Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
05 September 2013 09:18
The flying nannies will be on hand to help make long haul flights a more peaceful experience
A major airline has decided to give globe-trotting families a helping hand - by offering a 'flying nanny' service.
Etihad Airways has trained some of its cabin crew so they are able to help with everything from making sure young travellers have a stream of snacks to teaching them magic tricks.
In doing so, the United Arab Emirates-based company hopes to eradicate the stereotype issues relating to children on planes such as fidgeting, seat-kicking and tantrums.
All passengers on flights should therefore enjoy a more peaceful journey, even if they aren't parents.
Etihad Airways has teamed up with the prestigious nanny school Norland College to train its staff on how to deal with babies and children on board aircraft.
A total of 300 female cabin crew have already been trained by the Bath-based college in the past two months, the majority of which boast some past experience in childcare.
An additional 200 members of staff are expected to be trained by the end of the year, taking the grand total of nannies in the sky to 500.
"This demonstrates our intent to go the extra step to assist all of our customers," Etihad Airways' vice president guest services Aubrey Tiedt told MailOnline Travel.
"Flying with a young family can be a daunting task, even for the most experienced travellers, and the flying nanny role demonstrates our understanding of our guests' needs and our commitment to make the journey as relaxing and comfortable as possible."
The flying nannies, wearing special orange aprons, will offer help to both families and children travelling alone on long-haul flights. They will also be on hand to assist pregnant passengers, who should make sure they are covered by pregnancy travel insurance before jetting off.
Children will receive a special pack when they board, which includes materials for simple arts and crafts, while older kids will get a chance to explore the plane during 'quieter moments'.
18 January 2019
A plant-based diet is needed to protect future generations and safeguard the wellbeing of the planet, according to experts.
[more...]
17 January 2019
Campaigners are protesting outside the High Court in London as the legal challenge against Heathrow Airport's controversial expansion ramps up.
16 January 2019
A new way to predict a woman's risk of breast cancer has been unveiled by scientists - and it's the most comprehensive method yet.
15 January 2019
NHS commissioners could be slapped with a £2,500 fine for every patient left waiting more than a year for vital care, new proposals suggest.
12 January 2019
All UK airports should buy anti-drone technology and not rely on the Royal Air Force to help out, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has said.
10 January 2019
The military was brought in on Tuesday night after police officers saw a drone operating at Heathrow Airport, forcing departures to be suspended for an hour.
11 January 2019
A so-called "drug sponge" that mops up leftover drugs from cancer treatment could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, new research has claimed.
09 January 2019
A hormone released during exercise could help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.
08 January 2019
Ryanair has been labelled the worst airline operating in the UK for the sixth year running in a leading consumer group survey.
05 January 2019
Anti-drone technology will be deployed at the UK's two busiest airports in response to the disruption caused before Christmas.
04 January 2019
A new cancer-detecting breathalyser test is being trialled in the UK - in a move that could revolutionise the way the disease is diagnosed.
03 January 2019
The average 10-year-old child will have already eaten more sugar in their life than the maximum amount recommended for 18-year-olds, a new study reveals.