 Asiana Airlines has been running exclusive check-in counters and other tailored services for mothers travelling with babies through the “Happy Mom Services” program. / Courtesy of Asiana |
Staff Reporter
Asiana's mother-friendly services have been gaining enthusiastic reviews from those who have been through the ordeals of travelling with infants.
Through the recent launch of "Happy Mom Services," the airline has been providing exclusive check-in counters for mothers at the airport, breastfeeding covers and baby slings free of charge for travelers with babies.
The service was initiated on Oct. 1 at 10 International airports (Incheon, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, London, Frankfurt, Paris and Sydney) to which Asiana flies. Out of 2,277 passengers traveling with infants, 1,043 passengers used the exclusive counters and 167 passengers were provided with breastfeeding covers, an Asiana spokesperson said.
In response to the enthusiastic reception, Asiana will extend the "Happy Mom Services" to 66 airports internationally. Also, they will lengthen the age limit from 24 months to 36 months old.
"I was worried about breastfeeding on board. But when arriving at JFK International Airport, I found that there was an exclusive counter for mothers run by Asiana and received a breastfeeding cover as well. During my 14-hour flight to Incheon, it was very pleasant for me to travel to Korea," Choi Eun-sun, a passenger on the Nov. 13 Incheon OZ221 from New York to Incheon, said.
"No other airline has provided such services. This is really great for moms," Agreda Sison Leizl, a passenger on the airline's Oct. 29 flight from Chicago to Incheon, said.
Netizens have also shown their interest in the new services and currently 21 blogs and 10 internet cafes are talking about the "Happy Mom Services."
The exclusive check-in counters for those with infants provide the 3E services ― Express Check In, Express Boarding and Express Baggage. It allows passengers with infants to shorten the waiting period at airports.
Passengers with infants will also receive a "Priority Tag" on their checked baggage. Arriving passengers with infants will now be able to quickly retrieve their baggage without the hassle of caring for their infant while waiting at baggage claim.
During long-haul flights, mothers have faced difficulties in feeding their infants. Usually, feeding takes place in the toilets or the galleries of aircraft. In order to resolve these difficulties, Asiana will provide breastfeeding covers for passengers when asked by request at the departure point.
For larger infants travelling on children tickets, Asiana is providing free installation of baby safety seats upon reservation. Asiana hopes the service will negate the need for passengers to bring along their own baby seats.
jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr
