Is the idea of a longhaul flight to the UK / Europe with a young child putting you off travel? Etihad Airways has come to the rescue with their 'Flying Nanny' service available on long haul flights.
Good friends (with children aged 6, 4 and 2) flew from Abu Dhabi to Milan and had a 'Flying Nanny' both the inbound and outbound routes and couldn't speak highly enough of the service.
The 'Flying Nanny' greeted them at the entrance to the plane, escorted them to their seats and then settled in the older children by talking to them about the flight and takeoff. The nanny had a good repertoire of magic tricks and was adept at face painting. The 6 year old traveller requested Batman which was happily done and parents, never fear, the face painting is easily removed with baby wipes!
The airline has also made their service even more child friendly with a well-considered on-board entertainment system with TV, games and movies that are both up to date and appropriate. There was a handy activity pack containing a card games, colouring in book and pencils and a 0's and X's game all presented in a really stylish fabric zip bag.
The 'Flying Nanny' delivered meals and snacks, which came on a specially designed children's tray with a pop up animal head detail, which managed to lure the children away from the entertainment system for a few minutes!
The food selection was both healthy and enticing and included sandwiches, cheese and crackers, hot dogs, mini juice cartons and as a special treat - decorated cupcakes.
The 'Flying Nanny' checked on the children throughout the flight and would bring drinks and anything else that was required. For a long haul flight, my weary friends considered it a godsend!
