British Airways Gives Children a Voice

British Airways recently invited twelve young travelers from all over the world to its London headquarters in Waterside, in order to participate in a kid’s council that would inquire into the needs of this age group.

The children, flown in from Hong Kong, Uganda, Mexico, Kenya and South Africa, along with participants from the U.K., were required to provide ideas and opinions on the brand and product of British Airways.

When asked what they would like to see on flights, technological innovation was the primary response, notably a web camera in the cockpit, MP3 connections so as to download music during the flight, and live football match coverage.

Children from Hong Kong, Uganda, Mexico, Kenya, South Africa and the U.K. participated in the Kid’s council to inform British Airways on the needs of Young travelers.

Other requests included a clown in the waiting lounge and during check-in, a children’s area inside the airplane and free chocolates for children during the flight.

The children were offered the opportunity to do a role-play with the cabin crew and staff and to question the pilot. They were asked to rate the on-board menu with the company chefs and participated in a real flight simulation program.

Tiffany Hall, head of the marketing and distribution channels for British Airways claimed, “this is the first time an airline has taken an initiative to research the requirements of younger travelers and allow them to provide suggestions so as to improve their travel experience.”

She added, “the airline is delighted with the responses of our younger travelers and we received a variety of interesting ideas and comments that we will use proactively.” The airline anticipates the launch of an online forum on its website www.ba.com so as to invite further comments and suggestions from children around the world.