BA First - US West Coast road trip with a baby
Mar 17, 2009, 5:21 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Tokyo
Programs: BA Au; IHG Pl; Hyatt Au; IC RA; Marriott Pl
Posts: 818
The bassinet was offered to us as soon as we reached our seats, in both directions. It was actually provided and strapped to the shelf after seat belt signs had been extinguished at altitude.
Mar 17, 2009, 6:25 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SZX/HKG/BWI
Programs: UA 1K 1.1MM, CX Diam 1.0MM, Bonvoy LT Titanium, Hertz PC, MGM Pearl
Posts: 2,637
I am sure the OP's baby is a dellghtful, well-mannered, carefully and lovingly-parented child. Nor do I doubt the OP's testimony that on the particular two flights detailed the child only got bumptious once.
HOWEVER
I wonder what BA is doing accepting a potential squawler (and we have all sat through flights in Y and occasionally J where a baby has screamed, cried and done what babies do - not their fault - throughout a long period of time) into its "exclusive" F cabin.
If I have paid perhaps as much as $10,000 to fly a long-haul sector in F, one of the rights I am purchasing is, clearly, peace and quiet. If I buy in Y or Y+, clearly no one in his right mind has such an expectation though airlines generally do try and put families up front so I can try and book in the back. In any event, I should bring earplugs along. If in J, well, I have the right to some moderate expectation of tranquility - and I would expect airlines to segregate babies with their families in one cabin if in fact there are two J cabins, be they upstairs and downstairs in a 747 or otherwise arranged so that there is one "quiet" cabin.
I think it presumptuous of the OP to inflict a baby on the other pax in F, and foolish of BA or any other airline operating long-haul F to accept same. I don't give a fig about bleating about human rights or any other nonsense: the OP has a right to fly with their children, accepted - but not a right to fly in F class (and even J is arguable). My pov is that those having the resources to contemplate what the OP did should either fly Y or hire a nanny or trusted friend or family member to fly in Y with the infant - with of course the right to pass through several sets of "curtains" to visit said child and keeper in Y as desired. That is the sane approach. An airline enforcing same would win my respect.
HOWEVER
I wonder what BA is doing accepting a potential squawler (and we have all sat through flights in Y and occasionally J where a baby has screamed, cried and done what babies do - not their fault - throughout a long period of time) into its "exclusive" F cabin.
If I have paid perhaps as much as $10,000 to fly a long-haul sector in F, one of the rights I am purchasing is, clearly, peace and quiet. If I buy in Y or Y+, clearly no one in his right mind has such an expectation though airlines generally do try and put families up front so I can try and book in the back. In any event, I should bring earplugs along. If in J, well, I have the right to some moderate expectation of tranquility - and I would expect airlines to segregate babies with their families in one cabin if in fact there are two J cabins, be they upstairs and downstairs in a 747 or otherwise arranged so that there is one "quiet" cabin.
I think it presumptuous of the OP to inflict a baby on the other pax in F, and foolish of BA or any other airline operating long-haul F to accept same. I don't give a fig about bleating about human rights or any other nonsense: the OP has a right to fly with their children, accepted - but not a right to fly in F class (and even J is arguable). My pov is that those having the resources to contemplate what the OP did should either fly Y or hire a nanny or trusted friend or family member to fly in Y with the infant - with of course the right to pass through several sets of "curtains" to visit said child and keeper in Y as desired. That is the sane approach. An airline enforcing same would win my respect.
For the OP: Nice trip report!
Mar 17, 2009, 7:19 am
#18
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Surrey, UK
Programs: BA Blue, BMI Blue+
Posts: 779
What is stop you ringing up BA a day before the flight and asking if there is an infant on the flight. If there is and it's such a problem, pick another flight or day to travel either with BA or some other airline, that is what fully flex F is for. If not, be happy you've paid the full F fare safe in the knowledge it is extremely unlikely there will be an infant booking that late. If you have to be on a specific flight, book the whole F cabin out.
