Summary

  • Key Takeaways:
  • PRO: Complimentary baggage with first-class tickets allows parents to pack extra essentials without additional fees, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey.
  • CON: Flying with children in first class may lead to unwarranted attention and judgments from fellow passengers, adding extra stress to parents.
  • PRO: First-class cabins offer more legroom and comfort for children, making the flight experience smoother and more enjoyable for them.

Before traveling with children for the first time, there are some tips parents should know. While choosing the ideal family-friendly vacation is the first step, parents shouldn't forget about the flight logistics.

Kids are famously one of the major reasons people hate flying, and in some ways, parents are already unfairly judged for bringing along their offspring before the plane even leaves the runway. Yes, passengers may be able to recount plenty of nightmare flights of teething babies and kids kicking the back of their seats for hours on end, but not every kid is disruptive. If parents are confident that their child’s in-flight behavior is up to scratch, they might consider taking them on their first ever...wait for it... first-class flight. Eek!

Flying with young kids can be a pretty stressful undertaking, period. So, choosing whether to bump them up to first class is not a decision to make lightly. Sure, a first-class cabin on a plane may make them feel more comfortable and less restricted, but to look at it another way – parents may not want to lower their child’s boundaries for a 5-hour plus flight! Especially if they have a tendency to be a tad hyperactive or easily bored.

When it comes to flying with little ones, the parents or guardians are always going to be the best judge of the situation. Some parents may prefer to fly first class while leaving their kids in economy seating, and others may have the budget (and bravery!) to fly their whole family first class.

UPDATE: 2023/11/06 22:00 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Buying first-class tickets for the whole family seems like a dream come true, as everyone can enjoy the perks that come with the tickets: more space, better food, and more entertainment. However, it also has its cons. This list has been expanded to include more pros and cons that people should consider before purchasing tickets.

Related
Worth It: These 13 Airlines Have The Most Luxe First-Class Seating
Seats that convert to fully flat beds are now the norm in first class, and there are lots of other perks that go with the high price tags.

14 PRO - Complimentary Baggage

Multiple Travel Bags
Image by tookapic from Pixabay
Multiple travel bags

Children change many things when traveling, and the first thing parents notice is that minimalist packing is almost impossible. Therefore, complimentary luggage often comes with first-class tickets is more than welcome.

This allowance allows parents to pack extra essentials without additional fees, which is especially crucial when traveling with young ones. From strollers to car seats, extra clothing, and toys, families can bring everything needed for a comfortable and stress-free journey.

This reduces the need to purchase or rent items at the destination, saving time and money. Complimentary baggage offers convenience and peace of mind, ensuring parents have all they need to care for their children during the trip.

CON - Unwarranted Attention

Person drinking champagne on a flight
Pexels
Person drinking champagne on a flight

Unwarranted attention refers to the unnecessary focus or scrutiny individuals may receive in certain situations. In the context of flying with children in first class, it can manifest as heightened expectations or judgments from fellow passengers.

Families may feel pressure to ensure their children exhibit impeccable behavior, potentially leading to added stress. This attention can sometimes be uncomfortable or unwelcome, as it may create a sense of self-consciousness for parents and children alike.

It's important to navigate such situations with grace and understanding, recognizing that children are inherently unpredictable.

13 PRO – Your Child Will Be Much More Comfortable

First class cabin plane
Photo by Toni Osmundson on Unsplash
First class seat with meal on plane

Often, what makes a flight with a child go smoothly is when the child feels comfy. A comfortable child makes for a happy child (most of the time, at least!), so all that extra legroom permitted in a first-class cabin can only be a good thing when small children are concerned.

When flying long-haul, knowing kids have a little more room to stretch their legs and walk off a little steam can be a godsend. Just don’t let them run off steam by treating the premium cabin like a jungle gym!

CON – You Can Still Be Asked To Move If Your Child Cries

Child crying
Marco Aurélio Conde on Unsplash
Child crying

It’s easy to assume that because one has paid for a first-class ticket, they have the privilege to stay in their first-class cabin no matter the circumstances. The reality, however, is that a crying or noticeably irritable child can have someone kicked out of the premium cabin fairly quickly if enough passengers complain. In this case, it's more beneficial to fly economy versus first class.

Most first-class passengers will have likely paid more to avoid being seated near a crying child in economy, so if someone is bringing a toddler or newborn into the premium side of the plane, they should be prepared for being downgraded in the event of a tantrum fit.

12 PRO – Your Airport Chauffeur Ride May Come With A Custom Child Car Seat

First class seating
Photo by Deon A. Webster on Unsplash
First class seat in airplane

More and more airlines are providing a chauffeur ride service to and from the airport as part of their first-class package, and if they’re traveling with kids, this can certainly make the process a lot easier for young families.

If someone opts to fly with Lufthansa, for example, staff representatives in the first class terminal are able to provide the specific car seat for their child’s needs based on their age – this can take a huge amount of worry out of the flight process for parents, not to mention making the child feel cool and comfortable to not be settling for a booster seat when they’re way past the age.

CON - Some Airlines May Not Even Allow It

First-Class plane seating
Shutterstock
First-Class plane seating

Certain airlines have stricter flying rules than others. If the airline flat-out forbids kids from flying in first class, then it’s probably not a great idea to spend all their energy (not to mention cash) on trying to convince them otherwise or trying their luck at scoring an upgrade at the gate.

If travelers are quite desperate to have their kids fly first class on their next flight, they should at least make sure they’re aware of the airline’s policy on this beforehand.

It may be worth flying with a different airline than their usual choice altogether if this is so vital to them because parting with a small fortune on the day of their flight will make the ‘luxury’ flight experience seem a little redundant later on.

11 PRO – More Kid’s Entertainment For Your Buck

Plane seats with TVs
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash
TVs in airplane at night

Unlike the air travel of yesteryear, economy flights rarely have much in the way of in-flight entertainment these days, and whatever they do have onboard normally has a small fee attached to each element of it. Why pay for a set of headphones for a movie they might hate anyway?

On a first-class flight, kids have more than just the token children’s film or TV show to choose from. So if they’ve worn out their copy of Hannah Montana at home, it’s reassuring to know they have a multitude of channels to choose from. In addition to the TV screens, many premium cabins have a “flight nanny” on board to entertain kids with arts and crafts and magic tricks. What could be better than an in-flight Mary Poppins?

CON – Babies And Toddlers May Carry A ‘Lap Charge’

Woman and baby in a plane

Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

If someone plans on traveling with a child under two years old, most airlines will qualify them for a ‘lap seat’ since they’re too young to occupy their own passenger seat. Just because they may be sitting on their lap, though, it doesn’t always mean they get to swerve paying for their occupancy on the flight, and this will inevitably increase for a premium ticket.

Flying with an infant or young child first class could mean paying an additional ‘lap charge’, which can differ depending on which airline they go with. Some airlines are not always upfront about this charge, so if it’s advertised as free, they could incur some steep fuel surcharges. They should look before they book!

CON – Executive Passengers And Kids Don’t Mix Well

Sign showing security check point lanes designated for first class and TSA Precheck passengers
Shutterstock
Sign showing security check point lanes designated for first class and TSA Precheck passengers

The most common passenger complaints are likely from executive flyers in first and business class. Suppose they ever felt uncomfortable trying to avert the gaze and disapproving tuts of their fellow passengers in economy. In that case, executive flyers have a tendency to make parents feel like they’re on trial.

As snobby as it might seem, they try to put themselves in their shoes. Most first-class passengers have paid more to avoid being disturbed by a wailing baby, and an exec may not look too kindly at a kid making noise while they attempt to work during the commute.

10 PRO – Some Airlines Have A Child-friendly First Class Lounge

A window view from a plane flying out of LaGuardia airport with the sun setting on the horizon
Photo by Erick Reyes on Unsplash
A window view from a plane flying out of LaGuardia airport with the sun setting on the horizon

Easily one of the most boring parts of air travel is the endless waiting around in the airport or at the gate. Fortunately, a first-class ticket helps to reduce a lot of the usual waiting around, but with a small kid in tow, a 10-minute wait can seem like an eternity, especially if you’re sitting in a quiet luxury lounge.

Thankfully, many airlines are beginning to cater to families, not just business execs and socialites, when it comes to the first-class lounge experience. In many airports around the US, first-class passengers with Lufthansa may be pleasantly surprised to find a children’s play area tucked behind the lounge bar, complete with books and toys to let restless kids let off some pre-flight energy.

