If you have young kids, then you likely are well aware that traveling across the planet by plane with a one-year-old is a massive ordeal. We usually compensate with a bunch of extra and often unnecessary carry-on gadgets and snacks just to keep the tyke occupied.
On our last trip back to the states, we opted for the extra seat, mainly for the privacy of having an entire row of seats with our child and also so my wife could breastfeed when needed. Little did I know that my genius wife had also picked up something extra to make the journey a little more comfortable. That’s where Jetkids came in!
Jetkids is a little rolling suitcase that’s essentially a bed in a box for your toddler. Inside the plastic suitcase is a small foam mattress and space for blankets. After you reach a cruising altitude, you put the box between the passenger seat and tray table and raise it slightly so that it’s flush with the bottom seat cushion, then roll the mattress on top.
I’ll admit, when I first saw it, I was a little miffed about the thought of bringing anything extra with us when going through security. We already had our carry-ons, stroller, electronics, baby stuff, etc. Thinking about the impending doom of going through security with numerous things which could be analyzed as potential security hazards, the stress can undoubtedly be a little overwhelming. But I couldn’t bring myself to say no to this small rolling suitcase.
We found it secondhand for RMB 600, though it usually goes for RMB 1,400 brand new (here), and it was a massive help throughout our 24-hour trip. We ended up being the envy of all the other families with toddlers on the plane. Even the flight attendants were amazed and asked us about our contraption. But, we know the main reason for their appreciation was that it resulted in a very quiet one-year-old for a majority of the trip.
The second best part of the experience is that Jetkids also doubles as a fun object that our son could be pulled around on in the airport, resulting in some really cute photos while waiting for our flights. Though obstructed by the pacifier, you can still see the enjoyment on his face.
Photos: Kipp Whittaker, cloudfront.net, i.ebayimg.com
