Airlines that offer freebies to kids so parents can fly in peace

Traveling is stressful, and adding a kid to the mix can elevate the pressure.

Luckily, some airlines offer freebies to families to keep kids entertained — and help parents cool their jets. 

Entertainment packs 

While many airlines offer free children’s programming as part of their inflight entertainment, should you want to limit your kids’ screen time, free entertainment packs include various novelties.

Virgin Atlantic fliers can ask for a free KiD backpack for tots 2 to 6 years old — it features goodies such as a holiday journal, the Sun reports.

British Airways offers a Skyflyers activity pack equipped with a postcard to send home. 

Emirates Airlines, meanwhile, boasts take-home bags that come with activities, puzzles and games.

Singapore Airlines gives free toys to children under 12. An older kid may be given a card game, while a toddler is gifted a stuffed animal, Condé Nast Traveler reports. 

Nippon Airlines and Japan Airlines hand out toys and activity kits, as does Cathay Pacific, which offers a children’s fun pack for kids 3 to 6, according to Flyingwithababy.com.

At one point, the airline Etihad had a major perk — a free on-board nanny. Sadly, this service ended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kids between 3 and 8 can still receive activity books, crayons, and games, whereas children 9 to 13 can expect freebies like a passport holder and a Scooby-Doo backpack.

Other airlines that reportedly dole out fun toys and games are EVA Air, Gulf Air, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, South African Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines and Thai Airways. 

Giveaways from each airline are subject to change, especially around the holidays. 

Headphones and luggage tags

Children aren’t the only ones enjoying free swag.

Most airlines give away luggage tags, which can double as a kid’s drawing space.

Many also provide free headphones, so parents can watch entertainment in peace. 

Iona Wark, senior holiday product manager at online travel agency Loveholidays, told the Sun there are a few tips for getting more freebies. 

“First family holiday? Traveling to celebrate a special birthday? It’s always worth casually dropping your special occasion to score a freebie,” she advises.

She recommends telling the airline staff this information while up in the air and not in a crowded line. 

She suggests calling ahead for upgrades.