced seat selection free of charge. Families with infants can request a bassinet prior to the flight date, subject to availability.
Make the most of Qatar’s family priority boarding. Be ready to go as soon as the boarding gate opens. That way, you’ve got time to settle in with your family for the flight.
It is also important to talk to the kids about the flight process before you board so they know what to expect. Tell them what they can expect to feel as the plane takes off and lands. Consider providing them with some gum, a lolly or a bottle of water to help ease ear pressure during this time.
The littlest travellers get some special treats onboard Qatar airlines. Infants receive a sleepy-time Mr. Potato Head soft plush with an interactive eye mask to encourage positive sleep habits and endless peek-a-boo play, as well as a soft plush book. Toddlers can play with specially designed Mr Potato Head and the Hasbro educational gaming kits, fun-filled activity books, crayons, and be served fresh and wholesome meals in Mr. Potato Head and Monopoly-designed lunchboxes. Activity packs vary depending on the length of the flight and travel period.
Waiting for a transit flight with children can be tiring. Qatar Airways’ Hamad International Airport has designed their passenger terminals and lounges to accommodate for this.
Each passenger terminal features activity nodes, with televisions, Mac stations, Internet, interactive art pieces and family rooms to entertain and offer privacy and relaxation.
The Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge even offers a foosball table, multiple PlayStation consoles and an F1 racing simulator, which are perfect to keep older children and adults occupied before getting on board their next flight.
Read more about what you can expect for your little ones here when you fly with Qatar Airways:
Unaccompanied minors
If you’re planning for your child to travel alone; Qatar Airways provides an unaccompanied minor service.
Your child will be received at the airport they depart from, taken care of during transit and of course while onboard their flights. Upon arrival at their destination, they will be handed over to the person designated by parents/guardians to receive the child.
If your child travels frequently, enrol them into the Oryx Kids Club, Qatar Airways’ specially designed Kids Loyalty Programme that allows them to earn Qmiles. The Kids Programme is also designed to personalise all aspects of your child’s travel experience, offering special new children’s inflight meal boxes and plus toys on board.
Children ages two to 11 will be able to register for the Oryx Kids Loyalty Programme which they can redeem for attractive awards and exclusive benefits. They will also be able to earn Qpoints, which allows them to upgrade to a higher tier.
What and how to pack
Don’t wait until you reach your destination to enjoy yourself – relax on the plane and arrive refreshed.
Put things that will help you rest in your carry-on bag – neck pillows, eye masks, earplugs. Also add items that will help you freshen up before arrival – eye-drops, a toothbrush and toothpaste are a good idea.
Qatar airlines is one of the few airlines that still provides great ammenity kits in economy. Inside you will find earplugs, a toothbrush and an eye mask to make the journey more comfortable.
Qatar Airways offers a BRIC’S amenity kit for all First and Business Class passengers includes skin care products from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio and socks, eyeshades and ear plugs. If you’re lucky enough to bump up a class, it’s pretty special.
What to eat
Eat well on the flight and limit alcohol intake to avoid feeling dehydrated.
Drink plenty of water. If you have dietary requirements, notify your carrier at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid disappointment.
Qatar Airways provides First and Business Class passengers with an on-demand a la carte service, allowing passengers the flexibility to decide their own meal times that are in keeping with their personal body clock or schedule.
Qatar Airways’ inflight menus features flavours inspired by the regions it serves, and fresh local produce are often sourced for onboard catering. On the Sydney route for instance, the fresh fish is sourced from the Sydney Fish market. A wide variety of Australian cheeses are available onboard, and the cellars are wellstocked with classic Australian brands such as Elderton, Fox Creek, Hollick and Kangarilla Road.
Children can look forward to a fun-filled meal box packed with fresh and nutritious meals, a fruit juice and fun treats that parents can pre-order when they book their tickets. Suitable for all age groups, the meal packs also feature some of the most loved games and characters from Hasbro.
The inflight catering team has spent months adapting and testing their specialty dishes for their customers, taking into account not only flavours and spices, but how the taste buds are altered at 30,000 feet.
Plan for time on board, and in transit
One of the best ways to enjoy a long-haul flight is to plan your inflight entertainment on-board in advance.
Qatar Airways offers over 4000 entertainment options, including latest movies, TV shows, documentaries and games. A good way to figure out what to do on your flight is to visit
the Qatar Airlines website prior to your flight and check out which content may be of your interest. Our on-board entertainment planning tool will allow you to pre-plan what
movies you could watch on each leg of your journey.
If you’re waiting to transit, Hamad International Airport is a haven of round-the-clock duty free shopping, first-rate lounges and amenities which include gyms, a swimming pool, spa, resting areas and much more.
For First and Business Class customers, Hamad International Airport is home to some of the world’s largest airport lounges. Its award-winning lounges offer a luxurious experience that can rival any five-star boutique hotel – with a variety of spaces designed to suit the guest’s every need, to multiple dining options – perfect for the busy traveller.
With so many things to think about when setting sail on a holiday, it’s worth spending the time to research which airlines support you in a hassle free journey.
If you choose an airline that thinks about it all, the less elements you have to think of yourself and the sooner you’ll feel like your holiday has started.
READ MORE:
Top tips for flying with kids by age group