More Than Luxury: Business Class Makes International Travel Accessible for Our Family

The first time we took our kids on an international flight in business class, I was nervous. Not because of the flight itself, but because I wondered if it was too much. Would people side-eye us for having young kids in first class? Would it even be worth it?

Let me tell you—zero regrets.

When you’re traveling with a neurodivergent child, especially one with sensory sensitivities and rigidity around routines, the journey matters just as much as the destination. The hustle and bustle of a busy airport, the unpredictability of boarding, the sheer exhaustion of long-haul travel—these are the moments that can make or break a trip before it even begins. That’s why, when we fly internationally, we prioritize comfort where it counts.

The Business Class Lounge: A Game-Changer

Before we even step on a plane, the airport environment can be overwhelming. The noise, the crowds, the constant stimulation - it’s a recipe for dysregulation. That’s why lounge access has become non-negotiable for us.

In the first-class lounge, the atmosphere is calmer. There’s space to stretch out, quiet corners to decompress, and - most importantly - a predictable environment where the kids are not bombarded with chaos before a 10+ hour flight. They can sit, relax, and ease into the transition without feeling like they've just been thrown into the deep end.

For us, it’s not about the free food or drinks, it’s about giving our family the best possible start to a long journey.

Bidding for Business Class: Always Worth the Try

We don’t always book business class upfront, but if an upgrade is available, we always bid on it. Sometimes we win, sometimes we don’t—but more often than not, we’ve been able to secure seats at a fraction of the cost. And for a red-eye or long-haul flight, that little extra investment makes an enormous difference.

A lie-flat seat means my kids actually sleep on the plane, which means we don’t land in a new country running on fumes. The extra space means N isn’t overwhelmed by feeling trapped in his seat for hours on end. And the smaller cabin size helps reduce overstimulation, which makes those inevitable in-flight transitions (meal service, turbulence, and even deplaning) so much smoother.

Why We’ll Keep Doing It

There’s a misconception that flying business or first class with kids is over-the-top. But for us, it’s about making travel sustainable. The more positive experiences we have, the more confident the kids become. The more we build predictability into the process, the less stressful it is for all of us.

It’s not about luxury. It’s about accessibility.

Because when travel is manageable, it becomes possible. And when it’s possible, the world opens up.

And we’re not about to let fear keep us grounded.