Going In-flight with Low Cost Carriers.

These days when it is almost cheaper to fly to another city than to catch a cab, a lot of people now choose the numerous low cost airlines to shuttle the family both nationally and internationally.

The main point to remember is that the $70 fare does not include anything over and above the actual flight, except maybe a pair of earphones and an in-flight magazine depending on the carrier.

The kids activity bags, once a pre-requisite on all flights are now only found on international carriers like Qantas and British Air.

For short haul flights, this is not a major concern as you can pack the kids with a Nintendo DS, MP3 etc, an hours flight isn’t a major concern as generally you have had breakfast, lunch or dinner and happy to sit back and relax till you once again touch down on the tarmac.

It’s when you start the longer haul flights, Sydney to Perth or Coolangatta to Kuala Lumpur that more consideration needs to be given to meals and in-flight entertainment.

The 4 main players in this market are Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Tiger Air and Air Asia X.
 

When it comes to In-flight entertainment virtually all carry in-flight magazines to read and keep if you wish at no charge, it’s when you are looking for Video on demand that the parallels change.

Both Virgin and Air Asia X have the in-flight entertainment in the seat backs, so all you need to do is simply swipe your card and you instantly get access to a number of channels from movies to entertainment. Air Asia X allows you to do this at any time in your flight and has a fun feature, if you are travelling with a group, to message other passengers, plus on-line games, though basic, to keep you entertained. There is no need to book them in advance. Prices range from $5 to $15 (30 ringgit on Air Asia X)

Tiger Airways and Jetstar both have limited portable players to rent on certain routes.

Our advice, if you are considering renting one or more of these units,  book it when you book your tickets. They are limited and it is highly unlikely that there will be a spare unit available if you decide a movie may be the go, when you are 10,000 feet in the air.

When it comes to dining, again, close attention is required when booking your tickets. If you are given an option to pre-book your meals, then do so. This will alleviate any disappointment when the trolley comes out, and the last chicken dish you have been craving was served to the person just in front of you, or you know there is no way the kids will eat sweat and sour fish!


Again both Jetstar and Air Asia X both give you options to order on-line to ensure you are not disappointed.

Also note that most international carriers have a “No Foreign Food” policy, meaning the sandwiches, bag of chips, fruit for the kids and the packet mud cakes you packed really should not be on the plane, especially when flying internationally. This is not a scam to make you purchase the airlines food, it has more serious undertones, quarantine issues. Whether coming into our out of Australia, foods you may be carrying may also contain an unwanted stow away, and discarded incorrectly, could infect, breed and inhabit foreign countries. Though introduced here, look at the cane toads. Besides have you ever look at a bag of chips purchased at the airport at 40,000 feet? It resembles a foil helium balloon, and when you open it, have you ever seen the Simpson’s episode when Homer becomes an Astronaut? If you have you will know what I mean.

While low cost , all the carriers are polite, professional and more than happy to serve. Remember that it is a plane, with limited storage. But with the option to book ahead, you will not be disappointed.

For further tips on travelling with kids, click here.


Note: Not all carriers fly from all major airports.