Charging for Children to travel?

Clinging to mom or dad for a lift in Lopburi, Thailand

Ok maybe not directly, but airlines are charging for everything these days. You want some food? That will be $20. Oh now you want some water? Hand over your wallet.

What if you want to bring  a bag onboard? Yep some airlines are now even charging for that. Oh you’re cold? Forget about blankets. You’re tired? A pillow? Well your wallet’s gone so…..

What are you going to do if you have children? Yeah maybe I could suffer the air-conditioning and eat before I board the plane. I might not have children yet, but I know they can’t do the same. So…

What are parents to do? Well Sheilagh Robertson from The Harbourmaster store in the Washington Mall, Hamilton, Bermuda is here to help.

Bring a Zoobie which are pillows, blankets and toys all-in-one, for your kids to rest easy while away. $64 at The Harbourmaster

Mrs. Roberton’s Travel Tip of the week? Plan ahead to make travel as stress free for you and your children.

She said: “Airlines now charge for pillows and blankets so you may want to bring your own. Zoobies makes the ideal solution- a stuffed plush toy that comes with a travel blanket folded up inside. Available in a variety of animals these cuddly animals serve as toy, pillow and blanket all rolled into one.”

Because: “Traveling with children can be stressful at the best of times so it is important to try to keep young children as close as possible to their normal schedules for meals and sleep.

Helping kids sleep: Lion or Panda neck pillows $21 at The Harbourmaster

To help kids the keep on their regular meals?  Mrs. Robertson said: “Pack some healthy snacks such granola bars, raisins, or Cheerios and buy water once you get through airline security.

“Most airlines no longer serve any meals on flights under 4 hours and food for purchase on board is limited.”

Where are you going to pack these snacks mom and dad? How about a hands-free purse or a backpack?

Making mom's life easier with a hands-free purse: $139 to $145 at The Harbourmaster

Mrs. Robertson added: “Moms you may want to travel with a long shoulder bag that can be worn across your body to have your hands free to hang on to your little ones.”

Remember these child-happy travel accessories are found at The Harbourmaster on the first floor of the Washington Mall near the Washington Lane entrance! Or call them at: 295-5333

Top Ten Airlines for Tuesd…ok Wednesday

Ok I know it’s Wednesday, but it feels like a Tuesday. That’s because for Bermuda it has been a four-day week as we celebrated our 21-square-mile island on Monday. How did I celebrate? Running through pouring rain and wind for 13.1 miles. Why? Not really sure. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

I still managed it in 1 hour 53 minutes and 33 seconds (thank you friend who pointed out the seconds). Anyway, since it feels like a Tuesday to me I saved my ten list for today.

Arriving in Bermuda

So what is it? The Best Airlines! The top ten, according to Skytrax an online airline award site, do not include a single North American carrier.  So who do the include?

I’ll tell you:

1.   Asiana Airlines
2.   Singapore Airlines
3.   Qatar Airways
4.   Cathay Pacific
5.   Air New Zealand
6.   Etihad Airways
7.   Qantas Airways
8.   Emirates
9.   Thai Airways
10.  Malaysia Airlines

I have to agree. Well I have never been on Asiana but I have flown Singapore Airlines and I loved it. The staff were so friendly. I fell asleep as we took off and continued to sleep through the food service.

When I woke I needed water. I ran to the back and the helpful stewardesses handed me a bottle of water. I turned and walked back to my seat.

“Miss, miss”

Oh no. I started chugging my water. They’re not going to take it off me. Wait! What if they want me to pay for it. What am I going to do? I have no money.

“You forgot your special snack.”

Of course I did. I had ordered a gluten-free meal, being celiac and all, but had missed it because of the sleeping factor. How she knew about it is anyone’s guess. I was grateful.

So you ask, what about North America? Well they had their own competition and who came-out on top?

1. Air Canada

2. Continental Airlines

3. Delta Airlines

Anyone agree? Who would you vote as the best airline? Any good experiences?