It’s not every day you hear about a reality TV star getting caught up in a travel nightmare, but Billie Faiers, familiar to many from the popular show ‘The Only Way Is Essex,’ recently shared her experience. Her journey home from a picturesque vacation in The Maldives quickly turned into a challenge when she had to carry her 5-month-old baby, Margot, for a full 12-hour flight.
On her podcast, Billie revealed the unexpected complication that arose when she boarded the plane. She’d been looking forward to the convenience of an in-flight bassinet for Margot, but upon entering the aircraft, she learned the bad news that the only available bassinet was unfortunately broken.
“I had a nightmare,” Billie described candidly. “When you have a young baby, the bassinet is such a help. You also get some extra legroom which really makes a difference—especially when you’re constantly attending to a baby bag.”
She recounted the moment she was informed, “Really sorry, but the bassinet’s broken,” regarding the only unit available on the entire flight.
For Billie, who is also a mother to two older children, Arthur and Nelly, with her husband Shepherd, the prospect of having to hold Margot for the entire flight was daunting. “Greg and my mum were there to help me, but all I thought was, ‘please, don’t do this to me.’ At her age, only 5 months, Margot doesn’t want to be confined. We were left with no choice.”
Remarkably, Billie’s sister, Sam, experienced a similar situation. Traveling back to the UK with her son Edward, Sam had her own challenges. “We didn’t have a bassinet either, and Edward is 11 months old and quite heavy. Paul and I had to hold him for the entire flight because the bassinet seat was already taken,” she detailed.
These kinds of travel mishaps can be particularly stressful for parents trying to keep young ones comfortable during a long journey. It brings to light the importance of the availability and condition of amenities like bassinets on flights—a vital convenience for parents traveling with infants.
These stories resonate with many older travelers who may remember their own challenges with air travel and children or who can empathize with the difficulties faced by young families today. It reminds us all of the importance of being prepared for unexpected scenarios when flying and the crucial role that flight attendants and airline policies play in these situations.
Travel stories like Billie and Sam’s highlight the resilience and adaptability parents must possess, especially when things don’t go as planned. Sharing their experiences not only raises awareness but also connects people who have faced similar predicaments while traveling with little ones.
We’d love to hear what you think about these experiences, and we encourage you to share your thoughts with others. Perhaps you have tips or stories about your travels? Don’t hesitate to share them with family and friends too!
