My JUMBO Dilemma

If I hadn’t got the kids I’d do it the interesting way.

BHX-EWR on CO 752, then down the east coast into MCO 😀

For the Kids a modern 747-400 would be the best choice.

However… if they are into aviation, perhaps your children would enjoy the chance to fly a classic… after all when they’re old enough to make the decisions themselves the 742 will be long gone from PAX service.

To be honest, I think the kids would prefer the PTV option, I’m probably selfish here as I’ve flown a classic but never a 400 :diablo:

You get turbulence and night flights with new planes too you know 😉

Indeed, but if i have nothing to watch outside, i prefer watching a movie, especially if the plane is shaking and makes it impossible to sleep. That is what I meant. 😉

For the Kids a modern 747-400 would be the best choice.

However… if they are into aviation, perhaps your children would enjoy the chance to fly a classic… after all when they’re old enough to make the decisions themselves the 742 will be long gone from PAX service.

To get back to the original question: you will be sitting like cattle in a plane for at least 7 hours, and one of your flights might be at night, meaning you can’t even see outside. So, if I had a choice between an old plane, with possibly somewhat outdated interior, and one movie on a big screen that you will see no matter what; or a newer plane with ptvs where you can choose what to watch, with possibly even a moving map (easy to explain to kids that we are not there yet, and will only be when “the little plane arrives there”), and also possibly movies that kids might like, i wouldn’t hesitate long… It is not a joyride that lasts 1 hour and where you can enjoy the landscape, but a long, boring flight over the water, with possibly turbulence at this time of the year…

You get turbulence and night flights with new planes too you know 😉

To get back to the original question: you will be sitting like cattle in a plane for at least 7 hours, and one of your flights might be at night, meaning you can’t even see outside. So, if I had a choice between an old plane, with possibly somewhat outdated interior, and one movie on a big screen that you will see no matter what; or a newer plane with ptvs where you can choose what to watch, with possibly even a moving map (easy to explain to kids that we are not there yet, and will only be when “the little plane arrives there”), and also possibly movies that kids might like, i wouldn’t hesitate long… It is not a joyride that lasts 1 hour and where you can enjoy the landscape, but a long, boring flight over the water, with possibly turbulence at this time of the year…

A set of crayolas usually does the trick, My 2 eldest spent most of our last flight drawing the Air Malta A320 we were travelling on, they gave it to one of the attendants on the way off.

I agree. I love kids but they do get restless on long flights. The number of parents who take their 2 and 3 year olds on long flights to Florida never ceases to amaze me. Its too long a journey for them and they drive everyone, including their parents crackers. Its way too hot for them anyway, they would enjoy it better at the seaside Im sure.

Kids aged 5 and up are fine for a couple of hour flight to the Med and I love to sit near a kid who is just so excited, it takes me back.

Kids are no problem on flights.
Just slip a tranquiliser into their sandwich before you board and hey presto 😉
LOL

Seriously though… the most irritating thing on a flight is a screaming baby or an unruley child.

I dont have any kids, unfortunately, and I am sad about that. However, I have 3 nephews all of whom I love to bits and dote on, Im like a second dad to them really.

I think kids from say five and up are fine and seem to enjoy flying. I wouldnt want to take them to Orlando though, bit far for them. Id stick to Spain or the like, a couple of hours on a daytime flight would be ideal.

Or taker them to my favourite place in the world, ickle Jersey. Its only an hour by plane, so they get the excitement of a flight but without the boredom and its not too hot for them. I have lovely memories of holidays there as a child. I remember those Dan Air 1-11s to Jersey.

Personally I’d go for the classic if I had the chance.

they won’t be hauling pax for much longer. The 744’s will be hauling pax for a good 10-15 maybe 20 years yet.

Classic for sure !!

Do you have kids Danair? I have 3 under 8’s who regularly fly to ACE (4 hours) without a problem, they love flying and the older two are now into aviation, dumbfounding their mother the other day by looking up into the skies of Cannock and spotting a BA Avro!!!!

