Elite Traveler September-October 2018

DISCOVER

elite traveler SEPT/OCT 2018 32

A Mad Hatter’s tea party at 40,000 ft is sure to keep your little ones entertained

Aviation Adventures in the sky by Samantha Coles

Traveling with children can be challenging. They’remost likely hyperexcited about going on a trip and in need of entertainment, whereas you’re looking to relax or catch up on paperwork . Nannies do their best to keep them amused, but options can be limited when you’re 40,000ft in the air. That’s where VistaJet comes in. Last year, the aviation firm reported that one in four flights had a child on board. So, in order to keep children thoroughly entertained, it has launched a whimsical new program called Adventures in the Sky. This collection of themed parties and activities has the assistance of a cabin host who has been trained at the prestigious early-years education and childcare institute Norland College. This specialized training means that all hosts are fully capable of recognizing the needs of traveling families onboard. The cabin host will be joined by an entertainer from the delightful party-planning extraordinaires, Sharky & George, who will host the party itself. Created for passengers aged one to 16 years old, the cabin is transformed for the themed party, creating a memorable interactive experience for first-time fliers and seasoned travelers alike. The party options include Alice in the Sky where children head down the rabbit hole into Alice’s wonderland for aMad Hatter’s tea party, a game of flamingo croquet and a game of Tweedledee and Tweedledum’s

Contrariwise. Budding spies can sign up for the Secret Mission, guided by an in-flight spy chief who recruits secret-service agents with an assignment to solve a worldwide criminal investigation. Agents receive training to decipher code, take fingerprints and learn secret messaging and crime-scene techniques. Young cinephiles can create their own movie from script to screen withMovies in the Sky; a fully equipped film crew helps bring the script to life, or children can act out their favorite film. Whichever program your child chooses, you can be sure the journey will be just as much fun as the destination. vistajet.com

Budding spies can embark on a secret mission, guided by an in-flight spy chief

As the holiday season is fast approaching, there’s no better time to invest in a family-friendly jet. Whether you’re flying between states to visit relatives or going on a further-flung vacation, these aircrafts can get you there TAKE TWO/// FAMILY- FRIENDLY JETS

HondaJet Elite At this year’s EBACE in Geneva, HondaJet revealed significant upgrades to its HA-420 Hondajet, just 30 months after the jet was first unveiled. Perfect for short-range flights, the HondaJet Elite has an auxiliary fuel tank, meaning its range has increased by 17 percent, allowing a range of 1,437 nautical miles — the furthest-flying aircraft in its class — but it’s still fuel-efficient and emits fewer greenhouse gases than similarly sized aircrafts. There are also a number of improvements to the cabin: a new engine inlet (for reduced high-frequency noise), a belted lavatory and a small galley with coffee machine. The jet is available in three new color schemes: Monarch Orange, Ruby Red and Ice Blue. From $5.25m, hondajet.com

Gulfstream G500 If you’re heading further afield, the GulfstreamG500 combines incredible speed with significant range — it can travel 4,400 nautical miles at Mach 0.85. With more time in the air, cabin comfort is a necessity. The G500 is large enough to carry 19 passengers and can sleep up to eight, and the 41-ft interior cabin can be designed to your specifications. There’s also ample baggage space with fold-down shelving and space that can be configured for your ski gear, golf clubs or full-to-the-brim suitcases. The interior is pressurized to no more than 4,850ft, even at a maximum altitude of 51,000ft, and 100 percent fresh air is replenished every two minutes, meaning the dreaded effects of jet lag will be lessened so you and your family arrive feeling refreshed. From$75.7m, gulfstream.com

Photos Paul Bowen Photography Inc., Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation