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Original poster

BA business class with toddler

97 replies

Greyrootszerohoots · 27/09/2021 22:09

Will be flying to Canada next summer. DH has serious illness and won’t be able to do it in a regular seat, needs the lie flat bed. We’ll have a 2.5 y/o.

Has anyone travelled in British Airways business with a toddler? Any thoughts / tips?

OP posts:
karmakameleon · 27/09/2021 22:13

It was a few years ago and we did it with a 3 year old and a 1year old. It was absolutely fine. Headphones went on and plugged them into the in flight entertainment and we heard not a peep out of them. Far easier than travelling in economy.

Blankspace4 · 27/09/2021 22:15

Hmmm not sure how the rest of the cabin who’ve paid a premium to work / or for a chilled experience would take to a toddler being there.

AgnesNaismith · 27/09/2021 22:17

Yes absolutely, a few times with BA and the air stewards were amazing with our children. They have special meals and kits for them to play with and have had chats with them every time. In fact once my dd left her comforter on the plane and the cabin manager personally kept it, called us and sent it back via post. I couldn’t recommend them more.

Imohsotired · 27/09/2021 22:18

Check out the seat plans and photos of the cabin to make sure the seats are suitable - herringbone configuration can mean you’re toddler isn’t within easy reach which could be a pain if they want snacks etc. I haven’t flown BA for a couple of years but there were 2 side by side seats that would work in the middle if their business class config is still the same.

AgnesNaismith · 27/09/2021 22:19

Yes, if you go for the middle ones go for the front row - that way you won’t be climbing over people to get out!

gogohm · 27/09/2021 22:22

I would check to see which are suitable for a toddler as many are single units

Original poster
Greyrootszerohoots · 27/09/2021 22:28

Thank you all, I’ll probably call to book them to make sure.

I’m certainly nervous about others being unhappy about a toddler being there, though I plan on booking a night flight so hoping she would sleep.

The other alternative is to put dh in business and travel economy with DD alone, though I think she would settle better in a bed.

OP posts:
PegasusReturns · 27/09/2021 22:29

Yes it’s absolutely fine. What sort of tips are you look for - it’s obviously far easier to manage than in economy.

On most planes (2/4/2) config you want the two middle seats so you’re both facing same way. The other seats are alternate the direction they face .

CraftyGin · 27/09/2021 22:31

Don't worry about it, especially if you are paying your own way.

When we emigrated to the USA, the looks on the faces of the other in the business cabin was something to behold when we showed up with 4 children, aged 8 years down to 5 months.

The reality was that our children were the best behaved of all of them, and we paid full fare, instead of their Airmiles.

Original poster
Greyrootszerohoots · 27/09/2021 22:32

@PegasusReturns I suppose my main worry is other passengers who don’t want a toddler there! Though I’m sure we’ll easily keep her entertained and others on here have reassured me. I’m sure it will be much easier as she’ll have her own space to wriggle in, rather than a confined seat.

It looks like the plane we’ll be on is herringbone in 3s, so not ideal but I’m sure plenty have managed!

OP posts:
Selkiesarereal · 27/09/2021 22:32

Definitely go business, quieter cabin so better chance of sleep on a flat bed. More space too. Also first off the plane so less queuing at immigration. You will not regret it.

Original poster
Greyrootszerohoots · 27/09/2021 22:33

@CraftyGin that sounds like a great sight! Yes it’s certainly going to cost a pretty penny but this could be the last time DH gets to see friends there so I should probably be a little more belligerent about it really!

OP posts:
RandomMess · 27/09/2021 22:36

It was great, DD could fit next to me on the seat. They served us meals one at a time so it was hot!

Fillybuster · 27/09/2021 22:37

Our best flight ever when ds1 (now 16....) was little was when we ended up flying business class with BA due to dh's work. No issues from other passengers (& to be honest, I can't see why there would be) and it was an absolute joy from start to finish. Loads of help, loads of space, better food and a generally great experience. Go for it!

Shmithecat2 · 27/09/2021 22:39

@Greyrootszerohoots

Will be flying to Canada next summer. DH has serious illness and won’t be able to do it in a regular seat, needs the lie flat bed. We’ll have a 2.5 y/o.

Has anyone travelled in British Airways business with a toddler? Any thoughts / tips?

I have - since DS was 6 weeks old. He's 6yo next month. I cannot say a bad word about BA flight attendants, they've treated us wonderfully on every single flight (we were expat, so did 4 or 5 return trips a year). The food leaves a lot to enjoy desired, but otherwise, its great. Try and prebook the double seats in the center aisle.
Shmithecat2 · 27/09/2021 22:40

@Blankspace4

Hmmm not sure how the rest of the cabin who’ve paid a premium to work / or for a chilled experience would take to a toddler being there.
Hmm, not sure I give a shit.
ilovebw · 27/09/2021 22:40

I travel business class with my dc when they were little. It's much easier than flying economy- more space and so on. I say go for it. Lots of children fly business, you'll be fine.

gogohm · 27/09/2021 22:41

I flew long haul with mine a lot and took car seats (forward facing obviously long time ago) and they slept most the journey

maddy68 · 27/09/2021 22:41

God that would be my nightmare. Pay a shit ton of money to be able to work and then get some proper sleep and you ruscover a toddler in the seat next to you

Milkbottlelegs · 27/09/2021 22:42

We’ve flown business and first with a toddler many times. They will definitely find it easier to sleep in a flat bed than an economy seat.

As to the other passengers, it’s kind of tough luck!

Stroller15 · 27/09/2021 22:44

I'm sorry OP, it sounds like quite a special occasion. Flowers 2yrs ago, I flew BA business class with a 3yr old. Absolutely no problems, the crew were amazing and my DC fell asleep just after take off. There (was?) Is a soft play area at terminal 5 that tired him out. Everything is quite exciting for them. But yes to more snacks than you could imagine! Also lollipops help with their ears once the dummies were gone (maybe terrible advice)

PegasusReturns · 27/09/2021 22:44

Don’t worry about other passengers Smile

I always take the view that when I have my DC with me I’m more likely than most other occupants to have paid for my flight out of my own pocket.

Honeyroar · 27/09/2021 22:48

I was BA crew for two decades until Covid hit. It was completely normal for people to travel with toddlers. They were often better behaved than the adults! Don’t worry a bit about what other people will think. They really won’t unless your child makes a racket for the entire journey (they won’t!). Just take lots of toys, there will be plenty of kids things on the onboard entertainment too. Order a child’s meal perhaps? Seriously don’t worry!

Undertheoldlindentree · 27/09/2021 22:53

Hmmm not sure how the rest of the cabin who’ve paid a premium to work / or for a chilled experience would take to a toddler being there.

Never understand this discriminatory attitude. Small children are part of our society. Would you complain about sitting next to older people? I've had more journeys and meals out affected by the boisterous chatter of adults than any toddler!

Milkbottlelegs · 27/09/2021 22:58

I've had more journeys and meals out affected by the boisterous chatter of adults than any toddler!

Exactly! Nothing worse than a fat business man snoring on a flight, far worse than any child I’ve encountered!