I don't give a fig about bleating about human rights or any other nonsense: the OP has a right to fly with their children, accepted - but not a right to fly in F class (and even J is arguable). My pov is that those having the resources to contemplate what the OP did should either fly Y or hire a nanny or trusted friend or family member to fly in Y with the infant - with of course the right to pass through several sets of "curtains" to visit said child and keeper in Y as desired. That is the sane approach. An airline enforcing same would win my respect.
To the OP - a great trip report. You should be able to add the infant to your wife's seat in future. As you are BA Gold, this should ensure you always get 1A and 1K if they are available when booking.
I am doing BA F with my infant son and wife (LHR-PHX//SFO-LHR), having done LHR-CPT-LHR a few months ago.
Mar 17, 2009, 7:20 am
#19
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: AA 1MM/Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,215
Great report, thanks! I recently posted one about our travels with our 4-month old on CX, also in F, long-haul. Agree that having all the space in F made it exponentially easier for all parties - baby and parents! The dine on demand also made it easier for us to take turns with the little guy. The seat made into a bed made for a great play area. Would consider the trip in J, but after having done it in F, I think it's well worth the extra miles & $ for the lap child. Maybe next time we'll leave him with the grandparents and really get to enjoy the F experience!
Jealous that your baby slept for 8 hours straight...we weren't nearly that lucky, but he was great nonetheless.
We had a medium-sized umbrella stroller, but CX would not accept it as cabin baggage, even though I think it would have fit in the individual wardrobes. Other than that, CX was more than accomodating.
Jealous that your baby slept for 8 hours straight...we weren't nearly that lucky, but he was great nonetheless.
We had a medium-sized umbrella stroller, but CX would not accept it as cabin baggage, even though I think it would have fit in the individual wardrobes. Other than that, CX was more than accomodating.
Mar 17, 2009, 8:27 am
#20
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Europe
Programs: UA:1K MM, AF:FB-Platinum; QR: PC Platinum, FI: Saga Gold
Posts: 2,937
Good TR.
Why do you check-in so early and spend "hours" in the lounges at the airports.
As a father of young children, I'm all in favor of children travelling in F/J --- as long as they're my kids ! ;-)
Why do you check-in so early and spend "hours" in the lounges at the airports.
As a father of young children, I'm all in favor of children travelling in F/J --- as long as they're my kids ! ;-)
Mar 17, 2009, 1:00 pm
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Tokyo
Programs: BA Au; IHG Pl; Hyatt Au; IC RA; Marriott Pl
Posts: 818
Cabanas are small private rooms available to BA F travellers in the Concorde Room at Heathrow Terminal 5. They can be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. See the BAEC forum for details. The room is like a semi-luxury hotel room without a bed.
Mar 17, 2009, 3:24 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Auckland, NZ/New York, NY/ATL
Programs: DL DM MM, BIS 2.4MM, EK Gold, SQ Gold, Marriott Gold, HH Gold,
Posts: 5,226
Great TR, and I should mention I have no problem with infants in F or J. I do have a question for the OP however. Why did you find it a good time to take a vacation when you have a new-born 3 month old baby?
I'm asking slightly out of frustration but mostly cause I am ignorant on the topic and being a 20 something and not married, I just have trouble placing my self in the mind-frame of really wanting to take a (long distance) vacation with a brand new baby, an experience that the baby will not remember (thinking that it might be worth waiting a few years when 1. Your baby is no longer a baby and 2. the baby would be able to appreciate the trip itself?).
Thanks for the Clarification, and like I said, good TR! ^
I'm asking slightly out of frustration but mostly cause I am ignorant on the topic and being a 20 something and not married, I just have trouble placing my self in the mind-frame of really wanting to take a (long distance) vacation with a brand new baby, an experience that the baby will not remember (thinking that it might be worth waiting a few years when 1. Your baby is no longer a baby and 2. the baby would be able to appreciate the trip itself?).
Thanks for the Clarification, and like I said, good TR! ^
Mar 17, 2009, 6:35 pm
#24
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: AA 1MM/Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,215
Great TR, and I should mention I have no problem with infants in F or J. I do have a question for the OP however. Why did you find it a good time to take a vacation when you have a new-born 3 month old baby?
