Ask anyone who has flown with kids what their experience was like, and they’re likely to mention the feeling of dread that they got a few days before flying. They’ll speak of dark looks from fellow passengers, who eyed their kid as if they were a demon as they carried their bundle of joy onto the flight.
They’ll tell you about the sighs and frowns of passengers who realised that someone else’s kid would be sitting next to them for a 13 hour flight, and they’ll likely mention how they were on edge throughout the flight, and terrified that their child would have a meltdown at 30,000 ft.
For those who will be traveling soon, here are some tips for flying with small children- which will make the whole experience less daunting, and ensure both you and your little ones have a nice relaxing flight:
Explain the travel process to them
If your kids are old enough, explain exactly what will happen on the day that you fly, from the car ride to the airport, to check in, boarding the plane, flying, landing, and getting your luggage.
A lot of bad behaviour can simply be because a child is in an uncertain environment, and by coaching them they’ll know what to expect, and how to behave throughout the flight. Teach them about their inside voice, and get them excited about the experience by counting down the days until they get to go on the plane.
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Book early
While booking early will mean you’ll usually pay less for flights, it also means you’re more likely to be able to ensure that the whole family will be able to sit together. The seats close to the bassinets also go quickly on planes, so if your child is small enough to fit in the crib and give mum and dads laps a break, try to book as early as possible.
Be prepared
Make sure the kids have eaten a decent meal before the flight, and take a few of their favourite snacks. It can be a good idea to hide these, and whip them out when you notice the kids are getting bored or hungry.
It’s also crucial that they have plenty to do. While the onboard entertainment is usually good for international flights, many domestic flights won’t have this, and sometimes the entertainment won’t have many kid-friendly options. Be sure to bring a few of their favourite toys, along with anything that helps them sleep, like their most loved soft toy or small blanket.
Travel light
While it can be tempting to take everything but the kitchen sink “just in case”, taking too much baggage can be stressful, as well as annoying to fellow passengers.
Commit to doing more laundry at your destination, and take less clothes. This will also mean you may be able to travel carry-on, and can leave the airport as soon as you land, or be the first in line for customs instead of waiting for your baggage with tired, jet-lagged kids.