I think I’ll go for the 744…..

I am not a fan of Florida it seems to be full of people who years ago were in Palma Nova or Torremolinos. Theres nothing wrong with that of course and I imagine its great for kids, except for the long flight.

Why do people take little infants on long-haul flights for holidays. I started going abroad at about aged 7 up until that time it was a bucket and spade in the boot and a b&b in Skegness.

When I got a bit older Spain, Portugal and Greece became the norm. I never went long-haul till in my early teens, the reason being my parents didnt want me bugging them and other passengers on a 10 hour flight. Pity a few more people dont do the same today. It cant be much fun for a four year old sitting on a plane for 10 hours or for the passengers around them.

My sister has recently taken my nephews on their first flight aged 4 and 5 but to Jersey. She has the right idea as after 10 mins they are saying “are we there yet mum”

What do other members think about taking kids on long flights? Is it unfair on them?

Having flown Virgin’s B744 the other week, I would have no doubt in recommending them. I haven’t flown on a Virgin B742 for 5 years, so I cannot fairly compare but the B744 was so well equiped IFE-wise these days, I’d choose it if there were kids involved. I have posted a trip report named “LHR/SFO/LHR with VS” in the trip reports forum that gives a few details about the IFE and the service, if you need further details. 🙂 However you travel, I hope you enjoy Florida – I hope to get there myself next April – hopefully again with Virgin to Miami.

From VS’ website:

“Please note that flights between Manchester / Orlando and vice versa will be operated by Boeing 747-200 aircraft leased by Virgin Atlantic from Air Atlanta. However, you can expect the same high level of service as our regular operated flights, including full Virgin Atlantic livery, our own crew and award winning entertainment.”

Bear in mind BA’s 744s in standard economy have PTVs but don’t have games.

London Gatwick 747-400 as it has

Every seat has it’s own seatback TV with a choice of channels to keep everyone entertained throughout the flight. We’re dedicated to bringing you the very latest movies, comedy, sports, drama and kids shows. On many of our flights each seat also comes with its own video games console with up to 35 games.

And, rolling out across the fleet, is the very latest video on-demand, which means you can pause, fast forward or rewind, just like at home.
Fly with us in Economy and the little surprises start when you get to your seat and check out the free amenity kit. Out of the UK, it’s a trendy little backpack with everything you could want on your flight, including postcards, eyeshades, earplugs, socks and Virgin Vie lip balm.
If they’ve got their own seat, they’ve got their own seatback TV and on most of our aircraft that means dedicated kids channels. V.Tots (for pre-school), V.KiD (for 5-11 year olds) and V.T (for teens).

The V.KiD channel includes a blockbuster movie and on most flights, we offer up to 35 Nintendo games.

If you are concerned about any of the content, we now have a ‘parental block’ system on most of our aircraft. Just ask one of the cabin crew next time you fly.
All children leaving the UK get a really cool backpack, the Virgin Atlantic K-iD pack, stuffed to bursting with things to keep and sure to make them the envy of their friends.

When it comes to mealtimes we’ve come up with a menu just for our younger passengers that includes all of their favourite things like fish fingers, pizza and chocolate, so don’t forget to pre-order

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/passengerinformation/travellingwithchildren/entertainment.jsp

If a 767 is tired what does that make the DC10!? Bang up to date? They are some very new 767s operating. GIVE IT A REST PLEASE!

It is a fact and the DC10 suffered at the hands of world opinion. It has, however, proven itself since and has given valuable service to the airlines. I would love to get on one, for one last ride.

It beats the tired 767 anyday.

That was a cheap jibe. Of course I am aware of the DC10s accidents/incidents but it is still a very capable airliner which has given millions of passengers a safe and comfortable form of transportation.

Not a cheap jibe, just a statement of fact. Is the DC10’s safety record good. Yes or no? Did a lot of people die as a result of faults with the aircraft door? Is that not a matter of record O wise one?

Regards,

kev35