So, a few days ago, I wrote a post about the fact that I am going on my first plane trip with my 3 kids all by myself. Yep, I’m crazy. This trip is coming up in just less than three weeks. That’s coming up fast!
The other night, I was watching 20/20 and saw a story about a new website to help parents when they travel. Of course, my ears perked up, and I thought, I need to hear this. It was about a brilliant idea to match up parents with babysitters on flights. Brilliant right? The website is called Nanny in the Clouds.
The way it works is that if you are a parent, you can register your flight information online. Then, the babysitters (who are people already taking that flight anyway) register also. Then, the website helps you find people that are willing to help you out with your children. The negotiating part is all between you and the nanny. You can negotiate the rate, what they will do, and how long they will help you out. For example, they can help you out during the flight only, or can meet you before to get you through security. When I heard this idea, I immediately signed up. Unfortunately, there are no babysitters on my flight, but maybe something will pop up in the next couple of weeks. I’d love to see how this works!
One draw back that I have seen in looking into this website is that you have to arrange with the airline to switch seats around so that you and your new nanny friend are sitting next to each other. Maybe this is not a problem and can be done easily, but I’m not so sure until I try it. Another disadvantage could be if you get delayed. If your flight is a few more hours than you were anticipating, the cost may go up if you are paying your nanny hourly.
The website is paid a $10 fee for the matching service, and then basically everything else is left up to the family and the nanny.
I think the idea is great. I’d love to put it into action. Anyone who has ever flown with children on a flight knows how difficult it can be. Especially babies. Using a service like this could be so helpful to so many families!