Feature: Kids in the air
young travellers, when they are onboard,” said Terry Daly, divisional svp, service delivery, Emirates. “Families have come to expect the stress-free and enjoyable travel experience Emirates is known for, and the introduction of these new toys reinforces our commitment to ensuring that families have access to rich, meaningful entertainment content across multiple platforms.”
Global Inflight Products has responded to the need for stimulating and engaging activities with a “Back to Basics – with a twist” philosophy. Chalita-White says: “The key is to surprise and delight these important passengers by creating innovative items that also reflect current trends. Simple classic games, colouring books and destination- oriented materials that can double as memorable souvenirs of the family vacation.” The kids’ kits can be customised with a variety of items—from colouring books and puzzles to plush toys and colourful animal earbuds; and may also include the Go Fish! Slap Jack! line of children’s playing cards. Chalita-White adds: “Items like rubix cubes, cards and puzzles help children exercise their solving skills. Colouring books and maps help educate them on art and geography and also encourage their imagination and creativity. Time will fly if a child is engaged in these kinds of activities and before they know it, they’ll arrive at their final destination.”
The GIP range can be packed in a variety of backpacks. The most popular is the Glow.B backpack but unique character or mascot- themed backpacks can be designed to represent a specific airline.
The demand for good entertainment onboard also offers potential income for airlines with a growing range of child-friendly products now featured in the buy-on-board ranges.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have both added a new 3D Puzzle Plane product from The Wandering Monkey to its shop-on- board portfolios. This is a 40-piece 3D puzzle toy for children to create and then play with both at home and on the move, presented
Far right: Top Trumps’ Activity Pack; near right: Uniset’s Animal Airport featuring magic stickers that can create a travel story
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We asked: What’s the best way to occupy children in the air?
You said:
“Variety and interaction! Children have short attention spans so the more you can provide for a kid to do when travelling, the happier they are.” Jonathan Corbett, director, The Wandering Monkey
“Remember every little Mary and little Timothy onboard has £10 burning a hole in their pockets to spend on a fun
“Keep children’s minds occupied and challenged. Our motto is: Don’t let your kids get bored onboard.” Sylvia James-Smith , Top Trumps Activities
“A play area for kids on long flights would be nice!”
Moham Kottukapally, director, Kott Software
in compact, colourful and vibrant packaging. Made of robust material it is durable and easy to construct with a step by step number guide to follow. Jonathan Corbett, director, Wandering Monkey commented: “This is a great new addition to our range. With the excellent feedback and confirmed listings with major airlines we are really excited about this new product”.
The makers of the Cozy Time range of micro-bead cushions are targeting family sales too. Its new Funky Airheads, priced at £9.99, are said to be the first of its kind worldwide, available in a range of 12 animal characters. Managing director David Torrance. said: “Often travel can be very stressful for children of all ages, being away from the comforts of home can be unsettling. The Funky Airhead gives children a sense of purpose and is a fun way to put them in charge of their own comfort. A Funky Airhead will be on every
Joe Harvey, crew liaison manager, Torwest Duty Free
“We have built our business providing kids in a captive environment with traditional puzzles and games. It works!”
Per Wahlqvist
“The kids amenity bags we received for the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards show they offer much more than crayons and puzzles. They give kids an experience with a programme of characters changed frequently which often become collectables.” Simon Ward, MD Travelplus Media
child’s checklist alongside their passport, tickets and spending money. It’s not nice watching kids trying to get comfortable in a cramped seat, only to be woken every 10 minutes by the inevitable head-lolling. Any product that takes up minimal space and can provide distraction, comfort and aid good sleep whilst travelling is a really worthwhile asset for frazzled parents.”
Clearly it’s not just keeping kids entertained that is important. Help them relax and even sleep and the chances are that they’ll be happier and quieter still! •
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