Flying to Mauritius With Kids: Our IndiGo Flight Experience
Travelling internationally with children for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. There are flight bookings, airport formalities, packing, food, entertainment and the big question of how your children will manage several hours on a plane.
We recently flew from Bengaluru to Mauritius with our two children, aged 10 and 4, on IndiGo. The flight was around six hours, and while the journey was smooth, we learnt a few things about travelling with children that I would keep in mind when planning our next trip.
We chose IndiGo because of its convenient connection to Mauritius and the fare advantage over a full-service airline. We also wanted to make the most of our holiday time, and the flight timings looked good on paper.
Our IndiGo Flight to and from Mauritius at a Glance
Flight detail | Our experience |
Airline | IndiGo |
Route | Bengaluru to Mauritius and return |
Flight duration | Approximately 6 hours |
Outbound departure | 4:00 AM from Bengaluru |
Arrival in Mauritius | Around 8:30 AM local time |
Return departure | 9:30 AM from Mauritius |
Return arrival | Around 5:00 PM local time in Bengaluru |
Travelling with | Two children, aged 4 and 10 |
Seating | Standard 3-3 economy configuration |
Food | Carried snacks from home; onboard purchase options were limited |
Entertainment | No conventional seat-back entertainment system on our flights |
Cabin crew | Helpful, attentive and child-friendly |
Punctuality | Both flights were on time |
Our overall take | Convenient and good for saving on fares, but families should plan ahead for food, entertainment and sleep comfort |
Here is our honest experience, including what worked, what we would prepare differently next time and what I think first-time family travellers should know before booking a similar flight.
1. Why We Chose IndiGo for Flying to Mauritius with kids
IndiGo operates direct flights between Bengaluru and Mauritius, making it a convenient option for Indian families flying to Mauritius with kids. Bengaluru also has good connectivity with other parts of India, particularly South India, which can make it a practical departure airport for families who do not live in the city.
We chose IndiGo over Air Mauritius because the fare worked better for us. The savings were worth considering, especially for a family of four, where even a modest difference in the ticket price can add up.
However, when comparing flights with children, I would look beyond the ticket price.
Flight timings, meals, entertainment and how comfortably everyone can rest during the journey are all worth considering.Our experience made me realise that the cheapest or most convenient flight is not necessarily the most comfortable one for a family.
2. Is a Six-Hour Flight Too Long for Children?
A six-hour flight might not sound particularly long, especially if you have travelled internationally before. But the timing of the flight can make a big difference.
Our flight from Bengaluru departed at 4 AM, and we were scheduled to reach Mauritius at around 8:30 AM local time. We were excited about starting our holiday early, but there was one obvious drawback. The flight fell right in the middle of the children's sleeping hours.
In the excitement of the trip, the children cooperated quite happily until around midnight. After that, the exhaustion started building up. Even our 10-year-old eventually wanted to lie down and sleep.
This is something I would ask parents to consider when booking an early morning flight. Children may be excited at the airport and during take-off, but that excitement does not necessarily last through the night.
We were fortunate to have one empty seat in our three-seat row, which gave the children a little extra room to stretch out and sleep. They managed to get some rest, but it was not ideal for us adults.
We landed in Mauritius in the morning, ready to begin our holiday but feeling quite exhausted ourselves.
If you are choosing between a cheaper overnight flight and a more comfortable option, think about how much sleep your family is likely to get and how you want everyone to feel on the first day of your holiday.
3. What Are the Seats Like on IndiGo for a Six-Hour Flight?
If you have travelled on IndiGo's domestic flights in India, the seating arrangement will feel familiar. The aircraft has a 3-3 configuration, just like the domestic flights many of us are used to.
We did not find the legroom particularly restrictive. The bigger issue was seat comfort, especially when we tried to sleep. The seats were not particularly plush, and sitting in the same position for six hours was not the most comfortable experience.
The children managed reasonably well because of the empty seat beside us, which gave them some extra space. For adults hoping to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, though, it was a different story.