9 PRO – A Wider Variety Of Children’s Meals

Soutwest airlines plane on the runway
Photo by Owen Lystrup on Unsplash
Southwest Airlines aircraft

Parents of fussy eaters everywhere rejoice! Sometimes, the cost of flying your kids first class is entirely justified by the fact that your kids have a wealth of choices when it comes to their in-flight meals. Airline economy food leaves a lot to be desired, and if someone flying long-haul, they don’t want to land with a cranky, hungry child who refused to eat for 7 hours.

Many premium airline cabins thankfully have the parents' back where tasty and varied kids' menus are concerned. As long as they inform the airline beforehand, most carriers will be happy to offer kids aged 2-12 a more personalized meal experience.

CON – Premium ‘Pod’ Seats Can Be A Tad Inconvenient

First Class Cabin

Frank O'Dwyer (batsignal)CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
First Class Cabin

The pod seat design of many first-class cabins may feel like something out of a cool sci-fi film for your kids, but as much entertainment value as it provides them, it can be a little restricting for the parents when it comes to checking up on them.

Pod seats are great for providing kids with extra privacy and space on a long-haul flight and make for a far comfier bedding arrangement than in economy, but having to reach over to assist them during meal times, to pass them their toys, or help change the buttons on the control panel can be a little problematic. So just be wary of this when booking a long or overnight flight.

CON – First Class Space Can Give Unruly Kids Free Rein

An airplane wing seen from the plane window during a flight above the clouds
Photo by Jerry Zhang on Unsplash
An airplane wing seen from the plane window during a flight above the clouds

The rules of keeping still and buckled up during takeoff and landing still apply to the first-class quarters, but with the extra space and relaxed atmosphere, troublesome kids may feel like they have a license to let their normal public facade drop, and this can be a particular kind of hell for parents (and first-class passengers) flying long haul.

It’s super important to let kids know about what kind of behavior is acceptable in first class and to prepare them for the fact that boundaries still apply – even if it seems like a playground compared to the restricted economy seating.

8 PRO – The Premium Kid’s ‘Amenity Kit’

American Airlines Boeing 767 airplane at Zurich airport ZRH in Switzerland.
Photo 169218810 © Lukas Wunderlich | Dreamstime.com
 
American Airlines

Travelers may want to save some space in your carry-on bag if you’re flying premium with the kids since some airlines will provide child passengers with a little goody bag of stuff. Lufthansa and similar airlines like to provide first-class kids with an ‘amenity kit,’ which can be heaven-sent for parents who might have forgotten to pack the coloring book and crayons.

A child’s amenity kit can include entertainment bits and pieces like toys, puzzles, and activity books, as well as actual useful amenities that might come in handy for the flight and beyond, like a pair of slippers and a spare PJ set.

CON – Not All Kids Are Crazy About The Finer Things

Laptop with word Tax on it and hands holding passport and mini airplane
Shutterstock
Laptop with word Tax on it and hands holding passport and mini airplane

While most of the adult passengers on board first class are happily coiffing champagne or enjoying a platter of decadent nibbles, kids are likely to find all the little luxury touches dull beyond belief.

Adult eyes may light up at the sight of an extensive wine menu and a complimentary cheeseboard, but kids are going to be craving chocolate milk through a curly straw.

7 PRO – Some Airlines Provide A Comfy Bassinet For Infants

a southwest plane taking off at denver international airport
Don Mammoser / Shutterstock.com
a Southwest plane taking off at Denver International Airport

As previously mentioned, flying with a newborn or young toddler may come with a lap charge, depending on who travelers fly with. And if flying with them on your lap won’t work for you,

A few airlines will be more than happy to accommodate infant passengers with a special wall-mounted bassinet fitted to the bulkhead.

It’s essential that babies get as much rest as possible throughout the day, which is why quite a few premium airline cabins allow infants between 0 and 9 months to sleep as comfortably as possible in a setting familiar to their home cot or basket. Travelers should be sure to research if this is available before they fly, as a long-haul lap snooze is no fun for mom or baby.

CON – First Class May Spoil Them For Flying Economy

First class seats

N509FZCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
First class seats

Treating kids to a first-class flight on holiday is all well and good, but what happens when someone has to fly economy again? Kids can grow accustomed to things pretty quickly, and once they are exposed them to all the luxuries of first, they may get a little antsy once reality kicks in over in economy class.

