Long haul flights 101: How To Keep Your Kids Happy
You might think I’m totally crazy over here, but I’m planning on taking my little ones on a long haul flight this year. Yes, our family are en route to Europe and we just can’t wait. Having three young kids on a plane might sound like a recipe for disaster… At least, that’s what I’ve been told. Still, I’m pretty confident that it will all go swimmingly. Why? Well, because I’ve done my research, that’s why! Here is how you can keep your kids happy on a flight.
Always aim for an overnight flight
Okay, this first tip is essential. When it comes to flying with kids, overnight trips are always the best. That way, you can wear your little ones out in the day, and let them sleep the whole journey through. I know… It’s a genius plan, right?
Check out the ‘meet and assist’ service when booking
If you need a little extra help at the airport (with buggies or the like), this is the tip for you. When you’re booking, you can actually ask for a ‘meet and assist’ service. That means that a member of staff will help you along the way when you reach the airport.
Check-in online before you go
The last thing you want to worry about when you get to the actual airport is checking in. This can be nothing short of a nightmare when you have kids. Trust me, you need to check-in online in advance. That way, you can just walk on through to the departures lounge.
Ask for a bulkhead seat
No one wants to have their little one on their lap for an entire flight. Um, no! If you have babies traveling with you, ask for a bulkhead seat. That way, you can fix a baby cot to the wall in front of you and let your little one sleep the flight away… like a baby.
Talk to your little ones about the flight
If your kids are feeling a little tense about the flight itself, you need to have a chat with them before you travel. Make sure that you explain how there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to flying. Your little ones will look to you for advice and support so this is essential.
Take a tablet with you!
You don’t want your kids getting bored during changeovers or the like. Make sure that you load a tablet full of fun (and educational) games before you travel. That way, you can always be sure that they will have something to do and you don’t have to worry.
Sort out your baby food well in advance
Finally, if you’re traveling with small babies, you might need to feed them formula on the flight. Be sure to sort this all out in advance. If you’re not certain what the rules are, contact your airline and ask them. Usually, the staff will be more than happy to help young families out. If you let them know what you need, I’m sure they will do everything they can to give it you.
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These are great tips, and anyone planning a long flight with the kiddos should book mark this. I have had my share of long flights with young kids, and it really is a special kind of challenging.
Awesome tips. I took one long flight with my oldest when she was a baby. ONE. Never again. LOL
These are great tips. I know a 5 hour flight was a challenge when my son was little. I can’t imagine a longer flight. We made sure that we had lots of electronics to keep him busy.
Love these tips! Yes, get an overnight flight and anything to distract them.
This is a great post. We have been back and forth on if we should take our daughter on a flight to Europe, but this makes it seem really doable!
These are great tips. I have never taken a long haul flight with my kids, but we might be taking one with my granddaughter next year.
I remember before there were electronics it was tough to travel with our young son! We used to lug big portable DVD players! Now it is so much easier between his phone and my tablet!
It is SO important to have things to keep the little ones busy – for everyone’s sanity. It is a lot easier now that they all have tablets or ipods.
The furthest we had to fly with little ones was just six hours. It was, thankfully, a pretty mellow experience. Much further and I don’t know if we would have made it. These tips would certainly have come in handy.
These are really awesome tips! Traveling with kids is really difficult! Glad you shared your tips in here!
These are some good tips. What a nice travel reference for parents.
I always like the idea of wearing kids out before traveling with them 🙂 .
It’s really important that they have entertainment with them especially since it’s a long haul flight. I think these are effective tips, some of which I do myself.
How awesome are these tips! I’ve never experienced traveling with a child before but I’ve heard friends getting frustrated about their kids. I think these are really nice and it won’t give your or your child a headache during the flight!
I have to say that I’me thankful I don’t have kids to fly with. I can barely get myself through an airport!
A tablet has been our saving grace. With the internet on most planes these days, it can make keeping them occupied much easier.
These are awesome tips! Taking a kids on a long haul flight can cause more anxiety on the parents than on the kids themselves. I think it would be better to orient the child about the flight and communicate / address any fears the child may have. Thank you for this informative post!