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Infant with Wife: Trip to BLR-GAU . Your inputs needed

 
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 3:37 pm    Post subject: Infant with Wife: Trip to BLR-GAU . Your inputs needed Reply with quote

Hi

I am planning to send my infant son with my wif to GAU from BLR. My son is 1 year 10 months. Considering this to be thier first ever trip, what precautions should we take for the trip. I shall not be travelling with my family during the travel.

Only airlines that has a direct flight is the KF. Considering it to be my only choice, which seats should I choose so that my family has a good travel from BLR to GAU. Since my son is a infant, he shall not be alloted any saet and he shall be sitting on my wifes lap. Wonder which seat is the best?

Expecting your valuable feedback on my query


Ram P
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Nilanjon
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Since your son is 1 year 10 months, there should not be much of a problem.

I've travelled with my daughter when she was 2.5 months old, and then she had little problem, but later when she travelled at 1 year and 1.6 years age, she never had any problems with air travel.

So, do not worry at all. Nevertheless, out of my experience, I'm writing some tips below.

The only airline who flies direct is Kingfisher right now.
Air Deccan starts a direct Blr-Gau flight from March 26.

I recommend that you reserve a seat for your wife using Kingfisher's website http://www.flykingfisher.com. Just provide the PNR number and you can block a seat.

I suggest an aisle seat towards the front, so that the flying models are easily accessible throughout the flight in case of your son needing any additional support.

I would recommend 3C or 3D.

Since it's the first air travel for your son, I don't know how well his ears will adjust to the pressure difference during take-off and landing. So, I suggest that your wife takes the following 2 precautions to avoid ear pain to your son :
1. Tell her to plug your son's ears with cotton before takeoff. Keep some cotton and cream close at hand - make the cotton into a small ball the size of his ear-hole amd dip it in a little cream so that it stays inside his ears.
2. Also, during takeoff and landing, let him have some milk or water from a bottle - the sucking action causes the ear to get blocked and insulates against pressure difference saving it from the pain feeling.

Additionally, in case he vomits tell her to make sure that the paper bag for this purpose is available in the seat pocket.

Also, the Kingfisher flight from Bangalore to Gauhati is a long one with stopovers in Hyderabad and Kolkata. So, your son is likely to get restless with the limited manouvering room he will have on the flight. In Hyderabad and Kolkata, let him wal around with your wife - he'll enjoy it very much. Also, since Kingsiher has in-seat video, he will hopefully remain entertained for some time - if I remember correct, one of their 6 video channels is a cartoon channel !!

Wish your wife and son a pleasant flight to Gauhati. Please write if I can give any more suggestions.
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nilanjon

Thank you very much for your detailed reply. It is very much helpful

I belive I can book in KF.

You suggested that with PNR, Can I block the seat ? On the web site. KF Site gives me the option to choose the seating. I dont know about the cabin layout in A319.

I was doing a bit of info abt the cabin layout on A319 and it appeared to me that the BULK HEAD SEATS or the EXIT ROW SEATS are a bit roomy, But I was wondering if KF can give it to infant travel.

Pretty much appreciate your concern abt the aisle seating. But my wife is insisting on a window seat Sad [Wonder why its HARD to understand females; No offence meant to anyone , just a thought ]

If I need to choose the window seat with a bit more legroom, do I have any choices with the seating ?

I believe IT431 to GAU is a all economy class seating plane. If so, which is the best choice to sit.

And if you mind me asking for more, can we ask for infant food or baby food before we board the flight or we can get it onboard ?

Appreciate your kind attention and with all due hear felt regards

Ram P
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Nimish
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 5:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I definitely agree with the suggestions on keeping the child busy sucking. Since he's almost 2 years old, he may not be using the bottle anymore, so in that case hard boiled candy or plain sugar/diamond sugar (mishri) is a good alternative.

The idea is that if the child is sucking something, the ducts behind the ears/nose/mouth (they are all interrelated it seems) will allow the pressure difference to go away and hence the pain to go away.

The other good thing is sleep - children don't seem to notice the pressure difference if they're sleeping. But keeping the kid asleep during 2 take off and landings might be tough!

