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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to expect my child to be able to have an in flight meal

312 replies

Staceroo · 24/04/2015 15:25

So we're flying to Turkey in a couple of weeks. I have paid for in flight meals for me, my husband and our 3 year old daughter. Thomas Cook will not allow me to purchase an in flight meal for our 11 month old.

It's a real case of 'computer says no!'

Save all the jokes about airplane food because Thomas cook have a range of James Martin meals which are pretty tasty and nutritious.

11 month old is baby led, and never eaten out of a jar in her life.

Solutions proposed by TC are...

  1. "You are permitted to take baby food on to Thomas Cook Airlines aircraft if you are travelling with an infant or small child ,Most UK Airports have a Boots where you can purchase baby food and formula after the security screening point. These can be purchased and brought on board providing you do exceed you hand luggage restrictions. I Hope this Helps - Stef"

  2. "book a separate seat for her she will be able to get an inflight meal, however then she will be booked as a child and will lose her infant luggage allowance and will need to pay the full flight price" (That's a very expensive in flight meal!!!!)

  3. There are a range of snack and other meals available on the flight but they can't tell me what those will be, but they're not the James Martin meals.

OP posts:
Sirzy · 24/04/2015 15:27

Can you not just make butties or something for her?

Tbh I wouldn't expect to get a meal for a child who didn't have their own seat.

OldFarticus · 24/04/2015 15:29

They can't serve a meal unless she has her own seat. Seems completely reasonable to me.

Scotinoz · 24/04/2015 15:29

Not many airlines do infant meals. Pack a picnic?

WhirlpoolGalaxyM51 · 24/04/2015 15:30

They wont' get butties through the checking thing, is the problem.

She is restricted to whatever might be on sale in boots / whsmith after going through to the departure lounge, which OP is not keen on / doesn't know what will be available.

Which airport is it? You might be able to get something quite decent in the departure lounge. I can't remember 11 months - she can have a sandwich or something then I imagine?

ivykaty44 · 24/04/2015 15:30

Can you give your DC your meal and you get something to eat either on the plane from the trolley or purchase something at the airport?

Doingakatereddy · 24/04/2015 15:31

One adult eats in departure lounge and baby eats their meal on plane.

Or is this a stealth babyled weaning boast?!

thatstoast · 24/04/2015 15:32

I would just share my food with Ds when he was that age. I wouldn't buy him his own meal if we were eating out as portion sizes are too big.

WhirlpoolGalaxyM51 · 24/04/2015 15:32

Like we go from stansted sometimes and there is a pret, so you can buy plain bread, yoghurt, bananas, or a sarnie, lots of stuff, OK so salt whatever might be an issue if you get a sarnie but it's just the once.

WhirlpoolGalaxyM51 · 24/04/2015 15:33

Yes or what doing or toast said as well.

There are loads of options TBH. I don't think this will be a problem for you at all.

TeaAndBisquits · 24/04/2015 15:33

Can you not take food through the security? We're flying next week and I was planning on taking some things through for our BLW daughter. Is this not permitted?

Perfectlypurple · 24/04/2015 15:34

Why won't you get sandwiches through check in? I have taken food in the past. As long as it isn't liquid it is fine.

Sirzy · 24/04/2015 15:34

You can take food in your hand luggage. A quick google has just confirmed it.

PannaDoll · 24/04/2015 15:34

I've flown to Australia and back a couple of times before mine was two and was only once or twice oferred a baby tray (and they always had squidgy packet mash on them anyway). Grab some bananas, a sandwich and take a packet of rice crackers or soemthing. I fed mine off my tray along with whatever snacks I could scavenge from the crew otherwise.

WhirlpoolGalaxyM51 · 24/04/2015 15:35

I don't think you can, tea. Best to check the airport website.

If it turns out food is OK just not liquids then OP has even more options!

MissMooMoo · 24/04/2015 15:35

I always take food through security.....why would butties not get through?
your child doesn't have a seat therefore can't have a meal.

SoupDragon · 24/04/2015 15:35

I am quietly sniggering at the indignation that your DD has "never eaten out of a jar in her life" whilst complaining that she can't have what amounts to a ready meal.

Spotifymuse · 24/04/2015 15:36

Since when have there been restrictions on taking food in hand luggage ?

fredfredgeorgejnr · 24/04/2015 15:36

Just share some of yours, take some food as they advised. You don't get a meal for people without seats, it's quite a simple rule, and given that the majority of people will not want a meal for the non-seated child a perfectly sane one.

YABU.

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 24/04/2015 15:36

I agree - I would take some sealed packets of things like rice cakes, buy some fresh bits and pieces in the air side shops and share things like a bread roll and yoghurt from the adult meals

TheAwfulDaughter · 24/04/2015 15:36

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Shakirasma · 24/04/2015 15:37

We always take sandwiches, they are allowed through security.

WhirlpoolGalaxyM51 · 24/04/2015 15:37

Oh well that's useful to know!

There you go OP, you can take some food for her with you, no problems at all!

Yeesss · 24/04/2015 15:37

What nonsense. Just take whatever food you need with you. I travel all the time and always take sandwiches and plenty of snacks for me, DH and the DC. It is only liquids that cannot go through security.

And James Martin or not, the airline food will be crap anyway.

GloGirl · 24/04/2015 15:38

Yabu. A flight to Australia I can almost understand.

They have such limited space to cook and store meals. The stewards might have an extra vegetarian left at the end if you ask nicely?

Buy a couple of bananas at Boots

OddBoots · 24/04/2015 15:39

Will they let you upgrade your 3yo's meal to adult sized then they could share it?