16-03-2025
The best (and worst) airline activity kits for children
You don't want your child to be the one who's endlessly kicking the person in the seat in front, or screaming at the top of their lungs, or stuck on an iPad from London to Sydney. But, if your brood is of a certain age, preventing any of the above from happening involves a great deal of parental input.
Luckily, a number of airlines are happy to help by providing child passengers with complimentary activity packs. Some will give you a couple of moments' peace, others may well become keepsakes. With the help of an expert panel of young testers and their parents, as well as educational consultant (and mum to kids aged one and five) Ruth Lue-Quee, we've reviewed the offerings of six airlines to see exactly what's inside. Read on to discover their favourites…
Virgin
The details
A red duffle bag containing a fidget toy keyring, mini aviator sunglasses with UV400 protection, a set of coloured pencils and two booklets ('my flying activity book' and 'my holiday activity journal'). Available at UK airport gates for those aged two-12.
The verdict
Our oldest testers loved this one, especially the fidget toy keyring (which is similar to the patches that Amelie, aged 12, and her friends have on their phone cases). Meanwhile, Sonny (10) liked the idea of using the bag for his PE kit post-holiday. The little ones had great fun with the sunglasses and parents liked the fact that they could be used while away, though we found them too small on all our testers aged seven and over.
The booklets, which work a bit like holiday diaries and would make good keepsakes after the event, were among the best in any pack. Clever questions inside about plane seat numbers and flight details should engage kids aged four and up for a while onboard.
Score
8/10
Etihad
The details
A backpack with water bottle, superhero cape and activity book for those aged between four and eight.
The verdict
This airline brought in the big guns for its packs: a triumvirate of DC super heroes from Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi Yas Island. A special mention should go to the satiny superhero cape too. It's the dream for those in Reception but Sonny and our seven-year-old tester Jemima found the theme a bit young. 'It's better for four-year-olds,' she said.