I'm asking slightly out of frustration but mostly cause I am ignorant on the topic and being a 20 something and not married, I just have trouble placing my self in the mind-frame of really wanting to take a (long distance) vacation with a brand new baby, an experience that the baby will not remember (thinking that it might be worth waiting a few years when 1. Your baby is no longer a baby and 2. the baby would be able to appreciate the trip itself?).
Thanks for the Clarification, and like I said, good TR! ^
I'm asking slightly out of frustration but mostly cause I am ignorant on the topic and being a 20 something and not married, I just have trouble placing my self in the mind-frame of really wanting to take a (long distance) vacation with a brand new baby, an experience that the baby will not remember (thinking that it might be worth waiting a few years when 1. Your baby is no longer a baby and 2. the baby would be able to appreciate the trip itself?).
Thanks for the Clarification, and like I said, good TR! ^
Mar 17, 2009, 8:39 pm
#25
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Singapore
Programs: CX Gold, Krisflyer PPS, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 738
Great report^ After reading socalterp's report on CX and now this one, makes me even want to fly earlier with sl00001 junior. We are planned for CX F in August HKG-AMS-HKG
So for those we don't want a baby in F ....re-book it
So for those we don't want a baby in F ....re-book it
Mar 17, 2009, 9:25 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,517
OK, first things first--sounds like it was a great trip. It must have been great to have 1A/K on BA F! How private! You don't mention much about inflight service--was it the usual, anything special?
But OOh!
The minute I read post #2, I thought, watch out for the "I have brought my kids on BILLIONS of flights, and they are PERFECT".... "How DARE you say anything bad about ANY child, because MY children are PERFECT", "children have rights too" and blah blah blah.
I do agree they have a right to fly, BUT so does a J/F pax have a right to a peaceful cabin. Heck, so does a Y pax. Screaming infants, while not pleasant, usually settle reasonably quickly, and you just put up with them.
BUT when the 5-year-old is screaming bloody murder--for a reaction from parents, or attention, or whatever--- for 4 hours straight in J class, because of bad parenting, I'm not questioning their right to fly.
I'm just wondering if I get to tell them the shut the **** up if their own parents don't?
Or am I just supposed to sit quietly and take it? Don't think I should. But I do.
I do think that, if you can't control your 5-year-old on the ground, maybe a 14-hour flight with hundreds of strangers isn't the best place to showcase your poor parenting skills......
Let the flaming begin.......
But OOh!
The minute I read post #2, I thought, watch out for the "I have brought my kids on BILLIONS of flights, and they are PERFECT".... "How DARE you say anything bad about ANY child, because MY children are PERFECT", "children have rights too" and blah blah blah.
I do agree they have a right to fly, BUT so does a J/F pax have a right to a peaceful cabin. Heck, so does a Y pax. Screaming infants, while not pleasant, usually settle reasonably quickly, and you just put up with them.
BUT when the 5-year-old is screaming bloody murder--for a reaction from parents, or attention, or whatever--- for 4 hours straight in J class, because of bad parenting, I'm not questioning their right to fly.
I'm just wondering if I get to tell them the shut the **** up if their own parents don't?
Or am I just supposed to sit quietly and take it? Don't think I should. But I do. I do think that, if you can't control your 5-year-old on the ground, maybe a 14-hour flight with hundreds of strangers isn't the best place to showcase your poor parenting skills......
Let the flaming begin.......
Mar 30, 2009, 6:44 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bargara Australia
Programs: VA, SQ, IHG, HH,ALL, Europcar
Posts: 1,530
As a non-parent I like child free zones.
Yes I dislike children on planes, at resorts, in restaurants etc.
If they are well behaved - thats ok - if they are not its very painful.
BUT what do you do.
Parents and children have as many rights as I do.
What I do is book holidays out of school holiday periods, and if I get a choice I book at the few resorts where children are not welcome.
I agree with the comments that children in F are more likely to be pleasant, as they are used to travel.
