Today is Take Our Daughter and Sons to Work Day.
As you may know, my son is at my side when I am working at 37,000 feet. We fly multiple flights per month to review products, services, and tips, to meet with travel gurus and writers, doing media stuff, attending travel shows, and meeting with vendors and touring manufacturing facilities - researching all that has to do with traveling with kids!
As you can see in this photo, he is “serious” about our work - and studies the safety cards intently!
On a recent business trip to Seattle, I met with MSNBC and USA Today Travel Writer Harriet Baskas. In her column today, she writes about combining business and family and relates some details of our meeting to her readers…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24243774/
Here are 6 tips from Jet With Kids when combining business and family:
- Take time to prepare the family for what to expect – both in flight and at your destination. Establish a fair and realistic itinerary for all.
- Consider saving upgrade miles for when the kids are older. Young children in first class can be disruptive in what normally is a relatively quiet environment for fellow business travelers to work or have some much needed quiet time.
- Carefully plan your seat location on the plane. If there is work that needs to be completed prior to arrival at your destination, consider sitting apart from the rest of the family (only if there is another adult along to care for the children). Do not expect to get work done when sitting next to your young children on airplanes or in airports. It is unfair to all involved.
- Realize the exit rows are off limits. The airlines restrict those who have other responsibilities in flight from sitting in the exit rows. This is a rule and fair to all passengers.
- Do not expect young children to understand the significance of a boss or important clients that you meet. Although it is appropriate to teach little ones how to shake a hand and make eye contact, flying is an out-of-routine event and children may not react the way you would prefer. Stay clear of these situations if possible.
6. Allow extra time for everything when flying with kids. It takes more time to check in and get through security with little ones.
Remember – the flight is the first (and last) impression of your trip – acknowledge the needs of the entire family both in flight and at your destination.