Club World Lounge Access with Children
May 7, 2019, 3:05 pm
#46
Join Date: Oct 2011
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So is it a far more wholesome message to tell your kids "Ok kids, I have some extra $, but only enough for mommy and daddy to go sit in a much nicer part of the plane away from you guys. I'd rather spend $ and split the family up than bother sitting with you two for 12 hours and saving $."
That's a bit odd for a kid to process isn't it?
May 7, 2019, 3:07 pm
#47
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There's also the viewpoint that a family vacation is something that the family does together, partly for the bonding experience......versus parents wanting/needing to take a vacation from their own kids.
May 7, 2019, 3:14 pm
#48
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold / Hilton Diamond / IHG Diamond Ambassador / Marriot Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,532
What's the appeal of trying to gain access to the BA lounge for the OP? The group are unlikely to find comfy seats for 4 people together, the food is mediocre and half the group can't drink.
I definitely would not be paying for access to the Aspire lounge as it's dreadful. A table at Plane Food is the way to go here, as mentioned up thread.
I definitely would not be paying for access to the Aspire lounge as it's dreadful. A table at Plane Food is the way to go here, as mentioned up thread.
the rules on access are clear and officially it will be no. However when you get to the airport ask! Last year my wife and I were in F with the kids in J. Access to the CCR for all of us was planned and days before my wife breaks an a leg! She had to delay travel but CCR access was not going to happen due to the rules. At check in my wife’s details were still active in the system and I explained the situation. We were all allowed First class security and escorted to the CCR. At the gate they got upgraded to F! In the last 12 years I haven't had single op up but my kids did.!
so plan to explore T5, the over priced shops and expensive duty free. My local Tesco is often cheaper for booze! But ask and they might just be flexible!
May 7, 2019, 3:28 pm
#49
Join Date: Nov 2004
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"but at only 13 and 11 the kids are not old enough or responsible enough to leave them to make their own way to the gate."
Each to their own but T5 is one of the easier and safer places to start their "airport training". I am believer of unaccompanied flying from 12. BA raised it to 14 last year. Obviously child specific, well prepared, mobile phone in hand, and "picker upper" at destination before child's airplane takes off.
In fact age 8-10, guide me to the gate. 10-11 meet me at the gate. UM flying from 8 also recommended (start with shorter routes). Then 12+ I'll meet you at the starbucks outside arrivals (with age adjustments as needed).
Specifically in your case. Tour t5a together for familiarity, get them something to eat, sit them down somewhere not far from the escalators. Call them every 30 min from the lounge.
Well done on flying them in Y. Builds character. You would never want them in the future to not enjoy the greatness of world travel because they can't travel premium and when they do travel premium they will enjoy it that much more.
Each to their own but T5 is one of the easier and safer places to start their "airport training". I am believer of unaccompanied flying from 12. BA raised it to 14 last year. Obviously child specific, well prepared, mobile phone in hand, and "picker upper" at destination before child's airplane takes off.
In fact age 8-10, guide me to the gate. 10-11 meet me at the gate. UM flying from 8 also recommended (start with shorter routes). Then 12+ I'll meet you at the starbucks outside arrivals (with age adjustments as needed).
Specifically in your case. Tour t5a together for familiarity, get them something to eat, sit them down somewhere not far from the escalators. Call them every 30 min from the lounge.
Well done on flying them in Y. Builds character. You would never want them in the future to not enjoy the greatness of world travel because they can't travel premium and when they do travel premium they will enjoy it that much more.
May 8, 2019, 5:27 am
#50
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA - Gold, EK - Gold
Posts: 107
Hummm times have changed haven’t they?
From the age of 5 I was chucked on a plane by myself (being supervised by a flight attendant) to flying long haul from LHR to HKG. Back then it was something like a 23hr flight with a stop in Bahrain.
Did it every summer holiday and stayed happily with my grandparents. My parents couldn’t afford to come with me but they wanted to ensure I still was connected to my roots and family.
I am sure it played some part in my development 37 years ago.
From the age of 5 I was chucked on a plane by myself (being supervised by a flight attendant) to flying long haul from LHR to HKG. Back then it was something like a 23hr flight with a stop in Bahrain.
Did it every summer holiday and stayed happily with my grandparents. My parents couldn’t afford to come with me but they wanted to ensure I still was connected to my roots and family.
I am sure it played some part in my development 37 years ago.
May 8, 2019, 5:34 am
#51
Join Date: Oct 2015
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Programs: BAEC Gold
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As others have already suggested, just spend time as a family having a nice meal in Plane Food or Giraffe or Wagamamas before boarding your flight.
