Kids in F
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SLC
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz PC, Avis PC, Hilton Diamond, BW Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 212
Kids in F
Okay, I know kids have every right to fly, but today I saw something that made me think.... I wanted to see what everyone thought. I was flying today on a 7377 slc to iah 2.5 hr, and 4 of the 12 F seats were one fam, mom and 3 very young kids..
I'm guessing 2 or 3. years old. Anyways, dad appeared to be in the bulkhead in e+. After a quick glance at the app, I could tell it was all the same fam, and they had been upgraded.. No problem to me as I got upgraded as well, but First isint really the product for kids, I mean they could care less... to them at that age an e+ seat has got to be just as much fun.. These little guys were well behaved, but I noticed they didn't eat any of their food... Since mom must have had high status, they ordered first, which left a few people getting their 2nd choice.. I wonder had I missed a CPU and saw 1/3 the F cabin with kids I might feel differently. I'd say if I had that many little guys, I would probably stay in e+ out of respect to other F pax, assuming kids might be rowdy, besides they're not going to care like some of us do. What are your thoughts?? Have you guys seen this?
I'm guessing 2 or 3. years old. Anyways, dad appeared to be in the bulkhead in e+. After a quick glance at the app, I could tell it was all the same fam, and they had been upgraded.. No problem to me as I got upgraded as well, but First isint really the product for kids, I mean they could care less... to them at that age an e+ seat has got to be just as much fun.. These little guys were well behaved, but I noticed they didn't eat any of their food... Since mom must have had high status, they ordered first, which left a few people getting their 2nd choice.. I wonder had I missed a CPU and saw 1/3 the F cabin with kids I might feel differently. I'd say if I had that many little guys, I would probably stay in e+ out of respect to other F pax, assuming kids might be rowdy, besides they're not going to care like some of us do. What are your thoughts?? Have you guys seen this?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
I see it every so often.
Doesn't bother me in the slightest. They tend to know how to act on an airplane, more so than some kettles.
With that many UGs, someone burned miles/$$ for their kids. Not sure why any adult elite should be more entitled than the kids.
Doesn't bother me in the slightest. They tend to know how to act on an airplane, more so than some kettles.
With that many UGs, someone burned miles/$$ for their kids. Not sure why any adult elite should be more entitled than the kids.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: YVR SFO
Programs: UA G
Posts: 4,866
Why's it any different if a kid vs. an adult gets a companion EUA? Doesn't matter to me.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
Few enjoy kids in F especially if they behave badly..however they have the right to be there just like anyone else if they were upgraded using instruments or CPU'd according to the rules.
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2009
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*Or elites, for that matter
#6
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#7
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,611
If I were king of the world, humans under the age of 18 (ok, let's say 13) would be forbidden in premium class airplane cabins as well as airline and hotel lounges.
Babies and little kids don't belong in those settings any more than they do Michelin starred restaurants. I pay for a premium experience, not to be in romper room.
And yes, I have three kids. And no, they did not hang out in premium cabins, lounges or Michelin starred restaurants when I was raising them.
Babies and little kids don't belong in those settings any more than they do Michelin starred restaurants. I pay for a premium experience, not to be in romper room.
And yes, I have three kids. And no, they did not hang out in premium cabins, lounges or Michelin starred restaurants when I was raising them.
#8
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 21
I really don't see the big deal with kids sitting in first class, especially if they are well behaved. The kids (and their mom) apparently were just as entitled to the upgrade as you were. Why does it matter that they didn't eat all of their airplane meal? Maybe they just weren't that hungry, or the food was not that appetizing to them. I rarely eat all of mine either, and would hope that other passengers would be too busy minding their own business rather than minding mine.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SLC
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Posts: 212
It actually was a nice flight, and I personally didn't mind, but it was one of those things that got me thinking. I could see a few years...maybe ten years older and it would of been pretty cool to them.
Also I could care less what they or anyone eat, I was just using it as means that they weren't there for the intended F product, but rather just a seat. The 2 year old was pissed Ch 9 wasn't on though...
Also I could care less what they or anyone eat, I was just using it as means that they weren't there for the intended F product, but rather just a seat. The 2 year old was pissed Ch 9 wasn't on though...
#10
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Morris County, NJ
Programs: UA 1K/*G, Avis Pres, Marriott Plat
Posts: 2,305
I've traveled with my son (almost 6 yrs old) in F several times, and it is honestly a fantastic experience.
The FAs absolutely dote on him - which he enjoys, they enjoy, and honestly, puts everyone in a good mood. I've never had a more personalized inflight service! And they were super attentive to the entire cabin since he was the 'draw' out of the galley.