The toilets were also very small. We noticed two at the back of the aircraft, although I did not check how many were available towards the front. None of these things made the journey unmanageable, but they are worth knowing if you are booking an overnight flight with young children.
4. Food on Board: Do Not Assume You Can Buy Everything During the Flight
Food is one area where a little preparation can save you a lot of trouble.
For our outbound flight, we carried food and snacks from home, along with a reusable water bottle. We also ate at the airport lounge before boarding. Since it was a night flight, this worked well for us, and we did not feel the need for a full meal during the journey.
The return flight was a different story. Our flight from Mauritius took off at 9:30 AM and reached Bengaluru at around 5 PM. We had eaten a good breakfast before boarding and carried a variety of snacks. However, as the journey progressed, we really felt we could have used more substantial food options.
On our flight, sandwiches were not available to purchase unless they had been pre-booked. The options we found available to buy on board were beverages, cookies and ready-to-eat noodles.
IndiGo is transparent about its onboard food options, so this is something you can check before travelling. Its official guidance also recommends pre-booking snacks, as onboard purchases depend on availability.
My advice is to check the menu before your flight and pre-book meals if you think you will need them. Carry snacks your children are familiar with, especially if they are fussy eaters.
We were glad we had carried food, but on the return journey, we realised that snacks alone were not enough for us.
5. There Is No In-Flight Entertainment on IndiGo
This is particularly important if you are travelling with younger children.
IndiGo does not have a conventional seat-back in-flight entertainment system on the flight we took. You will need to bring your own entertainment.
For the outbound night flight, entertainment was not a major concern because the children eventually wanted to sleep. On the daytime return flight, however, keeping them occupied required more planning.
Here is what I would recommend preparing before leaving home:
Download movies and videos onto your phone or tablet so they are available offline.
Pack headphones that your children are comfortable using.
Carry colouring books, activity books or a small notebook.
Download a few games that work without an internet connection.
Keep a couple of small activities aside for later in the flight rather than giving everything to the children at once.
You do not need to plan six hours of continuous entertainment. A combination of screen time, snacks, activities and sleep should help break up the journey.
6. The Cabin Crew Were Wonderful
One of the positives of our IndiGo experience was the staff.There were plenty of children on our flight, including babies, and the crew were attentive and helpful. Travelling with children can sometimes feel stressful, especially when they are tired or unsettled, so having a friendly crew makes a difference. We appreciated the way the staff handled the journey, and this was definitely one of the positives of flying with IndiGo.
7. Bengaluru Airport is excellent
We found the entire airport experience quite seamless despite travelling with two children.
For our onward journey to Mauritius, we used the 080 International Lounge at Terminal 2. The lounge was crowded, but it was still useful to have a place to sit and eat before boarding our early morning flight.
One useful thing to know if you are connecting from another Indian city is that Bengaluru airport provides a complimentary shuttle between Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international). The transfer takes around 10 minutes, depending on the wait and traffic within the airport. This makes changing terminals convenient if your domestic and international flights use different terminals. Just remember to allow enough time for the transfer, particularly when travelling with children and luggage. For first-time international travellers, I would also recommend checking your terminal details before leaving for the airport.
8. Mauritius Airport Was a Pleasant Surprise
Our experience at Mauritius airport was very good. Immigration was a breeze on both arrival and departure, and we were through the formalities quickly.This was especially welcome after an overnight flight with tired children.
On our return journey, we also visited the Amédée Maingard Lounge, located opposite Gate 28 in the international departures area. We found it a comfortable place to spend some time before boarding, and the small children's play area was a welcome bonus. If you have Priority Pass or access through your airline or another eligible programme, it is worth checking the current entry conditions before your trip.
For families with young children, a lounge can be useful for having a meal, relaxing in comfortable seating and giving the children some space before a flight.
9. Were the Flights On Time?
Yes, and this was another big positive for us. Both our outbound and return flights were on time, and the journeys were smooth.
