Flying the Family Friendly Skies

By drodriguez Sep 24, 2008

The phrases family friendly and the airline industry do not often find their way in the same sentence. It is difficult enough to travel alone as an adult, especially if you add on flight delays, cancellations, layovers, etc. But to be confined in a cramped seat for hours with nothing to do but look at a Sky Mall can be downright impossible for a small child.

With rising fuels costs, the airlines seem to be worrying less about a passenger’s comfort and more about trying to make a profit. One company, which claims to have a different take on the whole idea of air travel, is Family Airlines. Earlier this year, Family Airlines submitted an application to fly with the DOT (Department of Transportation).

The Las Vegas based company is still in the beginning stages and waiting for approval before they can begin sending flights out. According to their website, Family Airlines would target families as well as travelers on a budget. Their fares would be drastically lower than most airlines, boasting coast-to-coast one-way tickets for $69 and shorter trips for just $19.

The airline also plans to open a “family section” designed specifically for passengers traveling with children. So when your four year old decides he needs to go to the bathroom for the third time in ten minutes, fellow passengers from the “family section” would probably be more sympathetic than most.

Family Airlines founder and CEO Barry Michaels explains how the airline plans to make money while offering such low cost fares, “While the primary source of revenue for most airlines is passenger ticket sales the Family Airlines strategy will depend on the development of alternative profit centers to generate additional sources of revenue.” This means they will rely heavily on extra purchases like food, drinks, movies, video games, and email access.

What do you think of the idea of a more family friendly airline?

Do you think Family Airlines’ business model will work if it receives approval from the DOT?

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Comments

by stoney | ARLINGTON HTS, IL

Sep 29, 2008

I love the family friendly idea! I would be much more likely to purchase the extras for my kids if the ticket price is reasonable. Kid friendly food and snacks would be great, and cops with lids would be a definite plus! I hope it happens.

by CulverAmber | Trenton, OH

Sep 29, 2008

Sounds great!!! I just flew with my 6 month old on my lap and my 4 1/2 yr old son by myself. We flew 2 flights for about 4-5 hrs each with one connection inbetween. The seats were so tight. My boys both cried while they were asleep because they were uncomfortable. I hope it's closer to the front of the plane (near the enter exit door). That was one of the worst parts. Having to hold a baby, watch my son in front and our carry on inbetween those crammed aisles. Maybe cups with lids for kids too. That's all I want is a spill on a seat we have to sit in for 4 hrs ;) So, family friendly...I'm in!!!!

by AGRONDIN | DEERFIELD, NH

Sep 29, 2008

I THINK THIS IS GREAT REASONABLE TICKETS AND FAMILY FREINDLY IS WONDERFUL... I JUST WONDER IF WHEN EVERYONE IS SEARCHING FOR CHEAP TICKETS THE FAMILY FRIENDLY WILL BE SOLD OUT TO THE NOT SO FRIENDLY...

by sburg | Slinger, WI

Sep 29, 2008

I think this is a great idea!! I'm curious to what my flight attendant friend is going to think of this idea. I'm all for family friendly. I'm not sure my hubby will be all for it....

by JUST4KAREN | VIROQUA, WI

Sep 29, 2008

What a great idea!! I am always the one that has to get up 10 times and annoy the person sitting next to me.

by Salemsw | Millbury, MA

Sep 29, 2008

I love the Idea-- I hope it pans out!!

by kprager | HOLLYWOOD, FL

Sep 28, 2008

Nope not for me! I love the idea but since I do not really like to fly I like to go with the major airlines. I am not sure it is even safer...however, I like to think so and do not want to hear differently ....or I may never fly again =)

by fairygodmother11 | shelbyville, IN

Sep 28, 2008

I've never flown before so I have no past experience to go by but I do think it would really work well.

by kronca | MILFORD, NJ

Sep 28, 2008

We fly yearly for vacation. I would LOVE a family friendly airline. An airline that understands how hard it is to fly with children who are not always patient (along with husbands) would be a blessing!!

by jenniwalsh | Mansfield, TX

Sep 28, 2008

I definitely like this idea. I think it could work too, Especially if some of the services were designed to make little children have something to do and be quiet like a video game. Even if you are sitting in a family section you still want your children to be quiet! It is sometimes embarrassing when they are not.

by vanibrown | Riverview, FL

Sep 28, 2008

I think its interesting, and would love to see it happen. I think people would pay more for services if the ticket was cheaper. Especially if the products offered were brand name quality.