Operators work to put the family first

Operators work to put the family first

Taking the kids on holiday can all too often leave parents in need of another break. Helen Arnold reports

Young fun: a range of operator initiatives are aiming to take the strain out of caring for children while on holiday

TRAVELLING with small children in tow is rarely a pleasurable experience.

But short of leaving them home alone for two weeks while mum and dad head off to the sun, it is a necessary evil for most families.

However, much is being done by airlines, ferry operators and tour operators to make the journey less of an ordeal.

Ferry operators are aware that to appeal to this lucrative market they must offer family-friendly facilities.

DFDS Seaways offers a number of deals for families, including half-price meals for children under 15, with those under four eating for free.

Stena Line has recently introduced a crèche where parents are able to leave their children with fully qualified staff on its route from Fishguard to Rosslare.

Stena Line Holidays general manager Nicola Warren said: “It is very popular in the peak of summer and has helped to make the route more attractive to families.”

However, it is flying that tends to be the most difficult mode of transport for families.

Limited space and long journey times can try the patience of even the most well-behaved toddler.

But the airlines have recognised how stressful this can be and most have introduced family-friendly policies to take the strain out of flying.

British Airways offers an array of services, such as allowing parents to keep pushchairs with them right up to embarkation and enabling them to store them in the cabin. It also provides infant seats and bassinets for babies.

One of the biggest headaches involved in travelling with kids is the sheer amount of luggage you have to cart around. But many tour operators now offer holidaymakers the chance to pre-book essential baby equipment such as travel cots and buggies on site.

To make travelling less of a hassle for families, JMC urges them to take advantage of the option to pre-book seats on the aircraft.

Group product and planning manager John Fine said: “This ensures that a family can all sit together on the aircraft.”

Kuoni gives its clients the option of pre-booking a private taxi to transfer them directly to the hotel on arrival. This saves them having to hang around waiting for the coach to leave, which can be the final straw for families travelling with fractious babies.

Similarly, Kuoni customers can also pre-book into an airport lounge.

Airtours developed its Family First product in response to research into the needs of parents travelling with young children. Group seating and kids’ meals can be pre-booked, allowing reduced check-in times, and flight and transfer times are kept to a minimum with daytime flight options available.