Good luck with your journey..
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the_380
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PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 5:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Avoid taking seat near the exit doors and emergency doors.
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AKLDELNonstop
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think 1A would be a good seat. Since its the first/bulkhead row, so should have extra leg room. Id say just call up their call centre and explain your problem, they should be able to block 1A or 1F for you.
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks everyone for all your inputs

I could not get 1A or 1F as it appears that KF has blocked those seats for emergency purposes. Thats what the call centre people told me.

Anyway I got 4C for my family.

Now comes the plan to prepare them for the flight travel. Anxious always.

Love

Ram P
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Nilanjon
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 11:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi,

It's good to hear you already blocked the seat 4C.

Regarding more legroom, bulk-head and emergency exit seats are good. But they normally should not assign emergency exit rows to passengers with infants or to elderly people.

Since your son is 1 yr 10 months old, I assume he eats more than baby food !! But I'm not sure if Kingfisher will provide any infant food. They do have child meals though, which your wife can request during one of the sectors (she will be served thrice - first on Blr-Hyd, second on Hyd-CCU and third on CCU-Gau sectors).

Also, if he's used to milk, they should be able to provide (also with corn flakes since the flight starts at breakfast time).

Yes, the A319 used on BLR-HYD-CCU-GAU-IXA sector is an all economy flight (rather Kingfisher Class as VJM calls it).

Lastly, don't get so tense about it - much smaller kids travel on flights without any problems. So, your son and wife too will have a rocking ride.
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 12:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for all the confidence boosting statements. Its wonderful

I shall keep you posted about latest developments

Love

Ram P
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VABBy
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 8:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just wondering mates Dont we have bassinets in domestic flights??
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TKMCE
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:35 am    Post subject: Air Deccan to start new BLR GAU flights Reply with quote

THis news may be useful for the future. Air Deccan is starting a new flight from BLR to GAU from Mar 26th. This is a daily flight which leaves BLR at 0545 and reaches GAU at 0945 via CCU. Returns back at 1020 the same way reaching BLR at 1420. This is a much shorter journey than the KF flight - 90 min less (a major factor travelling with an infant) since the KF flight makes an additional stop at HYD in addition to CCU. I am sure the fare difference would also be considerable.
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the news. Its wonderful.

I will use this option on the return journey.

My onward journey was tentatively extended till Dibrugarh. Hence my choice was limited to KF.

More news is that I went to the airport today morning to explore the option of getting the front row seats, buthe advise I recd was that the seats are blocked by the airlines and shall be released at the time of boarding.

Hence I am planning to reach early and then try my best to get the seats.

Shall keep you posted on the updates.

Ram P
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Nilanjon
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

But RamP,

You had written that you already blocked 4C. Why do you want to go even further in front than 4C ?

When your wife checks in, she will definitely be allotted the seat already blocked, i.e., 4C.

Also, if your wife is travelling alone with the kid, then I would advise against Air Deccan, since they will not be well taken care of in case of delays. Also, Air Deccan has a bus-like free for all seating, so your wife may get an off middle seat making it difficult with the little baby.
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 2:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have blocked 4C, but if I get the first row (probably called as the bulkhead row), I will have more legroom for my family to comfortably sit and move around, and congestion will be less.. Thats why I am looking forward to get in Row 1.

My wife is travelling alone with my kid. I am ina dilema abt AIR DECCAN.

Let me see what I can do. Still exploring options. I heard abt Deccan passive attitude towards customer satisfaction, but .... which is a BIG BUT.... options are open......

Ram P
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Nilanjon
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PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 3:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ok, now I understand your point. Yes, bulhead seat will definitely be better than 4C.

As I said, it's better to AVOID Air Deccan since your wife is travelling alone from Dibrugarh to Bangalore with a small kid.
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quick reply awaited:

Are bulkhead seats blocked by airlines for TOP personnel, like politicians, ill patients, etc.

Is such is the scenario, i still prefer my 4C. What would be the advise of frequent travellers to migrate from 4C to 1a or 1f, for the travel of my family with my young son?


Appreciate your help.

Ram P
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shivendrashukla
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 9:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

lambuhere1 wrote:
Quick reply awaited:

Are bulkhead seats blocked by airlines for TOP personnel, like politicians, ill patients, etc.

Is such is the scenario, i still prefer my 4C. What would be the advise of frequent travellers to migrate from 4C to 1a or 1f, for the travel of my family with my young son?