If it was difficult to settle them down on an economy flight before, it might be twice as hard to get them to sleep once they have to make do without sleeping pods, extra soft pillows, and free-flowing juice and snacks. It could even set their expectations sky-high for the hotel once they arrive, too!

6 PRO – Assistance With Luggage At The Airport & Connecting Flights

A Plane Passenger's Travelling Bags
Image by Stela Di from Pixabay
A Plane Passenger's Travelling Bags

Depending on the size of your family, this extra help may seem a little unnecessary. Still, for a tired family of five or even just a single parent trying to juggle a wriggly toddler while rooting for their purse and boarding pass, the smallest of gestures can go a surprisingly long way.

That’s why a first-class ticket will sometimes provide ground assistance in the form of a staff member grabbing their luggage off the carousel and escorting people through the terminal to get to your gate smoothly – much like a bellboy at an upscale hotel.

This service can also check in for travelers, saving oodles of time and sanity trying to catch connecting flights with toddlers dragging their heels.

CON – It Can Be (Unnecessarily) Expensive

Credit Cards And A Laptop In Maine, USA
Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash
Credit Cards And A Laptop In Maine, USA

The most obvious downside to flying your kids first class is how needlessly pricey it can be. A first-class ticket may include many more amenities than economy. Still, when someone breaks it all down, there are many things they can do to keep your kids entertained and comfortable within budget, like packing plenty of snack boxes, games, and home comforts.

The extra comfort and space of a premium cabin may seem more tempting if someone has many hours to kill, but otherwise, opting for premium economy rather than paying the full work may be better suited to you. It all depends on the journey length and what the traveler feels is best for their kids when traveling.

5 PRO – Luxury Sleeping Arrangements May Guarantee More Peace For You

Air Canada aircraft, white with red logo, airborne
Photo by Ansel Huang on Unsplash
Air Canada flight, Vancouver, plane in the blue sky 

Anyone knows that trying to nap sitting bolt upright or even on someone’s lap is not the comfiest way to drop off. And though catching 40 winks in a plane as opposed to a jerky car road trip may be a little easier, it doesn’t provide your kid with the most comfortable way to sleep.

Mercifully, first-class cabins are designed to make kids feel as at home as possible, with a fully flat bed set up with soft pillows and blankets.

So, if someone is planning a long-haul flight, a first-class cabin can be well worth it for the extra shut-eye for your kids (and fellow passengers).

4 PRO – A Spacious, Homey Atmosphere May Combat First-flight Nerves

Marcoola's Sunshine Coast Airport
Photo by Finlea Gabriel on Unsplash
An airplane departing from Marcoola's Sunshine Coast Airport

If you’ve only ever flown a gazillion times as an adult, it can be easy to forget how intimidating and frightening the first-ever flight can be to kids. The best thing they can do in helping to combat their nerves is to get them excited about the process and let a premium cabin put them at ease.

At the end of the day, children will love flying first class for the same reasons adults do – the legroom, the complimentary refreshments, and a relaxed lounge atmosphere. It can be like a mini holiday in your kid's eyes.

A first-class cabin may not be able to stop turbulence, but since it’s a far quieter, spacious part of the aircraft, it can certainly help a particularly nervous young flyer cope and even perhaps enjoy their time.

CON – The Unhelpful And Disapproving Stares

Flight Attendant on Singapore Airlines
Sorbis / Shutterstock
Flight Attendant on Singapore Airlines

Make no bones about it; if a person brings a couple of toddlers into the first-class cabin, you’re probably going to get a few disapproving glares from fellow passengers. This happens in economy, too, but in the quieter and more spacious lounge setting of a first-class quarter, the parent shaming is probably going to seem amplified.

Travelers needn’t let people’s pre-judgment make them feel self-conscious for the entire flight, though.

A good way to disarm fellow passengers and put yourself at ease can be to hand out goody bags with things like earplugs, homemade cookies, and thank you notes to let them know the family appreciates their patience!

3 PRO - It Keeps Them Out Of The Aisles

View of plane interior from window seat
Photo by Aleksei Zaitcev on Unsplash
View of plane interior from window seat

Kids sitting with their parents in first class are less likely to be distracted by other kids and passengers in proximity. In economy class, it's easy for children to lean into the aisles, obstructing the walkways for other passengers and flight attendants. In first class, with much more personal space to play and relax, kids are less likely to get in other people's way. This makes the journey more pleasant for fellow passengers and the child's parents because they don't have to reprimand them during the flight.

