One of the most “dangerous” things I’ve ever done was rock up at the airport with my then toddler, and then finding out at the check-in desk that my son couldn’t get a window seat as we were too late to get our preferred seats. As the boarding gate opened, so did the floodgate of tears as my little dude realised he wasn’t seated by the window, with a key view of the wings, clouds and city below him.

But we learn from our “mistakes”, and since then, I do an online check-in to avoid any drama, and to ensure that my son has the window hotseat.

With the holiday season here, and airports crammed with children wanting window seats, kulula is encouraging customers to check in online from anywhere. This airline, known for its quirky campaigns and business approach, has created a life-size remote controlled bed and bath that were at busy airports last month, and are this week at Gautrain stations. The aim is to show how easy it really is to check-in online from anywhere – your home, office or even a hammock.

kulula’s online check-in process has been improved and allows customers to do even more online. It’s now possible to check-in infants online, group bookings of up to 15 people can check-in online, and boarding passes can be emailed to one or more email addresses.

Jack Parow in the tub

Seen at Rosebank Gautrain station

When at the airport, the self-service kiosks are easy to find and simple to use – all you need to do is type in your name and reference number, and print your boarding pass. Since you have your boarding pass, all you need to do is drop off your bags at the “bag drop” counter, saving you the mission of waiting in a check-in queue, so that you can relax with a magazine or latte while your kids watch planes.

The kulula bed is based at Rosebank Gautrain station and the bath is at Sandton Gautrain station from Monday to Friday this week. There will be a promoter in the bed and bath between 6am and 9am and 4pm to 7pm every day. Outside of those times the bed and bath will be on display with no one inside it.

The bed and bath will be on display at O.R. Tambo International and Lanseria Airports respectively from Saturday 13 December until mid January 2015

Showing that one really can check in while lying in bed

A bed? Yes please!

To watch the fun video featuring Jack Parow in the bath and Siv Ngesi in the bed, watch this video:

And while we’re on the topic of convenience and easier travel, here are kulula’s tips for easier travelling with the kids: 

Pre-book a seat with a view

When pre-selecting your airline seats, children will most likely want to look out the window so choose a window seat for them, so that they won’t disturb fellow passengers by stretching over them and trying to look out of the window. This will keep them busy for a while, and if they fall asleep they can rest their heads on the side of the aircraft and are less likely to be disturbed. Seating children at aisle seats can be disruptive to them and fellow passengers.

Give yourself plenty of time

Parents know that everything takes a little bit longer with kids. To save time standing in queues, check-in online and print out your tickets, so all you have to do is just drop off your bags at the baggage counter. With kulula.com it is now possible to check-in infants online too. Give yourself extra time at the airport to allow for any mishaps or extra toilet breaks, and so that they can explore, look at the planes and run around a bit before boarding.

Be prepared with the essentials

Ensure that you have a carry-on bag with compartments which allow you to access your ID or passport and important documents easily. It’s a real time waster having to scratch around in your bag for your ticket or ID at the boarding gate, while your child tugs on your jersey and the queue behind you starts getting impatient. Also assign a compartment for hygiene essentials such as wet wipes, waterless hand cleanser, plasters, and cotton wool to put in your child’s ears to ease ear pressure during takeoff and landing.

Know the baggage allowance

For parents travelling with kids the baggage allowance is normally quite generous, but to avoid any extra costs be sure to find out what the allowance is beforehand. On kulula flights, adult passengers are allowed to check in one bag weighing up to 20kg; and children up to 12 years of age are allowed one bag up to 20kg, a collapsible pushchair and a car seat.

Keep your kids entertained

Generally children are happy if they are kept busy and they have something to eat. Load your iPad with movies, games and music; bring crayons and a notebook; their favourite quiet toy or something new for them to play with. When travelling with younger children, who might not understand what is happening, it’s best to ensure they have something with them that they are familiar with that will comfort them – be it a teddy bear, doll or blanket. A good idea is to attach a luggage tag to it, so that should it get lost it can be returned. Or use a dummy clip to attach it to you or your child.

Pack a variety of snacks

Be sure to have a selection of your child’s favourite healthy snacks on hand, such as biscuits, cheese wedges, dried fruit, raisons and water. Think of snacks that will keep them happily chewing for a while, and avoid sugary snacks that might cause an energy spike.

Let them document their journey

If your children are old enough it’s a great idea to give them a ‘child-friendly’ or disposable camera and let them take pictures of anything of interest that they encounter on their travels. Or give them a scrapbook and let them draw or write about fun things experienced on their trip. This encourages them to be more observant and it’s fun to see the holiday through their eyes.

All this said, if things don’t quite go according to plan, be flexible and remain calm to avoid adding stress to the journey. The best thing you can do is relax, go with the flow and just enjoy the privilege of travelling with your children.

This is a sponsored post for kulula