In the past, I’ve written about the concept of traveling with babies in first class. Along those lines, I think it’s also interesting to talk a bit about the concept of traveling with kids in premium cabins. After all, a toddler is different than a tween, so the thought process is a bit different as well.
Yes, kids can fly in first & business class (usually)
Generally speaking, there aren’t rules against kids flying in premium cabins, on both domestic and international flights. So regardless of age, it’s allowed.
The only exception I can think of is that Emirates recently banned kids ages eight and under from first class, but only if redeeming miles for an outright award ticket, or for an upgrade. However, if paying cash, there are no restrictions.
I can’t think of any other airline that has such a ban. Back in the day, Malaysia Airlines used to ban young children in first class, but the airline no longer offers first class, so that’s a moot point.
Should kids fly first & business class, though?
In life, what one can do and what one should do are often different things (or so they say). So while it’s almost always okay to travel with kids in premium cabins, is it something you should do? It’s a nuanced question…
Personally, my opinion is that flying is a form of shared transportation, and as long as you’re following the rules, you’re fine. So if airlines say you can travel with kids, then that’s that. I know there are many people who like to apply their own standards toward others when flying, and personally I don’t agree with that line of thinking.
I will say, I actually wouldn’t have an issue with airlines creating some restrictions on traveling in premium cabins with kids (like a “quiet section,” only for adults, or something). It’s an area where I think the market should be able to decide — if people think that’s something they’d like and are willing to pay for, I have no problem with airlines offering it.
All that being said, there’s no denying that if you travel in premium cabins with small children, you may get some dirty looks, or sighs, or just general crankiness from people sitting around you. I can’t necessarily blame those people, in some situations.
I get that people drop a lot of money on premium cabin travel to be able to rest, and there’s no denying that some (but certainly not all) children can get in the way of that, by crying, screaming loudly, etc. So I understand the frustration, but also, a business class seat doesn’t entitle you to a private jet-like experience.
I’ve also been on endless flights with loud snorers, drunk people who yell, unbearably flatulent people, etc. That’s just a reality we have to accept… right?
I think the challenge with this entire topic is that all family travelers aren’t created equal. You have some kids who are super easy and quiet, and others who aren’t. You have some parents who do a great job managing their kids and keeping them entertained, and you have others who don’t.
On the topic of family travel, another question is just how advantageous it is to travel in premium cabins as a family. As premium cabin seats have become more spacious, there are increasingly seats where it’s almost impossible to travel with a young child, who you need to be near during the flight. The best business class seats aren’t necessarily the best business class seats for families.
As another example, you certainly wouldn’t want to travel with a young child in something like Etihad’s A380 first class, where you can’t even see one another. And as much as I like reverse herringbone business class seats as a solo traveler, they kind of suck when traveling with kids.
Bottom line
Broadly speaking, there are very few rules against traveling in first and business class with kids of any age. The only restriction I can think of involves Emirates, where first class awards and upgrades are not allowed for those eight years of age and under.
Now, whether one should travel with kids in premium cabins is a different story. I think it’s totally fine (since it’s allowed by airlines), though that’s not to say that other travelers won’t give others a hard time.
Where do you stand on kids flying in first and business class?
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