CON - It May Detract From Your First Class Experience

Bluetooth Headsets on a Flight are Amazing
Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash
Bluetooth Headsets on a Flight are Amazing

When discussing whether to fly first class with kids, it's important to think about the reason a parent is choosing to fly in first class. If the entire motivation for booking first-class seats is to give the child more space and a better chance of relaxation during the flight, then first-class might be worthwhile. However, parents who are booking first-class tickets with children simply because they (the parent) want a first-class experience may want to consider if flying with a kid is the best time to splurge on these seats or use their extra points.

Flying with children can be stressful, especially when they become bored or restless partway through the flight.

If a high-end, relaxing first-class flight is the end goal, parents might be better off reserving these luxury tickets for a time when they're flying solo and occupying their child in economy class.

2 Is Having Your Child Fly First Class Appropriate?

Fiumicino, Rome, Italy
Photo by Angela Compagnone on Unsplash
Aerial view of Fiumicino, Rome, Italy from a plane.

Because most airlines don't have set policies on flying with younger children, doing this should be fine. In general, air travel is supposed to be a quick, comfortable way to get around the world, so that shouldn't necessarily skip kids altogether. First class is known to be less "communal" than even business and economy and is rarely filled with children. Parents who can afford first-class tickets for their children often fly private, where everyone is free to be as good (or bad) as they see fit.

Many people debate between first class and flying private, as they can sometimes be similarly priced.

Again, whatever feels appropriate to someone flying with kids is what they should do. First, it's crucial to give the kids flying quick manners talk, with how to properly act in a first-class setting, as well as other travel-related tips and fun ideas to get them through it. Children, at their core, are understanding, so explaining how first-class flying might require quieter voices and more naps should be received well with the right approach.

Furthermore, on the plane, it is always a pleasant surprise for others to see well-behaved kids in the first-class cabin, so that could help break the stigma of young passengers in nicer, more expensive spaces. There are countless minors who fly first class and business class each day, so it's not like doing this is unheard of. Just try to discuss everything with the children and get plenty of games, movies/shows, and nap-time materials together before taking off.

For people planning on flying their kids in first class, this is possible with the right planning and flight-friendly games, crafts, and sleeping materials. Ideally, every child will have a soft blanket, pillow, stuffed animal, and even noise-canceling headphones.

1 What Is The Best Age For A First Flight?

A Japan Airlines flight before takeoff
Nguyen Hung Via: Unsplash
A Japan Airlines flight before takeoff

Although there isn't a set 'best age' for flying, most kids experience their first flight around three and nine months (before they're mobile), and then from ages two and three for older kids flying for the first time. It can sometimes be easier flying with super tiny babies because they'll sleep most of the time and can't run around, but that's not to say this is always a breeze. Once a kid reaches walking age, that's when flying can become anxiety-filled.

Training children to fly, first class or not, is always a good idea. Whether they understand what a plane is or not, teaching younger people how to behave on a plane is a nice idea before they create bad habits. It's far more challenging to form a good habit than break a bad one. Kids are meant to have fun, ask tons of questions, and occasionally misbehave; it's all totally normal. Don't put too much pressure on them or yourself, as nobody is perfect.

Don't put too much pressure on the idea of flying with a younger child. Many people have their children fly as young as three months, so this is totally fine. Of course, they may not always be in first class, which may be a more unique situation.

Planes are intimidating for a lot of adults, so imagine how a small child may feel. Sometimes, take-off can be triggering, especially for younger, sensitive children. Try and be as comforting as possible during this time, and the flight should go much smoother than without the extra TLC. Even the smallest things, like a stuffed animal or toy, can make a significant impact on a child during trying times.

These friendly airlines might be worth choosing, especially when traveling with younger ones.

What Is The Hardest Age To Travel With A Child?

Most people have the hardest time flying with children at nine months old. That's because, during this timeframe, babies begin to become squirmy and mobile, leading to trouble mid-flight. Crying will also be the worst at around nine months, whether a child is sad, happy, hungry, confused, upset, or essentially any emotion: there's a lot of crying.

That happening in first class can make things very awkward, especially because people sometimes pay thousands of dollars for their seats. A screaming child ruining everyone's flight is not a good way to start or end a trip, so kids around nine months may not be ready to fly.