Kids in Upper Class ?

Following on from my question about which is better JFK or EWR, which I must say i was delighted with the response, thanks to everyone that answered, I have another dilemma.[?]
Were off to San Francisco in April to visit relatives. My better half has come up with the idea of taking our twin nephew & niece (aged 3) with us, mainly to give my sister-in-law a break as she will be eight and a half months pregnant by then.
We have the money & miles to go UC and my brother-in-law is quite happy to pay for the kids in UC.
Here's the Dilemma, should we take them in UC, don't get me wrong they are great kids, however, being the, shall we say "more up market" end of the plane what are peoples views of 3 year olds in UC.
If I was to be really honest and I was a business traveller the prospect of a 10 hour flight sitting near a couple of 3 year olds would be of slight concern.
I know at the end of the day it's our choice and as we are paying for it I could just take the attitude it does not matter about other passengers opinions.
However, thats not me, so I would be very grateful for some HONEST answers whether [y] or [n]

-Steve

[fozzyo]

I've not got kids, but have ready many trip reports on here and kids are more then welcome in UC. Yes you may get some business passengers who don't appreciate the kids, but my attitude is you have paid the money so you are entitled to enjoy the flight. As with any time you are out with kids, and when you fly - there is nowhere to hide its just a case of ensuring they are suitably entertained and well behaved for the flights. People only really have a problem when they start screaming the place down.

Kids are very well catered for in UC, for an example I suggest you look at this picture and the corresponding trip report. Admittedly a little older then your group, but gives a sense of the attitudes crew have.

One of the comments I have seen raised before is where to sit in the cabin with kids. Others will be able to comment from experience but my thoughts would be rows 6, 7 and 8 so no-one in front and aisles to block.

Have a great trip and please come back and do a trip report!

Thanks
Mat xxx

If they're well behaved - and that doesn't mean they have to be silent through the flight, just reasonably considerate of others - then there is no problem. It's only if kids rampage through the cabin and, worse, the parents/guardians just let them get on with it, then the parents tend to be pretty unpopular.

I first took my daughter in UC at about 8, and she would put her head down into the IFE and stay there - no problems. (Except for the fact that she's now 17 and is convinced she has a God-given right to travel in the pointy bit. Life as a student is going to be a shock!) :D

My view is that if you're happy the kids are going to be at least reasonably well behaved, then don't worry about any looks from others. Frequent flyers, in my experience, have no problem with well behaved kids - it tends to be the badly behaved adults who cause me grief!

Best wishes

David

Steve, our kids have always travelled with us in UC or in Club or First with BA and we have never had any real problems with other passengers.

The great thing about UC is that they will have plenty of room to stretch out and are far more likely to sleep for longer. We have found that it is a good idea to pack some pyjamas for them in our hand luggage and change them into them asap. At 3 they are probably just about old enough to watch the children's programmes on the IFE which also should give you some peace and quiet.

I agree with Mat about seats. We usually go for rows 6 and 7. If you put the children in row 6 then there will be nobody in front of them and only you behind them which means you won't need to worry too much about other passengers.

The only downside is that as they are only 3 they will need quite a bit of attention from you. I assume that they are still at the stage where they will need some help with meals and will probably need you to play with them for at least some of the time. Unlike economy or PE you will not be able to just lean across to see to them - you will have to get up out of your lovely comfortable suite. This can be a problem if you have a toddler who wants to ask you something every two minutes as you could be up and down like a yo-yo!! Your flight obviously won't be as relaxing for you as it would if you were on your own and it really depends on whether you think this is effective use of your miles/money. Personally I think it's more than worth it - it can be hard work travelling with children that age but I have found that it is definitely more relaxing travelling in comfort in UC[:X]

Honest answer: keep 'em quiet, contained and entertained and there will be no problem whatsoever.

However, if you

allow them to run up and down the aisles
don't make any attempt to calm them if they scream
use the cabin area as a play zone
litter the shared floorspace with toys
ignore them when they start kicking other passengers' seats

then expect some black looks from people. I'm not suggesting for one moment that you would let this happen, but I've seen all of these on Virgin flights over the years. As you'll be on a 744, row 6 is definitely the best place and will give you a fair amount of privacy.

BC

[HighFlyer]

I can only echo what others have said on here already.

Im the sort of person that shudders when i board and find children in the premium cabins, although im pleased to say that on several occasions, the behaviour of said children has impressed me and any worries i had were banished.

All i will say is that a three year old differs to a six or seven year old (or older). I have a three year old sibling (yes i know - thanks Mum!) and while not meaning to compare, i know what she is like at travelling and on a long journey we wouldnt get to our final destination without a few tears of boredom.