I know nobody thinks 'their kid' is a problem, but he really is a seasoned flyer and well behaved in general. And yes, he ordered (and ate almost all of!) the F meal.
He loved it. And I don't feel even mildly, slightly, one iota guilty about it. He was my companion, and got upgraded with me. My wife was also upgraded via
CPU since I paid for her ticket using my miles (and I hold the PresPlus card.)
Lovely way to go on - and return from - a 2 week vacation.
Edit: oh, and he ABSOLUTELY knows and enjoys the difference! We had a flight to MCO last year to visit the Mouse. That plane is always noisy and he asked me why those kids were being so noisy in the back - don't they know its rude to disturb others?
The FAs absolutely dote on him - which he enjoys, they enjoy, and honestly, puts everyone in a good mood. I've never had a more personalized inflight service! And they were super attentive to the entire cabin since he was the 'draw' out of the galley.
I know nobody thinks 'their kid' is a problem, but he really is a seasoned flyer and well behaved in general. And yes, he ordered (and ate almost all of!) the F meal.
He loved it. And I don't feel even mildly, slightly, one iota guilty about it. He was my companion, and got upgraded with me. My wife was also upgraded via
CPU since I paid for her ticket using my miles (and I hold the PresPlus card.)
Lovely way to go on - and return from - a 2 week vacation.
Edit: oh, and he ABSOLUTELY knows and enjoys the difference! We had a flight to MCO last year to visit the Mouse. That plane is always noisy and he asked me why those kids were being so noisy in the back - don't they know its rude to disturb others?
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Posts: 12,509
If I were king of the world, humans under the age of 18 (ok, let's say 13) would be forbidden in premium class airplane cabins as well as airline and hotel lounges.
Babies and little kids don't belong in those settings any more than they do Michelin starred restaurants. I pay for a premium experience, not to be in romper room.
And yes, I have three kids. And no, they did not hang out in premium cabins, lounges or Michelin starred restaurants when I was raising them.
Babies and little kids don't belong in those settings any more than they do Michelin starred restaurants. I pay for a premium experience, not to be in romper room.
And yes, I have three kids. And no, they did not hang out in premium cabins, lounges or Michelin starred restaurants when I was raising them.
I enjoyed hanging out with the adults, and it was expected that I act like a little adult. It was also expected that I be dressed well, at least what passed for Sunday best in the gawd awful 1970s.
#12
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL
Posts: 289
I'm glad I wasn't your kid, because I would've missed missed out on some great experiences.
I enjoyed hanging out with the adults, and it was expected that I act like a little adult. It was also expected that I be dressed well, at least what passed for Sunday best in the gawd awful 1970s.
I enjoyed hanging out with the adults, and it was expected that I act like a little adult. It was also expected that I be dressed well, at least what passed for Sunday best in the gawd awful 1970s.
#13
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 834
If I were king of the world, humans under the age of 18 (ok, let's say 13) would be forbidden in premium class airplane cabins as well as airline and hotel lounges.
Babies and little kids don't belong in those settings any more than they do Michelin starred restaurants. I pay for a premium experience, not to be in romper room.
And yes, I have three kids. And no, they did not hang out in premium cabins, lounges or Michelin starred restaurants when I was raising them.
Babies and little kids don't belong in those settings any more than they do Michelin starred restaurants. I pay for a premium experience, not to be in romper room.
And yes, I have three kids. And no, they did not hang out in premium cabins, lounges or Michelin starred restaurants when I was raising them.
#14
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SYD
Programs: VA WP, UA 1k, QR G, AZ WP
Posts: 358
I'm happy with kids flying anywhere, as long as they are well behaved.
#15
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 94
Same. On my ninth birthday I flew First, on the upper deck of a 747 and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I'd been terrified of flying in anything that didn't have a propeller (I'm from a very regional background) and had had a real bad flight on a 767 the day before (my first on a jet).
The attention to detail, the FA's doting on me for my birthday, the fake mimosa's, the food and the IFE all contributed a fair bit to my life. I am now no longer afraid of flying (indeed I have a pilot license), plus I got to have a 27 hour birthday :P
To a kid, first class is an experience, they don't take it for granted and actually enjoy it - much more than most adults I see up there these days.
The attention to detail, the FA's doting on me for my birthday, the fake mimosa's, the food and the IFE all contributed a fair bit to my life. I am now no longer afraid of flying (indeed I have a pilot license), plus I got to have a 27 hour birthday :P
To a kid, first class is an experience, they don't take it for granted and actually enjoy it - much more than most adults I see up there these days.