Is First Class Travel Appropriate for Children?

Travel insurance is especially important to protect your investment in a first class ticket, but what if you’re traveling with kids? Should you book seats in the first class cabin at all?

Children Are Travelers Too

While the topic of children on airplanes is a topic of much debate in itself, the topic of children in first class, a flight option marketed as the most luxurious, relaxing option on the plane, is even more controversial. People often have strong and differing opinions on the subject. For example, many believe that children are no less worthy than adults of a comfortable seat and food service throughout a flight. For many families, the extra space and regular meals may contribute to a much more enjoyable and peaceful flight for the whole family and the surrounding travelers. Many children also behave better than adults on planes. Adults in first class may drink heavily in-flight, be rude to the flight attendants, have loud conversations and generally act entitled and inconsiderate to other passengers. Why should a child’s behavior be punished when it is developmentally appropriate, while the behavior of the adult is not? Furthermore, the typical parent and child combination in first class is a new parent and his or her infant. This pair is frequently sitting in first class to allow themselves extra room than is afforded in the economy section of the plane, especially with planes cramming more and more individuals on flights than ever before. Why should parents be denied the comfort of adequate seating space just because others in the cabin wish to have a “kid free” zone?

Should Children Only Travel In Coach Class?

However, there is also the view that children should not ever be seated in first class. Many people feel that children are noisy, disruptive and distracting to the first class experience. First class tickets are typically very expensive and hard to come by. Similar to eating at an expensive and sophisticated restaurant, many people feel that the experience should be reserved for adults who appreciate and are paying for the luxury. Some passengers may argue that the airline should reimburse them when this luxury experience is “ruined” by children being allowed in first class. Passengers may also complain that an entire family sitting in first class takes up many of the seats in a small section of the plane, therefore, reducing the number of single travelers or couples who are able to sit in the section. The introductions of “family cabins” may resolve this issue on several major airlines in the future.

At this time, there is no clear consensus as to whether children should or should not be allowed to fly first class or even on whether they are truly disruptive or not. If you wish to fly first class with your young family members, it may be worth checking with the airline to ensure you are aware of any cabin-specific age restrictions, bringing earplugs for other passengers, or even buying drinks or snacks for those in your adjacent rows. As always, a little kindness and consideration goes a long way when you are traveling.