When travelling with children, punctuality matters. Delays can mean longer waits at the airport, disrupted meal timings and tired children before the journey has even begun.
10. What to Pack for a Six-Hour Flight With Kids
If this is your first international flight with children,remember to keep your cabin bags organised and avoid carrying too much. You want the things you need to be easy to find, particularly when you are tired. Here is the checklist I would use for a similar flight.
Family Flight Checklist
Packed | Item |
☐ | Passports, boarding passes and travel documents |
☐ | Food and familiar snacks for the children |
☐ | Reusable water bottle, to fill after security if permitted |
☐ | Downloaded movies, videos and offline games |
☐ | Headphones and charging cables |
☐ | Colouring books or small activities |
☐ | A change of clothes for each child |
☐ | Tissues, wet wipes and hand sanitiser |
☐ | Essential medicines and any required prescriptions |
☐ | Light jackets or shawls for the air-conditioned cabin |
I would also keep a small pouch with the essentials you may need during the flight, rather than having to open your entire cabin bag every time one of the children needs something.
Most importantly, prepare for the flight you are actually taking. An overnight flight calls for a different plan from a daytime flight. If the children are likely to sleep for most of the journey, prioritise comfort and familiar sleep items. If you are travelling during the day, put more thought into food and entertainment.
11. Would We Choose IndiGo Again for Mauritius?
I think IndiGo is a practical choice if you are looking for a convenient direct connection from Bengaluru, good connectivity from other parts of India and a cost advantage.
For couples or adults travelling without children, I would certainly consider it if the fare difference were significant. The direct route, smooth journey and punctual flights were all positives for us.
However, when travelling with children, I would also consider whether paying more for a full-service airline could make the journey more comfortable.
For us, the main compromises were the seat comfort on the overnight flight, the limited food options when we wanted to buy something more substantial, and the absence of in-flight entertainment.
A full-service airline such as Air Mauritius or Air India may be worth comparing for the added convenience of meals and entertainment, depending on the flight and fare available. These benefits can make the journey easier for children and, consequently, for parents too.
Would we rule out IndiGo for future family trips? Not at all. But I would compare the overall experience and cost more carefully before booking another overnight flight.
Our biggest takeaway is that the flight duration alone should not determine your choice. Think about the departure time, whether your children can sleep comfortably, what food will be available and how you want everyone to feel when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a six-hour flight manageable with children?
Yes, a six-hour flight is manageable with preparation. Carry familiar snacks, download entertainment, pack a few activities and plan around your children's sleep schedules. An overnight flight may help them sleep, but it can also leave the whole family tired if the seating is not comfortable.
Is IndiGo a good airline for travelling to Mauritius with kids?
Based on our experience, IndiGo offered a smooth and punctual journey, with helpful cabin crew and a convenient direct connection from Bengaluru. However, the seating comfort, food options and lack of in-flight entertainment are worth considering when travelling with children.
Does IndiGo provide food on international flights?
IndiGo offers paid onboard food and beverages, and snacks can be pre-booked. Availability of items for purchase during the flight may be limited. Check the menu for your specific flight and pre-book meals if required.
Does IndiGo have in-flight entertainment?
Our flight did not have a conventional seat-back entertainment system. We recommend downloading movies, videos and games onto your devices before departure, particularly for daytime flights with children.
What should I pack for a long flight with kids?
Pack travel documents, snacks, water bottles, entertainment, headphones, a change of clothes, tissues, essential medicines and a light layer of clothing. Keep everything organised in a cabin bag that is easy to access.
Is a night flight or a day flight better for children?
It depends on your children and their sleeping habits. A night flight can allow them to sleep during the journey, but uncomfortable seating may make it difficult for everyone to rest. A daytime flight avoids disrupting the night, but you will need more entertainment and may need to plan meals carefully.
Is a full-service airline worth paying more for when travelling with children?
It can be, particularly on a longer or overnight flight. Meals and in-flight entertainment can make the journey easier. Compare the fare difference against the additional services rather than looking at the ticket price alone.
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