A 16-hour-plus journey with two children on your own is a daunting prospect and it was with some trepidation I boarded an Emirates flight from Auckland to Dubai with my 7 and 12-year-old kids in tow.
I had read online about a device called Fly-Tot, an inflatable plane cushion you can place in the area by your feet, thus turning an economy seat into a more comfortable space for kids.
It's predominantly targeted at smaller children — smaller than mine — who it allows to curl up in the seat and fully recline, but I was prepared to give anything a go. The cushion comes with a pump and packs down neatly, but it does take up a bit of space in your carry on. When it came time for lights out, I carried the cushion and the pump into the galley and with an audience of fellow passengers and cabin crew watching on, prepared to inflate it. It was a quick and relatively noiseless process, but I did get a few amused looks as I took it back to my seat.
BINGO! My youngest daughter was able to put her feet up (as was my other daughter who stole a corner of it) and while she didn't sleep for quite as long as her mother may have hoped, it certainly made her more comfortable and less restless.
For toddlers I am certain it would be an absolute godsend — both for parents and their children. A word of warning: Make sure you check your airline will allow you to use it as some have banned them on board.