Appreciate your help.

Ram P


No Ram, if you request they will assign it to you. I was travelling to GAU on spicejet and i was in 2A and the row in front of me has a lady with infant and an old couple. I guess these seats are reserved for speacial cases like these and since you do qualify, i see you should not have any problem. So how are you planning to goto Dibrugarh??

Cheers
Shivendra
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 4:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Trip Report Updated: Delayed

Hi

Sorry for the delay in the update on the travel on my family. Actually, After I sent them to DIB, I had to travel to US (TR report later) for business visit, hence I couldnt find any time to pin down all my experiences.

Firstly, let me come back to the TR which my family took from BLR to DIB via HYD CCU GAU

Travel time: Morning 6:30 Flight. IT 431

Woke up at 4:30 in the morning, got ready, my son was still in sleeping mood... had to force him to get dressed. Cab arrived on time, reached BLR airport in 15 mins flat.

Now the actual story begins:

As soon as we reached airport, I called up the valet service of IT for thier support in getting the luggage inside. They were quite helpful all along. Security was tight and we were not allowed inside the airport. So I was holding my son and along with my sis in law, was standing outside. My wife went in to get the boarding passes.

Time: 5:30 am, My son got up hearing all the commotion near the DN counter and new atmosphere... had to pacify him...but will not sleep as he was not in his bed and saw all new things... Anyway getting back I asked my family to get the security clearance done... Valet was with us all the time.... My son wouldnt leave me at all... Had to tell him that I am going to office.... then he went along with my wife for the securiy clearance..... Valet was following my family till the security clearance....

Next we waited... to see if the flight was departing on time... What a wait...X ray for Departure terminal 2 at BLR is outside near the entrance... (Or should I say WAS, more on it later)...there was quite a crowd in the early morning flights ......

Saw KAPIL DEV.. probably travelling my First Class in IT...People didnt notice or take care about him.... it was my sis in law who saw him in the first place.... was not interested in autograph...then I told her to forget abt it...

Waiting time over when we saw that IT 431 boarding is complete.... We came back home and waited for their safe journey to DIB.....

Call came at 14:00 that my family has reached safely in DIB ... no hasseles...Couldnt talk much abt the travel... spoke to them in the evening..... and below is their experience...

Valet service guy at BLR went upto the security screening and after that another KF personnel took over... my son was already sleeping by the time boarding has started... KF took the cabin bags into the flight and secured it in the over head bins.... very much thankful to them..... As you might be aware I blocked 4C for my family... 4B was left empty by KF as the load was not full.... my son was able to sleep comfortably in the same till GAU..... My wife was famished since she didnt have any breakfast at home.. She comfortably had two servings in BLR HYD sector and HYD GAU sector... She also requested a blanket for my son was was fast asleep... enroute to CCU he got up and he was quite happy with the surroundings ..... started playing with IFE cartoon network... had some fruits which we took for him... and was always enjoying.... not at all crying and not at all missing me Confused

at GAU the flight was full, as some foreigners were on the trip to assam...hence my son was sitting in my wifes lap...no issues as the journey was short....

At DIB, during deboarding, my wife took the help of fellow passengers to get the cabin bag withdrawn from overhead bins and at the airport took some help in getting the luggage onto the trolley.... my BIL (Brother in law) was there in DIB to receive them and my family reached safely....

Phew... that was a looong report....

Would ping up my report from BLR HYD FRA OHR STL and back, sometime next week...

Ram P
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TKMCE
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:49 pm    Post subject: KF pullus out of DIB Reply with quote

Good to hear about the flight.

But unfortunately KF is pulling out of DIB and from April 16 will operate three times a week to Imphal instead. THe other four days the flight will continue to Agartala as is being done presently.

The current Sahara daily connection on CCU DIB via GAU is also no longer there in the summer schedule, so this leaves the five times weekly non stop A320 by IC and the four times weekly ATR (via GAU) on DN the only options on the CCU DIB route.
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lambuhere1
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Is this news posted somewhere....

I shall be missing GAU DIB route on KF.....

Lets c how things get settled and we can plan accordingly


Ram P
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TKMCE
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 11:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

KF schedules no longer show DIB from the said date.
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