Travelling with children in economy can feel like a battle, but the crew are often your strongest allies if you know how to ask for help. Instead of waiting for a crisis, be proactive and establish a friendly connection during boarding. A quick, “We’re hoping for a peaceful flight with the little one – if you’ve got any secret tricks (or snacks) to help, we’re all ears!” invites the crew to share their expertise. Often, this leads to “off-menu” items like extra activity packs, hidden stashes of kid-friendly snacks, or even a cheeky hot chocolate that wasn’t officially offered. Crew members generally want a quiet cabin as much as you do, so they are usually happy to provide “VIP” treatment to keep a toddler settled.
The opportunistic parent also knows that the galley is a goldmine for small comforts. If you need a bottle warmed or a specific snack, don’t just ring the call bell; take a walk to the back of the plane when it’s quiet. This face-to-face interaction allows you to be much more persuasive. A respectful request like, “I don’t suppose you have a spare ‘fancy’ blanket tucked away? I’m trying to get the little one to drift off,” is rarely denied. By positioning your requests as a way to maintain the peace of the cabin, you’re not just asking for a favour – you’re offering a solution that the flight attendants will truly appreciate.
