Etihad to introduce "flying nannies"

Etihad expects to have 500 nannies, approved by Norland, a childcare training

college in the UK, bringing order to the skies by the end of the year.

Aubrey Tiedt, Etihad Airways’ vice president guest services, said: “The Flying

Nanny will liaise with parents and use their experience and knowledge to

make the travel experience easier. This includes helping serve children’s

meals early in the flight and offering activities and challenges to help

entertain and occupy younger guests.”

The airline has also released tips for parents flying with young children.

It recommends giving them something to chew or suck during take-off and

landing, or asking them to blow their nose to relieve ear pain caused by

changes in air pressure.

It also suggests that parents try not to get too stressed as children are less

likely to be calm themselves; talking through the sequence of events at the

airport to make them feel reassured; and limiting sugary treats which raise

children’s energy levels.

The introduction of nannies comes as other airlines are launching child-free

zones to limit the disruption to passengers. The latest to do so was Scoot

Airlines, the budget branch of Singapore Airlines, last month. Its

child-free cabins also offered more leg room than seats in economy class.

Telegraph Travel asked readers what they thought of child-free flights last

year and nearly

70 per cent said they would back their introduction.

Etihad to introduce "flying nannies"