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United introduces complimentary child amenity kits on all mainline flights

Aug. 05, 2021
2 min read
United introduces complimentary child amenity kits on all mainline flights
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While some international airlines have historically offered family-specific amenities including "flying nannies," inflight toys, dedicated play areas in lounges, complimentary strollers in airports and more, the same hasn't always been true when flying within the U.S. When flying with kids in the U.S., you might receive early boarding for very young children, but beyond that, you were usually pretty much on your own to meet your kids' needs and keep them entertained at 36,000 feet.

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But United Airlines is now bucking that trend and giving parents a little help by providing kids with extra fun (and safety) while onboard.

After a successful trial within select markets, United Airlines now offers complimentary children's activity kits on all mainline flights. United tells TPG that flight attendants will offer the kits to children during the inflight service.

The children's activity kits include:

  • Child-sized mask.
  • Travel journal activity book with crayons.
  • Origami paper airplane activity.
  • Sanitizing wipe.
  • Eco-friendly, recyclable paper bag.
(Image courtesy of United Airlines)

Little things can feel like big things when traveling with kids strapped into a seat in a small tube in the sky for hours on end.

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When my kids were younger, there were times that even the pictures in the inflight magazines provided a few minutes of backup entertainment when we'd been through our bag of tricks. While United's children's activity kits are simple, sometimes simple is all you need in the sky. Getting something made especially for kids can be a welcome and exciting break during the flight for both kids and parents alike.

Related: AA introduces new amenity kits

And of course, given the current times and protocols, having an extra kid-sized mask and sanitizing wipe on hand is also an asset.

Related: 9 ways to use your amenity kits

United Airlines is also in the process of retrofitting aircraft to again have personal built-in inflight entertainment screens and has made its inflight entertainment complimentary. These are also both great moves toward providing a more pleasant inflight experience for passengers of all ages.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

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  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

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  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.