Air travel with children introduces unique logistical challenges for families, prompting many airlines to provide complimentary items and services designed to keep young passengers entertained and comfortable. These freebies range from activity packs and toys to specialized meal options and seating accommodations. The availability and specific details of these offerings vary significantly by carrier, often changing without notice, and are sometimes tied to promotions, specific routes, or cabin classes. Understanding what is available can help parents plan more effectively for their journeys.
Entertainment Packs and Activity Kits
Several airlines distribute free entertainment packs to occupy children during flights. These kits typically contain activity books, crayons, puzzles, and games.
- British Airways: Offers a Skyflyers activity pack, which includes a postcard for children to send home. These are available at the Family Check-In Zone at Heathrow Terminal 5 and presumably on board.
- Virgin Atlantic: Provides a free KiD backpack for children aged 2 to 6 years old. The backpack contains items such as a holiday journal.
- Emirates Airlines: Distributes take-home bags featuring activities, puzzles, and games. The airline also offers kids' meals and activities.
- Singapore Airlines: Gives free toys to children under 12. The specific gift varies by age; toddlers may receive a stuffed animal, while older children might get a card game.
- American Airlines: Provides children aged 5 to 10 with a kit filled with puzzles, activities, and extra snacks on flights departing from certain airports.
- United Airlines: Offers a kids' pack containing an activity book, crayons, and a puzzle. Upon request, they also provide a sensory calming strip to help young travelers manage anxiety.
- Cathay Pacific: Offers a children's fun pack for kids aged 3 to 6.
- ANA (All Nippon Airways): Distributes its own branded toys to children.
- Japan Airlines: Hands out toys and activity kits.
- Other Airlines: The following airlines are also reported to offer fun toys and games: EVA Air, Gulf Air, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Thai Airways, and Air France.
Toys and Unique Souvenirs
Beyond standard activity packs, some airlines provide distinct toys or souvenirs.
- Delta Air Lines: Offers unique trading cards that highlight different aircraft in their fleet, often matching the specific plane type being flown on. These cards have been available for over two decades. Availability depends on the pilot; passengers are advised to ask a flight attendant before approaching the cockpit.
- Lufthansa: Reportedly gives out stuffed animals, such as a mini stuffed airplane, which can serve as a comfort item for young children.
- Cathay Pacific: Provides special gifts for children ages three to six that they can play with and take home as a souvenir.
Headphones and Luggage Tags
Amenities for children often extend to practical items.
- Headphones: Many airlines provide free headphones, allowing parents to watch in-flight entertainment in peace.
- Luggage Tags: Most airlines give away luggage tags, which can also serve as a drawing space for children.
Meal and Seating Policies
Family-friendly services also include meal options and seating arrangements.
- British Airways: Provides children's meals.
- Emirates: Offers kids' meals and a 50% discount for reserving a child's seat in advance.
- United Airlines: Has a policy of free family seating at the time of booking.
- Delta Air Lines: Operates Delta Sky Zone kids' lounges at certain airports.
- Hawaiian Airlines: Now allows families to sit together.
- Frontier Airlines: Offers a "Kids Fly Free" promotion on select domestic flights for one child (under 15) per adult, provided the adult joins the Discount Den club ($59/year).
Promotional Offers and Discounts
Some airlines run specific promotions regarding child fares.
- British Airways: Has offered free fares in the past within the UK.
- American Airlines: Has previously run "Kids Fly Free" promotions.
- Discounts: Airlines such as Emirates, EVA Air, and Iceland Air offer percentage-based discounts (ranging from 20% to 25%) on child fares for certain flights.
Tips for Securing Freebies
Travelers can take specific steps to potentially increase their chances of receiving complimentary items.
- Mention Special Occasions: Iona Wark, senior holiday product manager at Loveholidays, advises casually mentioning a first family holiday or a special birthday to airline staff while in the air (and not during a crowded line check-in) to potentially score a freebie.
- Ask Politely: According to travel experts, many airlines have activity books or pilot wings available but may not distribute them automatically. Asking nicely, ideally when the crew is not busy with a service rush, can be effective. For example, asking a flight attendant about Delta trading cards is the recommended approach.
Historical and Discontinued Services
It is important to note that airline perks can change. Etihad Airways previously offered a major perk: a free on-board nanny. However, this service ended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Guidelines on Seating
The U.S. Department of Transportation maintains a Customer Service Dashboard that highlights which airlines guarantee free family seating. While airlines do not always automatically seat young families together, policies such as United's free family seating at booking aim to address this.
Conclusion
Airlines offer a variety of freebies and discounted services to assist families traveling with children, including activity packs, toys, headphones, and meal options. The availability of these items varies by airline and is subject to change. Parents are encouraged to inquire with airline staff about specific offerings and to mention special occasions to potentially receive additional perks. Checking an airline's website or contacting reservations directly is recommended for the most current information regarding child fares, seating policies, and in-flight entertainment options.