Holidays with the little horrors!
By Archana Nathwani & Lopa Patel (June 2001)

Holidays with children can be fraught with mishaps, missed connections, tired, cranky children and arguments - in short not a holiday at all. However, careful planning can help alleviate the problems. Factors to consider are the destination, transit time, facilities, activities for children and the best operator with whom to book your holiday.

Transit Time

The first issue most parents worry about is the time it will take to reach the holiday destination. Sun-kissed beaches and water parks may seem attractive but add to them an eighteen-hour journey from door to door and suddenly camping in Bognor Regis seems more inviting! Depending on the age of your children it is probably best to consider short haul destinations with flights of no more than four hours. For slightly older children and teenagers you can consider destinations further a field such as Florida.

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Most package holidays use charter-operated flights that are fine for short haul. For journeys of a longer duration it is best to consider a flight with a scheduled airline as these will have better in-flight service, more legroom and fewer delays.

The cost of flight tickets for children causes great confusion. The "rule of thumb" is that children under the age of 2 are classified as infants and are not eligible for a seat. This means having the little treasures on your lap throughout the whole journey! "With scheduled airlines you can request a cot for an infant, but generally these are only suitable for young babies," advises Archana Nathwani, "with charter flights it can be virtually impossible to get a cot at all". You can however ask for an empty seat in your row at the time of check-in or when boarding the plane.

"Most people I know ask for the seats near emergency exits thinking that these will offer some space for children to play on the floor," says Archana, "but then airlines often reserve these for taller passengers who need the legroom!"

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Above the age of two, your child is classified as a, well, child! On scheduled airlines children are classified as being between 2 to 11 years old. Charter flight operators define a child's age as between 2 to 19 years depending on the operator. The best suggestion is ask the Travel Operator at the time of booking. Child tickets cost on average 67% of the adult fare on scheduled airlines and infants prices about 10% but the cost can vary from operator to operator on charter flights.

"Don't forget to order a child's meal when booking" says Archana" and you can also take on board a child's buggy". Most airlines ask you to leave the buggy just before you board the plane - it travels either in the hold or on board depending on the operator.

Sadly however, your infant does not have BAGGAGE allowance. Ironic given the number of nappies, implements, toys, bucket & spade and clothing you have to pack for them!

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Introduction  Transit Time  Hottest destinations for children
Long haul destinations  UK holidays  Specialist Tour Operators
What to pack  Baggage Allowance  Travel Info

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