Traveling with children is a test of patience for many parents. Even a short car ride makes you want to dig your fingernails into the steering wheel. The reason is the constant whining like e.g. "Are we there yet?" – and that's before you've even left the residential area. So the prospect of a six- to eight-hour flight will send a shiver of stress down the spine of even the most relaxed adult!
But don't worry, help is on the way! Here are ten tips to keep your little ones entertained and happy during those long hours in the air.
1 carry-on luggage for children
Check with your airline about carry-on luggage for kids. If little ones are allowed to have their own little suitcase, let them choose something they want to take with them to keep them occupied during their flight time. Just make sure it doesn't exceed the size of your baggage allowance.
Some airlines weigh carry-on luggage, and some have strict rules about electronic games. So again, check your airline's policies and advise your kids accordingly.
2 Plan B
Whatever your kids pack will not get their attention for the entire flight. So secretly take some reserves with you. Put small things in your own hand luggage that you know the kids will like and keep them occupied for some time. Present them in 30-minute intervals, starting about an hour or more after the flight begins – or when you suspect boredom is starting to set in.
Possible ideas would be small crayons and a coloring book, reading book from a favorite car, a small craft kit or a travel game. Especially if you are traveling with more than one child, it is recommended to use an electronic game if allowed or a puzzle book. Also a Good idea are quiz sheets that you have created yourself, with things that are familiar to the kids.
In fact, anything that might spark their interest and enthusiasm – even a little nail polish for older girls or a sticker book for younger kids.
3 Sitting next to each other
Make sure you sit with your children. If the crew on the ground says it's impossible to seat you together because of the seats already assigned, insist on it when you get on the plane. Flight attendants move other people around so couples can sit together, so it should also be possible for parents to sit next to their children. If asking doesn't help, they refuse to sit down. Until all passengers are seated, the plane cannot take off – something is done!
4 Travel journal for children
Give your kids a small ziplock bag once you're on board. Put in the bag a diary, a glue stick, some travel-related stickers, safety scissors (blunt) and a few colored pens and pencils.
Suggest record to make about their vacation. In a diary the children should write about their trip. You can include mementos like tickets, drink labels, whatever they choose, next to their journal entries. Hold on to impressions, new insights and experiences.
The trip begins right when the plane takes off. If you have more than one child, you can also turn the game into a contest. Whoever produces the best journal at the end of the vacation is the winner. Of course, you already know that each of these travelogues will be award-winning. But nobody needs to know that yet!
5 Meet the pilot
Call the airline and ask if there are any opportunities for children to meet the pilot. Some airlines allow it, others do not.
If you should get permission for your child to do so, quietly mention it to the stewardess when you board the plane. However, don't let the kids know yet until it's time to go. If circumstances like bad weather arise this meeting could be cancelled. If this happens, ask the stewardess if it could be rescheduled for your return flight.
Airplane food often takes some getting used to, even for adults, let alone children, who are notorious critics, as we all know! Take an assortment of snacks with you to hand out to keep your little ones from starving if the worst happens and they refuse to eat!
If meals and drinks are not included in the ticket, take enough provisions for the duration of the trip. Pack favorite sandwiches, chips, and anything else you know you'll like. When kids eat, they are busy and if it tastes good, they don't complain!
It can get hot on flights, so buy yummy juice bags to freeze ahead of time until they leave home. Keeping drinks cool for longer. Remember that staying hydrated is especially important on long-haul flights – and that water is probably better than soda (not many parents will be able to convince their kids to drink sparkling water!).
8 favorite cuddly toys
Whatever you do, make sure you take all essential stuffed animals with you! Even if you have to turn around by car or cab halfway to the airport, make sure your favorite teddy bears or dolls aren't forgotten in the excitement! Many children can't fall asleep without their pets, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
Once you're above the clouds, it's too late to catch up with the bunny still sitting on the sofa at home. Nor after your daughters' hysterical pleas to turn back for it.
For younger children, find a way to attach their stuffed animals to a backpack or bag so nothing gets lost along the way. If you have a spare, sneak it in your luggage, just in case!
If you're not sure if your child is susceptible to airsickness, give them a travel pill just in case. Take at least one piece of clothing for each child and only one towel as a backup. Give him something to suck on for landing to relieve pressure on the ears.
For babies, a pacifier with something sweet on it works great. If your kids still complain that their ears hurt, a hearty yawn can relieve the pressure.
10 Stay relaxed
Last but not least, just enjoy the flight. Relax and if the little rascals get bored despite your best efforts, take comfort in the fact that the flight will end eventually![:en]
Traveling with children is a test of patience for many parents. Even a short car ride makes you want to dig your fingernails into the steering wheel. The reason is the constant whining like e.g. "Are we there yet?" – and that's before you've even left the residential area. So the prospect of a six to eight hour flight will send a shiver of stress down the spine of even the most relaxed adult!
But don't worry, help is on the way! Here are ten tips to keep your little ones entertained and happy during those long hours in the air.
Check with your airline about carry-on luggage for children. If the little ones are allowed to have their own little suitcase, let them choose something they want to take with them to keep them busy during their flight time. Just make sure it doesn't exceed the size of the free baggage allowance.
Some airlines weigh the hand luggage, some have strict rules for electronic games. So again, check your airline's policies and advise your children accordingly.