Have you ever found yourself stressed about getting on a plane with your kids? If so, you’ll know that it’s often because it’s a long trip and they can be so unpredictable at times! I remember when we were preparing for a trip to visit my brother and his family in Canada with our 15 month-old son at the time, I found it quite overwhelming to think about how we could possibly make a 17 hour flight work! After the flight, I realised that we could do it….and have traveled lots since! In this post I will share some of my tips for plane travel with young kids.
1. Be prepared and organised well in advance…
It’s never too early to start preparing for your trip. Be sure to write a list of things you will need on the flight as well as for your holiday. Being organised early takes away some of the stress you’ll feel leading up to your trip! Don’t forget to include the kids in your travel plans. It can be overwhelming for them when they are out of their normal routine. Explain to them where you’re going and what the process will be at the airport as well as boarding the plane. Set your expectations early for how you want them to behave.
2. A backpack is a good choice for hand luggage….
….and try your hardest to only pack what you need to reduce the amount of luggage you are carting around! A backpack will allow you to have two hands free to hold your child’s hand as well as search for those passports at the check-in counter! Know exactly where things are packed ie. your ipad, medicines and liquids for ease of showing at the security checkpoint. This will make things a lot easier rather than rummaging through your luggage trying to remember where you put things, at the same time as taming a toddler!
3. Allow plenty of time
This is critical to avoid unnecessary stress. As I mentioned earlier, kids can certainly be unpredictable. Allow extra time to check in, head through security then board the plane and there are always those last-minute bathroom breaks which we all know always happen as they’re calling your name to board!
4. Take advantage of early boarding with kids
Be ready at the boarding gate when the staff make the announcement for parents with small children to start boarding. This is definitely one of the perks to travelling with kids! It’s nice to be on the plane early so you can secure your bags in the overhead locker, settle into your seats and get your kids set up properly before the crowds are boarding!
5. Pack a Snack bag…and no, you can never have too much food!
Trust me, this is a must! You don’t want to be waiting for the food cart to come around when you’ve got hangry kids! Bento boxes are amazing for travelling on planes. Some food we always take with us are sandwiches, crackers, popcorn and fruit (just make sure you don’t take it off the flight at the other end). Also – keep your food at hand, under the seat in front of you so as to avoid having to worry about reaching into the overhead locker during the flight unnecessarily.
6. Pack plenty of entertainment…
You need to get creative here! Have a think about activities that spark your kids interest and don’t take up too much space. We always pack sticker books, snap playing cards, small puzzles, colouring books, crayons, pencils, small light books and of course don’t forget their comfort toy! We also love Crayola Color Wonder – Mess Free Colouring Book and Markers for mess-free colouring.
When my little one was about 12 months old, I filled a small recycled screw top container with different coloured velvet and satin ribbon and tied bells and large coat buttons to add interest. It was like a Pandora’s box and he had endless sensory fun pulling out the different textures and colours.
Another hot tip is to not give them everything at once. Introduce a new activity as they are getting restless and bored. Start making an entertainment pack well in advance. If you don’t have time to make your own, these Busybags are fantastic:
BusyBags – Activity Travel Bags for Kids – Pink
BusyBags – Activity Travel Bags for Kids – Blue
An ipad or tablet is a must! Be sure to download some child-friendly apps before flying. Check out these great apps to download before flying:
It’s also a great idea to download kids movies to your Netflix app for the plane, which I always find a win and keeps them occupied for hours!
7. Consider a night-time flight…
If there’s a choice, choosing a flight that travels at night is often the best option. It will allow your child to sleep at a time when they would possibly sleep normally, making travel a lot easier.
8. Make friends with other parents…
Don’t be afraid to make friends with other parents at the airport or on the plane. It’s easy to start chatting to someone when you already have one thing in common…you’re travelling to the same destination with your kids! Allowing your kids to also make little buddies for the flight will be a true lifesaver. They can share toys and keep each other entertained for hours on end!
9. Be prepared for their ears to pop during the flight…
I know this is a common problem for kids on airplanes. It can be really uncomfortable for them during the flight. For babies, give them a pacifier or feed them during take-off and landing. For older kids you could tell them to try yawning, or if they’re old enough they could try chewing some gum to alleviate the discomfort.
Now that you have a few tools under your belt and you have my tips for plane travel with young kids, you’re ready to take off without worrying, and enjoy your holiday! So what are you waiting for….go ahead and book that flight!
What would your #10 top tip be for travelling with young kids on a plane? Would love to hear from you by commenting below! Thanks for reading x
On another note, if you’d like to know a little more about me…head on over and read my blog post:15 things I’ve never told you about me.