Remember that time when Aussie airlines banned infant sleep devices on flights? Well, Virgin has decided to fly against the crowd, lifting the ban on these sanity-saving sleep aids.
Virgin Australia made the grand announcement today, making them the only major Australian airline to welcome kids’ sleep devices on their flights.
Bring on the long haul flight family holiday!
There’s been a recent explosion in ingenious travel devices designed to help kids actually sleep in the air, from tjhe brilliant Fly Tot, JetKids Bedbox and Aussie-made Plane Pal. These devices inflate (or transform) into little cushions, beds and leg rests to give your wee one his own little in-flight bed (and alleviate your need to hold your child for the duration of the flight).
They became must-have devices when travelling with kids, especially on long haul flights. However, in July 2017, Australian airlines made a devastating (for parents) decision to ban sleep devices on flights.
And we all let out a collective eye roll and vowed never to fly again.
BYO beds return to the skies
Well, you can now start looking into flights again, thanks to Virgin Australia and their decision to give parents a break. Effective immediately, parents can BYO bed and enjoy a more comfortable flight with kids.
Virgin Australia General Manager Inflight Experience, Tash Tobias says: “We recognise the importance of your kids getting some extra rest on a flight as it can make a world of difference when you arrive at your destination.
Our team of safety experts have reviewed these items against our high safety standards. We’re pleased to say that we’ve been able to give the seal of approval to three of the most popular models.”
However, there are a few small catches. You can only use them if you’re seated in a window or in the middle seat of the centre block. So no aisles or exit rows. Plus, these devices must be included as part of the 7kg carry-on baggage allowance.
A win-win solution to make travel with kids easier
Like all of us, Gold Coast mum, Plane Pal inventor and avid traveller, Sam Cardone is over the moon with the announcement.
“Travel has been a huge part of my life since I was very small,” Sam tells Mum Central. “I wanted to embrace that love of travel with my kids. But with three kids under three – including twins – I actually started to dread travel instead of looking forward to it.”
She says she’s thrilled Virgin has given her invention the safe-flying tick.
“Virgin have set themselves apart as the airline that cared enough to take the time. It’s been a pleasure working with them to come to a wonderful solution for families,” Sam says. “It’s a win for innovation, a win for families, a win for Plane Pal and a win for Virgin.”
Virgin’s exciting news couldn’t come soon enough, especially with Christmas and school holidays around the corner! Have a look at our collection of toddler travel tips if you are planning on getting away these holidays.
