UAE flights: Special lane, toys, blankets; new service to make flying child-friendly

To start with, at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad Airways has designed a special lane for families to check-in, and little steps have been created for children to climb and see first-hand the entire process.

Once inside the flight, children get to snuggle in a cartoon blanket, play board games, join the dots and colour their favourite characters like Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes, and eat from toon-themed meal trays.

“We understand and appreciate that it’s not always easy travelling with little ones, however, this collaboration with Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is designed to make the travel experience an exciting one for children and an easier one for their parents,” Terry Daly, executive director guest experience, brand and marketing at Etihad Airways, said.

Once on-board, there is a vibrant pack of activities based on three different age categories: infants, 3 to 8 years and 9 to 13 years.

There is a nice soft and warm blanket with cartoon characters Tweety, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Sylvester for an infant to take a nap.

The blanket made out of recyclable PET is sustainable, as are the other products.

Those aged 3 to 8 years of age will be provided with a cartoon junction activity pack, including an activity book, crayons, memory game, passport cover, stickers etc.

Children from 9 to 13 years will get a toon backpack that includes a passport cover and the Museum of Mysteries dice game designed around Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

With the launch of the new product, Etihad also gives training to cabin crew and ground staff to support the family’s travel needs. Etihad’s official website will have a dedicated page for families to get all the needed travel information. This product is available on all flights of five hours or longer travel time.