Have you ever wondered whether it was worth forking out the extra cash to put your kids up in first class when flying?The cramped conditions of economy class certainly do not bring out the best in children, especially when combined with multiple transfers and irate fellow travellers.

Flying with children is challenging enough, but having to do it in economy class, with its cramped seats, unfriendly flight service and questionable food is an even more frightening thought for most parents.

This post on CNNgo.com written by Carla Kripps highlights the pros and cons of travelling first class with your kids:

Con: Executive first class passengers don’t want to see kids

 For those of us who recall the pre-parenting pain of being stuck on long-haul flights near horrible children with oblivious parents, there’s a genuine desire to be considerate of other travelers by making sure your own kids are well-behaved. 

 That feeling is magnified tenfold when you’re sitting in the section of the aircraft where fellow passengers don’t think you belong. Stress-free it ain’t.

 If you think the looks you get while boarding with a child as you head into economy class are demoralizing, try facing down a cabin full of wealthy, unhappy-looking travelers with your little darlings in tow.

 Pro: Sleep like a baby that isn’t wailing due to ear pain

 If this man were flying with kids, right about now he’d be hearing “Dad, please come change the channel for me.” When we fly overseas, I try to book a night flight so the kids will sleep most of the journey.

 Not that I get much shut-eye myself.

 There’s usually a foot in my face or I’m sitting on the edge of my seat praying to the gods of travel the boys sleep long enough for me to finish my crappy meal and watch a lame romantic comedy.

 In first class, however, you, your kids and everyone else get to sleep peacefully, stretched out on 180-degree flat beds, comfy duvets pulled up over happy, relaxed jowls.

Source: http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/kids-and-first-class-do-they-mix-528785

There’s always the worry when flying with kids in first class whether they will actually appreciate the luxury. Most kids, especially the younger ones couldn’t care less whether they are in first class or not because many of the conveniences provided in first class don’t really excite them as much as they do adults.

However the writer does highlight some very interesting facts. Flight attendants do treat people in first class better. That means that they are more accommodating to you and your kids and are much more obliging to the demands of the kids, keeping them occupied throughout the flight which is always a challenge, even if only to keep them from annoying the other first class passengers. Unfortunately once kids experience the freedom and comfort of first class, it is doubtful that they will be able to go back to economy class. Space is probably the biggest luxury in first class.

Also people in first class seem to be a bit crankier and snub their noses at kids in first class. Thankfully in first class the wine and expensive alcohol is complimentary which if nothing else should help make flying with your kids more tolerable for you.

The question is do you mind paying so much more for a flight that will be over in a few hours? If not then first class is definitely the way to go, especially if you want time to just ease by. However if the thought of forking over the extra cash makes you shudder, perhaps you’d do best to stick to economy class, just book an evening flight so your kids will most likely sleep through the flight.