Your nephew & niece, will they sit quietly and watch a film all the way through? If not, they are unlikely to be able to sit through a 10 hour flight. Dont forget that the UCS has dividing walls, so unlike conventional business seating you cant simply lean across to give them your attention (although you can put one in your suite with you!). While not meaning that in a sense to put you off, i do feel it is the guardians responsibility to ensure that children brought into the cabin can behave in a reasonable manner - pretty much the points highlighted by BlackCat. They have to pretty much just sit and be quiet for a long period of time - and thats a chore for some of us adults, never mind a small child!

If you do decide to take them, just ensure they are told how long the flight is, and that plenty of activities and books are brought onboard to keep them amused. My sibling gets the 'one treat for every one hour of journey time passed' routine, so she knows that by behaving she will get a little goodie. Sounds a bit 'carrot and stick' but its very hard for a three year old to sit patiently for such a long period of time. By giving her a treat it gives her something to look forward to and breaks up the journey.

I think you can only say for yourselves whether you think the children will be able to cope with the flight. If you think you can keep them amused then go for it. If you think it might end in a lot of tears and frustration then you might find it more of a chore for yourselves to be worrying about them the whole flight? Dont forget that dealing with gates and immigration and so on will take twice as long with little legs following you! Trust me! And then there are all the toilet breaks and so on ...

I have to travel places with my sibling so can fully understand that sometimes she is as good as gold and other times she is miserable. You can never really tell until the day.

Whatever you decide, keep us posted!!

Originally posted by BlackCat

However, if you
use the cabin area as a play zone
BC

Oh yes, we've had that one. One little "chap" found out that he could run up one side of the ucs cabin and down the other pushing the button on each of the dividers to convert the seat into a bed [V]

It was actually quite funny the first time, as the seats all moved until they sensed an obstruction, [}:)], but after the forth time, it got a little annoying [:(!]

The joys

David

Hi Steve

Kids on planes.....

If the fare has been paid children have as much right as any adult to travel in any of the sections on the aircraft. Bottom line is chat to them, have fun with them, share the whole experience with them and kids will in the most part behave perfectly.

As for the more up market area, not sure I understand that comment, UC / PE are not more upmarket, just an area that offers more room and differing service for a different price.

I travel business with UA quite regularly (because my Co use them as first choice of carrier) and can honestly say that in the vast majority of cases you don't meet more discerning travellers towards the front end.... Just people who THINK they are more discerning.

Take the nephew and niece in UC, and have a great time [y]

As long as you don't let your kids rampage around the cabin, you should be fine. Also, kids that are taught how to behave in UC at an early age seem to be much more well-behaved when they're older.

Anyway, based on what I've heard from the Vegas social, it's some of adults we need to keep our eyes on![}:)][:p]

Cheers,
VS0455

Originally posted by VS045
Also, kids that are taught how to behave in UC at an early age seem to be much more well-behaved when they're older.

Anyway, based on what I've heard from the Vegas social, it's some of adults we need to keep our eyes on![}:)][:p]

Cheers,
VS0455

That explains me then, no upper class travel when I was a kid:D

Only Sir Freddies skytrain and a BEA viscount

Iain

People with kids have to travel, just like everyone else. And if they choose to travel UC, that is their right. All the points made about suitable supervision to ensure as good behaviour as possible are of course right. But to me the points should apply in all cabins; A disruptive child is is as just as disruptive in Y as in J (or S for that matter). In fact one could argue that if you can afford it then travelling in J with children is better for everyone. The children get a better area to sleep in, there is more space for them to play in, and they are more likely to get a bit more attention from the cabin crew. All of these are conducive to helping them be great travel companions.

There is one reason why you may choose not to travel in J with the children. There is a very serious risk that they will never want to travel at the back of the bus ever again - UC tends to get you that way. It is very young for them to have all economy options closed to them for the rest of their lives!

So I would say take them in J if you can. Not only is it your right, you are doing a public service!

One of the first things I used to do upon entering the Clubhouse (yes, even before ordering Champagne) was to check out how many kids were in there. Depending on the CH and the number of flights going out at that time, I then played an agonising game of wishing the blighters onto every other flight called before mine. Never worked, always on my flight, usually next to me.

Well, all that changed with the arrival of mdvipond jr in October. I remember asking a very similar question on here before she was born -one wise and sage member commented that the very fact I was asking suggested I would be the kind of parent who was aware of fellow passengers and would do everything in my power to ensure my little one behaved accordingly. Think the same might apply here.

mdvipond jr. has her first UCS flight next month, with another in April (should be teething by then - joy!) so watch this space.

[HighFlyer]

All the points made about suitable supervision to ensure as good behaviour as possible are of course right. But to me the points should apply in all cabins; A disruptive child is is as just as disruptive in Y as in J (or S for that matter)

Very, very good point, made very, very well!! [y][^]

[ChuckC]

Stevieboy,
Great question, and don't you just love the excellent, thoughtful responses of our VFlyer experts?

