Qantas, Jetstar update list of prohibited items on board

Both Qantas and Jetstar have updated their list of prohibited items on board. The airlines opted to ban “inflatable cubes” and “bed boxes” used by kids to sleep on long flights to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

The policy says that using in-flight travel accessories and devices attached between aircraft seats are no longer allowed. Those that hinder access to seat rows or aisles are also prohibited, the Daily Mail notes.

According to the Qantas website, these devices have the potential to damage aircraft seats and fixtures, preventing easy access to emergency equipment. “Examples of prohibited in-flight accessories include, but are not limited to, inflatable cubes, bed boxes, and leg hammocks,” the company’s Facebook page reads. A Qantas spokesperson said that the airline prioritises the safety of its passengers and crew.

The announcement caused dismay among some parents. One comment said that the updated policy will make travelling with kids even harder. Some parents have recounted their experiences of happy travels with their kids thanks to the travel accessories and devices for sleeping.

Plane Pal is an example of an inflatable product that fits in the leg area of a plane or train seat. It was the brainchild of Sam Cardone, a Gold Coast-based mum. “As a mother of 3 who loves travel I wanted to create a product that would help families reduce the stress associated with family air travel,” she wrote on her website.

Cardone explained that with Plane Pal, kids can stretch out and fall asleep. She also wrote on her site that the advice she had heard from “most airlines” was that passengers are entitled to use an inflated cushion during the remainder of the flight if the area between their seats and the seats in front remain clear during takeoff. She cited Singapore Airlines as one that approved the use of inflatable travel beds for kids.

Another travel gadget that parents use to ensure their kids’ comforts during flights is the Jetkids BedBox, a product created by a former aircraft engineer and airline captain. It is intended for kids up to seven years of age. The product is considered a child's hand luggage and inflight bed or leg-rest. It can be switched to “bed mode” when the seatbelt sign has been turned off.

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