May 8, 2019, 5:49 am
#52
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 1,159
My concern would be what might happen if an evacuation was necessary? Your kids would have to fend totally for themselves without any help from anyone. You and them are quite likely to be separated for some time after evacuation and if on water then you would likely be separated until after recovery. They are your kids and you will do as you see fit and quite rightly. But if they were mine there is no way in a million years I would fly separated from my kids especially in a completely different cabin. I am sure the experience wouldn't do them any harm and may be fun for them... providing there is no evac required. If an evac is required you may never see them again! Now that is a scary thought for most parents!
As for the lounge... forget the BA lounge... enjoy the many eating places in the terminal together as a family. Do a bit of shopping and spend the cost of the lounge on some treats for the kids. No brainer for me
As for the lounge... forget the BA lounge... enjoy the many eating places in the terminal together as a family. Do a bit of shopping and spend the cost of the lounge on some treats for the kids. No brainer for me
May 8, 2019, 6:03 am
#53
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Hummm times have changed haven’t they?
From the age of 5 I was chucked on a plane by myself (being supervised by a flight attendant) to flying long haul from LHR to HKG. Back then it was something like a 23hr flight with a stop in Bahrain.
Did it every summer holiday and stayed happily with my grandparents. My parents couldn’t afford to come with me but they wanted to ensure I still was connected to my roots and family.
I am sure it played some part in my development 37 years ago.
From the age of 5 I was chucked on a plane by myself (being supervised by a flight attendant) to flying long haul from LHR to HKG. Back then it was something like a 23hr flight with a stop in Bahrain.
Did it every summer holiday and stayed happily with my grandparents. My parents couldn’t afford to come with me but they wanted to ensure I still was connected to my roots and family.
I am sure it played some part in my development 37 years ago.
they are much less looked after than you would have been 37 years ago because airlines have cut a lot on personnel, and many of them travel on their own not just every summer holiday but sometimes every fortnight or every week.
What is proposes here is cery different however, it is not kids travelling on their own but kids travelling with their parents, and the ensuing question of whether in that case, the parents should look after them or make them someone else’s problem. In other words, if on the flights you mention your parents had been travelling along - same days, same flights - do you think that they would have expected some strangers to keep an eye on you or would they have done so themselves?
May 8, 2019, 6:25 am
#54
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South East, UK
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Obviously we would like to take advantage of the lounge facilities at London Heathrow and this is part of the experience we have both been looking forward to, but at only 13 and 11 the kids are not old enough or responsible enough to leave them to make their own way to the gate.
When I booked, the lady I spoke with on the phone told me I would be able to book them a lounge pass but on further investigation it seems BA don't sell access to their lounges.
When I booked, the lady I spoke with on the phone told me I would be able to book them a lounge pass but on further investigation it seems BA don't sell access to their lounges.
As others have mentioned it is primarily down to a safety issue - if you don't think your kids can find their way to the gate on their own they might not cope too well in an emergency (hence some airlines' strict policies, since in an emergency they don't want parents delaying an evacuation by trying to reach their kids in another cabin).
May 8, 2019, 7:01 am
#55
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: LHR
Programs: BAEC Gold, SkyTeam Elite Plus, Sixt Gold
Posts: 418
I think we're talking about messaging to the children (about not getting nice stuff until you've earned it) rather than what the other passengers/cabin crew think.
Although I did enjoy how frandrake caveats it with "especially if on hols" - I guess if you're sending your children to a business meeting, you should at least fuel them with champagne on the way...
Although I did enjoy how frandrake caveats it with "especially if on hols" - I guess if you're sending your children to a business meeting, you should at least fuel them with champagne on the way...
I, personally, would not fly my family on holiday in J or F as I do not want my children to grow in a situation where flying premium and accessing lounges is the norm. It was not the norm for me when I grew up and I enjoyed working hard and earning what I have now. I wish them to follow a similar path.
That said, I never judge when I see children in J or F (again, it could be for a variety of reasons).
Same applies to a first car or anything else. My parenting style is to provide guidance and a decent minimum, not to grant my kids the same level of pampering I can afford for myself if that makes sense.
May 8, 2019, 7:32 am
#57
Join Date: Nov 2017
Programs: BA, Hilton
Posts: 2,091
https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...avel-documents
In short, BA appear happy for children from 5 upwards to travel in a separate cabin. Under 5s must be accompanied by a 16+ individual.
May 8, 2019, 7:39 am
#58
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 181
This is one of the more interesting questions, I think, and I also assume the same as it's impossible to book into different cabins, isn't it?
The evacuation scenario mentioned a few times already is extremely unlikely but what about travel disruption? A cancelled flight, for example.
Wouldn't the airline be looking at two separate travelling parties and perhaps rebook them independently?