Cie la vie!!!!
Yes I dislike children on planes, at resorts, in restaurants etc.
If they are well behaved - thats ok - if they are not its very painful.
BUT what do you do.
Parents and children have as many rights as I do.
What I do is book holidays out of school holiday periods, and if I get a choice I book at the few resorts where children are not welcome.
I agree with the comments that children in F are more likely to be pleasant, as they are used to travel.
Cie la vie!!!!
Mar 31, 2009, 12:11 am
#29
Join Date: Oct 2003
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat.
Posts: 493
Just a head's up; it's not just UA...no US airlines would provide lap straps for infants (or allow their use, if you brought your own) as they are not approved by the FAA. The theory is that they restrict access to the adult's seatbelt.
Mar 31, 2009, 5:48 pm
#30
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 88
Why to travel with a newborn
DLATL777: Great question. Like you, before kids I would never have imagined this would be a prudent or even enjoyable thing to do.
Several years ago, my wife and I had already planned a long dreamed-for trip to New Zealand when we found out she was expecting our first. For awhile we thought we would have to abandon the plans. But then a friend said to us that we should go. At 2 months, our son would be completely portable, have all the nourishment he needed from his mom, and would wake/sleep every 3 hrs- rendering time zones meaningless. "Look," she told us, "you can either be awakened every 3 hrs at home, or see something new."
It turned out to be one of the greatest trips of our lives. As we know, travel heightens our awareness of everything, and intensifies otherwise ordinary experiences. We were able to relax and bond with our son in a way we hadn't been able to at home - partly because we were freed from the everyday chores of home, and partly because we were in the midst of some of the most incredible scenery on earth.
Granted, we had our frustrating moments but they truly were few. And I also think we chose wisely. New Zealand is a very family friendly country. It has ramps everywhere (to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers). And it's essentially a driving vacation. When junior needed feeding or changing, we could just pull over at a scenic vista. Had we chosen to visit the Capitals of Europe on a 16-day bus tour, I'm sure our experience would have been different.
We also flew in F and found the extra space and bassinet to be most worthwhile. We did get the raised eyebrows from fellow passengers at boarding. But they were very complimentary at the end of the flight, as he had slept most of the way and barely made a peep. I say this not to boast about our superior parenting skills - because I'm sure it had little to do with us. Rather just to say that before a certain age ( maybe 6 months) and as long as they're not colicky, babies make ideal fliers.
In the end each parent makes their own best choice, but for us it was a trip of a lifetime.
Several years ago, my wife and I had already planned a long dreamed-for trip to New Zealand when we found out she was expecting our first. For awhile we thought we would have to abandon the plans. But then a friend said to us that we should go. At 2 months, our son would be completely portable, have all the nourishment he needed from his mom, and would wake/sleep every 3 hrs- rendering time zones meaningless. "Look," she told us, "you can either be awakened every 3 hrs at home, or see something new."
It turned out to be one of the greatest trips of our lives. As we know, travel heightens our awareness of everything, and intensifies otherwise ordinary experiences. We were able to relax and bond with our son in a way we hadn't been able to at home - partly because we were freed from the everyday chores of home, and partly because we were in the midst of some of the most incredible scenery on earth.
Granted, we had our frustrating moments but they truly were few. And I also think we chose wisely. New Zealand is a very family friendly country. It has ramps everywhere (to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers). And it's essentially a driving vacation. When junior needed feeding or changing, we could just pull over at a scenic vista. Had we chosen to visit the Capitals of Europe on a 16-day bus tour, I'm sure our experience would have been different.
We also flew in F and found the extra space and bassinet to be most worthwhile. We did get the raised eyebrows from fellow passengers at boarding. But they were very complimentary at the end of the flight, as he had slept most of the way and barely made a peep. I say this not to boast about our superior parenting skills - because I'm sure it had little to do with us. Rather just to say that before a certain age ( maybe 6 months) and as long as they're not colicky, babies make ideal fliers.
In the end each parent makes their own best choice, but for us it was a trip of a lifetime.