When I was kid back in the Dark Ages we weren't allowed on trains or planes until old enough to heed "shush" commands and to sit quietly for long periods. Recognizing that the Modern Era has long since replaced Draconia I love seeing (well behaved) children everywhere for I know that nearby will be one or two kind and considerate parents who've spent countless hours teaching consideration and "quiet time" to their children.

Will that work for 10 hours with a 3 year old?[?] I don't know. But whatever you do to follow the advice of Black Cat, High Flyer and the others who've already spoken, will be so much appreciated by your fellow pax that they may even ask you for your autograph as you deplane![^]

Regards,
Chuck-

I also agree with all the points raised. If they have paid for a J ticket and they are not too disruptive then there really should be no problem.
Having said all that we would not dream of taking out three year old into UC at the moment. When we travelled to MCO in April she was well behaved but really did require the sort of attention that it would have been difficult to have given in UC. For all sorts of reasons (from keeping her in her seat when the seat belt light was on to helping with her meal, reading stories, answering questions etc.) PE just worked better for us. At the end of the day I think UC would not have worked. The only real reason for UC would be the bed but we could probably have booked two Y seats for her to have slept on and she would have been quite happy.

All I can say is be prepared - any three year old can be hard work and you might not get the use out UCS that you think. I look forward to your TR.

Phil

I agree with everyone else's points made here. No matter what class I travel in, I don't really wish to be disturbed by unruly pax, whatever their age!

I've been on flights where I've dreaded it because of the number of small kids, but they have almost all been well behaved, and just disappeared into the IFE system, or slept the whole way.

A couple of my friends have taken their kids in J on VS, and they found it a trouble-free and comfortable experience.

One thing I'd suggest you do is probably choose to eat with them, you sit on your seat, sit them on the ottoman, as this will make it easier for you to help them with their meal, if they need it. If you really want to "trap them in" during mealtime, you sit on their ottoman...

Cheers,
Mike

What a fantastic and honest response, many thanks to everyone especially to Black Cat and High Flyer for the do's and dont's and Mdvipond for the vote of confidence.
As far as behaviour is concerned 95% of the time they are as good as gold, I think once the initial excitment of boarding the plan has subsided they should be fine. One thing thats just been pointed out to me is that "daddy" has one of those new Renault Espaces with screens in the back headrests. I know they love to sit and watch cartoons, so the plane has some similarities.
Failing that a glass or two of Champagne may work wonders!![|)] (Joke - no reporting me to the NSPCC please.
One further point, I take it the Club House has no restrictions on Kids, as long as they are well behaved and is it worth taking them in there?
-Steve

Thanks for the seat recommendations Mat & Lilyjosh0, looks like they may have already been taken though. Do you think upstairs Rows 1 & 2 are the next choice?

No restrictions in the clubhouse

Originally posted by Stevieboy
Thanks for the seat recommendations Mat & Lilyjosh0, looks like they may have already been taken though. Do you think upstairs Rows 1 & 2 are the next choice?

Bear in mind that there is a general expectation that upstairs on a night flight (your return from SFO) is going to be quiet. Which may be fine with the kids, but maybe not. Row 6 is usually blocked out in booking systems even when empty but if you phone VS you can usually get them to give you the seats unless someone else got there first.

BC

Thanks Blackcat I'll give them a call in the morning

Steve, I agree with BlackCat - I don't think upstairs is as good for kids. Firstly I don't think you would be as comfortable with the quieter atmosphere - it would be more stressful for you making sure the children were quiet. Also you have got to negotiate the stairs with toddlers and bags etc. It's definitely worth a call to see whether rows 6 and 7 really are taken.

Whatever happens what a lovely uncle you are! I wish I had a brother-in-law who would be prepared to take my children off my hands[y]

My lad has flown UC since he was two and a half, just recently at the grand old age of 3 and a half.
On the day flight out he always sits in his seat, watches the tv and genreall enjoys himself, only noisy once when he got carried away on something on the TV.
As always, on the night flight back, as soon as boarded, he was into his PJ's and was asleep within minutes of taking off, making a LOT less bother than a couple who, decided they could not sleep, so sat talking away at the bar all the way across the Atlantic!
On all flights he has been complimented on how well he has behaved, I think its is down to how the parents look after the child, rather than anything else.

[Scrooge]

Well just for what it's worth,myself and my sister have been flying longhaul since we were knee high to a grasshopper.My mother always packed lot's of books and other than the odd word to my sister (I was an angel growing up dont know what went wrong [:#] ) there were never any problems,what I have noticed is,it is normaly the parents fault when Jr runs riot,most parents/adults can control a child,if worse comes to worse grab Jr and take him/her to a galley area for a little chat.

Big fact,champers will not work on kids,the bubbles make them giggle,use a shot of vodka in some warm milk [:0]..also the NSPCC cant touch me so if you feel like paying for a ticket i'll be happy to help you at least on the LHR - SFO leg [^][y][:0]

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by jetwet1
(I was an angle growing up

Were you an aCUTE or an obtuse one? [:w]