The evacuation scenario mentioned a few times already is extremely unlikely but what about travel disruption? A cancelled flight, for example.
Wouldn't the airline be looking at two separate travelling parties and perhaps rebook them independently?
May 8, 2019, 7:39 am
#59
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lol what I meant was that if you have to say, relocate the family from LHR to HKG because of your work commitment or are flying home during a mission abroad it could make sense to ease the pain off the family by flying the kids in J or F.
I, personally, would not fly my family on holiday in J or F as I do not want my children to grow in a situation where flying premium and accessing lounges is the norm. It was not the norm for me when I grew up and I enjoyed working hard and earning what I have now. I wish them to follow a similar path.
That said, I never judge when I see children in J or F (again, it could be for a variety of reasons).
Same applies to a first car or anything else. My parenting style is to provide guidance and a decent minimum, not to grant my kids the same level of pampering I can afford for myself if that makes sense.
I, personally, would not fly my family on holiday in J or F as I do not want my children to grow in a situation where flying premium and accessing lounges is the norm. It was not the norm for me when I grew up and I enjoyed working hard and earning what I have now. I wish them to follow a similar path.
That said, I never judge when I see children in J or F (again, it could be for a variety of reasons).
Same applies to a first car or anything else. My parenting style is to provide guidance and a decent minimum, not to grant my kids the same level of pampering I can afford for myself if that makes sense.
I differ slightly to you, in that I want my children to benefit from what I earn, and would rather treat them as equals. Just because I did not have something as a child, does not mean they should not.
So, when we travel, we sit in the same cabin of travel. Why? Because I was brought up to embrace the importance of togetherness and family.
By the same token, when we book a hotel, I make sure we all stay in the same hotel. If I book a Hilton, I'd rather not send my kids round the corner to a Premier Inn. However, that of course, is simply parenting style.
M
May 8, 2019, 7:39 am
#60
Join Date: Jun 2010
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Welcome to Flyertalk, bakker110
It’s very likely that your New York bound flight will board from T5B, which as it is less frenetic and of a more human scale than T5A, you’ll probably find the options more manageable there.
The lounge is perched above the main departure area so it’s possible to arrange a spot where your children can amuse themselves (plenty of views of the apron and taxiway theatre) allowing you to keep a watchful eye on them from the lounge above.
It’s very likely that your New York bound flight will board from T5B, which as it is less frenetic and of a more human scale than T5A, you’ll probably find the options more manageable there.
The lounge is perched above the main departure area so it’s possible to arrange a spot where your children can amuse themselves (plenty of views of the apron and taxiway theatre) allowing you to keep a watchful eye on them from the lounge above.
If you were discussing parents sending their kids in F and J on trips by themselves without any supervision, you might...almost...maybe have a point.
So is it a far more wholesome message to tell your kids "Ok kids, I have some extra $, but only enough for mommy and daddy to go sit in a much nicer part of the plane away from you guys. I'd rather spend $ and split the family up than bother sitting with you two for 12 hours and saving $."
That's a bit odd for a kid to process isn't it?
So is it a far more wholesome message to tell your kids "Ok kids, I have some extra $, but only enough for mommy and daddy to go sit in a much nicer part of the plane away from you guys. I'd rather spend $ and split the family up than bother sitting with you two for 12 hours and saving $."
That's a bit odd for a kid to process isn't it?
Hummm times have changed haven’t they?
From the age of 5 I was chucked on a plane by myself (being supervised by a flight attendant) to flying long haul from LHR to HKG. Back then it was something like a 23hr flight with a stop in Bahrain.
Did it every summer holiday and stayed happily with my grandparents. My parents couldn’t afford to come with me but they wanted to ensure I still was connected to my roots and family.
I am sure it played some part in my development 37 years ago.
From the age of 5 I was chucked on a plane by myself (being supervised by a flight attendant) to flying long haul from LHR to HKG. Back then it was something like a 23hr flight with a stop in Bahrain.
Did it every summer holiday and stayed happily with my grandparents. My parents couldn’t afford to come with me but they wanted to ensure I still was connected to my roots and family.
I am sure it played some part in my development 37 years ago.
I disagree. This is nothing to do with "building character" or "airport training"; what you're effectively telling your children is, "We're taking you on holiday but we've chosen to sit apart from you, in better seats than you, for the duration of the long flight and we'd also rather sit in the lounge, drinking free booze, than spend time with you in the airport".
I don't think it's an easy subject to generalise about. Personally I doubt when my kids are that age that that's the route I'd go down. I think more likely I figure out what the best cabin I can get us ALL into is.
Or, alternative approach suggestion here - do mum and 1 kids out in J, with dad and other kid down the back, and then swap around on the return leg.
Just throwing that out there...