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There are few things as frightening as taking an international flight with small children. First, there's the walk of shame down the aisle, as other passengers avert their eyes in the hopes that looking away will somehow propel you and your offspring to a seat far, far away from them. Then, there's the trepidation as you buckle your children in and wonder how they will spend the next eight hours confined in their seats. Will they bicker and bawl, loudly, over who gets to sit by the window? How many hours will it be before they start kicking the seat in front of them out of sheer boredom?
These five airlines have worked hard to allay your fears, and have come up with programs, food and loot to keep their pint-sized passengers (and you, by extension) completely happy at 35,000 feet. When taking a long-haul flight with the kiddies, two things are key: entertainment and eats, and these carriers offer the best of both. From an airline that hired a celebrity chef to create butterfly pancakes and Martian mousse, to one that has Sky Nannies to keep your children fully occupied, these are the international airlines to choose so that you can sit back, relax and truly enjoy the friendly skies. — Lisa Armstrong
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Gulf Air
If you've ever wished that you could afford to bring a nanny along on vacation, or, at the very least, on the flight so that you'd have the freedom to read or watch a movie without interruption, Gulf Air has granted that wish. The airline has specially trained Sky Nannies on long-haul flights to ensure that you get the chance to relax, or maybe just go to the bathroom without worrying about what might happen in your absence. From the time you and your family board to the time you disembark, the Sky Nanny's job is to entertain your children. They do puzzles, offer snacks during movies, set up bassinettes if you're traveling with a baby, and even offer children practical advice, like what they should do to clear their ears to avoid pressure pain. 
If you've ever wished that you could afford to bring a nanny along on vacation, or, at the very least, on the flight so that you'd have the freedom to read or watch a movie without interruption, Gulf Air has granted that wish. The airline has specially trained Sky Nannies on long-haul flights to ensure that you get the chance to relax, or maybe just go to the bathroom without worrying about what might happen in your absence. From the time you and your family board to the time you disembark, the Sky Nanny's job is to entertain your children. They do puzzles, offer snacks during movies, set up bassinettes if you're traveling with a baby, and even offer children practical advice, like what they should do to clear their ears to avoid pressure pain.
Kids can choose from two different menus on each flight, and Gulf Air's in-flight entertainment system includes Disney specials and movies, as well as an educational audio channel. Children can also borrow board games to play during the flight. Goody bags for young children include a soft toy, activity book, crayons, and memory game; children six-to-ten get sunglasses, a Lego game, wallet, activity book, a 3D puzzle and other cool stuff.
Gulf Air Destinations
Sky Nanny Information
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Emirates
Emirates' onboard entertainment system, "ice," has hundreds of channels with new-release family movies, Disney classics, musicals, audio stories and games that you can play against other passengers — basically enough to keep your children occupied for an entire flight, no matter your destination. Children are given specially-designed kiddie-sized headsets in bright colors and rucksacks or bags that include Dr. Seuss books, an Emirates kids' magazine, games, coloring pencils and a stuffed animal called a Querk, which comes in one of five different costumes, each designed to reflect an Emirates destination.
Emirates' onboard entertainment system, "ice," has hundreds of channels with new-release family movies, Disney classics, musicals, audio stories and games that you can play against other passengers — basically enough to keep your children occupied for an entire flight, no matter your destination. Children are given specially-designed kiddie-sized headsets in bright colors and rucksacks or bags that include Dr. Seuss books, an Emirates kids' magazine, games, coloring pencils and a stuffed animal called a Querk, which comes in one of five different costumes, each designed to reflect an Emirates destination.
If your child is flying on his or her birthday, the airline will prepare a cake and take Polaroid pictures to mark the event. If you're traveling with a baby or toddler, you can lessen your load and leave the diapers, wipes and formula in your checked baggage, as these, as well as cream, bibs, teething rings and baby food, are all available on board.
Emirates Destinations
Family Travel Information
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Qantas
Having the wiggles aboard Qantas is actually a good thing, as in this case, "The Wiggles" refers to the popular Australian entertainers. Children three-to-six get a Wiggles-based activity pack that include The Wiggles magazine, coloring pencils and a magnetic sketcher. Meals for younger children include specially branded Wiggles juice and Wiggles activity tray mat, and kids can log on to the airline's Wiggles website and create their own passport and luggage tag before leaving home.
Having the wiggles aboard Qantas is actually a good thing, as in this case, "The Wiggles" refers to the popular Australian entertainers. Children three-to-six get a Wiggles-based activity pack that include The Wiggles magazine, coloring pencils and a magnetic sketcher. Meals for younger children include specially branded Wiggles juice and Wiggles activity tray mat, and kids can log on to the airline's Wiggles website and create their own passport and luggage tag before leaving home. Older children receive an action-packed adventure story about Jake the dog, from the Playstation 2 game "Dog's Life," as well as an activity book, mini playing cards and a children's travel clock.
Qantas Destinations
Family Travel Information
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British Airways
Though it's great that children zero-to-two fly free on most airlines, holding a heavy toddler on your lap for the duration of a long flight can be a tad uncomfortable. On British Airways, toddlers can travel free of charge in their very own Britax seat, which fits directly on to the bulkhead. You have to request the seats before the flight and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. British Airways also offers carry-cots for infants that attach to the bulkheads.
Though it's great that children zero-to-two fly free on most airlines, holding a heavy toddler on your lap for the duration of a long flight can be a tad uncomfortable. On British Airways, toddlers can travel free of charge in their very own Britax seat, which fits directly on to the bulkhead. You have to request the seats before the flight and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. British Airways also offers carry-cots for infants that attach to the bulkheads.
BA's new Skyflers activity packs include a backpack or funky shoulder pack with a range of goodies, like a log book that allows children to record their travels and collect a signature from the captain certifying their flight. The airline's "feed families first" policy ensures that children get their meals early. Kids will be happy to see fun menu options like chocolate-coated fruit. You will be glad to hear about the airline's guarantee that an appropriate portion of fruit or vegetables will be included in every meal.
British Airways Destinations
Family Travel Information
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Lufthansa
Airline food is usually not particularly palatable, but Lufthansa has come up with special children's menus with meals that will please even the pickiest eaters. The menus, which include things like "Tiger Tail," a pancake filled with chicken and vegetables, and "Pirate's Hand," fish fingers with cabbage and potato purée, were designed by a famous German TV chef. Entrees have little to no sugar and vegetables are "hidden" in many of the creations to make sure kids get a properly balanced meal.
Airline food is usually not particularly palatable, but Lufthansa has come up with special children's menus with meals that will please even the pickiest eaters. The menus, which include things like "Tiger Tail," a pancake filled with chicken and vegetables, and "Pirate's Hand," fish fingers with cabbage and potato purée, were designed by a famous German TV chef. Entrees have little to no sugar and vegetables are "hidden" in many of the creations to make sure kids get a properly balanced meal.
The onboard activities are all a part of "Lu's World," (Lu being the airline's little crane mascot), and include a variety of games, puppets, jigsaw puzzles and card games. Children in First and Business Class get bonus booty in their own special amenity kit, which includes child-sized earplugs, socks, eye mask, lollipop, toothbrush kit and hair gel.
Lufthansa Destinations
Family Travel Information
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