5 Tips on Flying with Kids

Flying with kids is always a challenge. We have flown with our boys a fair amount over the years. We have taken short 50 minute flights and long 12 hour flights. Here are a few of our tips for making the flight as peaceful as possible.

1. Have entertainment for the kids. For older kids this might mean electronics or books. For younger kids, perhaps a coloring book, new toy, or a game. My boys like to play on their electronics or read now that they are a bit older. They also love to watch movies on the plane if we are lucky enough to have the little personal TVs.
2. Eat before the flight or bring food for the flight. Airplane food isn’t the best and if your kids are picky eaters, it is even harder. While security will take liquids from you, food is allowed through to the gate. I usually pack something that is portable, easy to clean up, and doesn’t require heating up. Some of our favorite options are: Sandwiches with pretzels, cheese and salami bites with fruit, or cold rotisserie chicken pieces with carrot sticks and hummus.
3. Sleep, sleep, sleep. This is especially important for overnight flights. We like to feed the kids straight away on an overnight flight, sometimes even before we board. Then once we are airborne and things have settled a bit, we announce bedtime. We give them sleep masks or use blankets or jackets to block any ambient light. We let the kids put their heads in our laps, or their feet. The more comfortable they are, the more they sleep. I can go without sleep, but I’m not happy. However, if my kids go without sleep then no one is happy.
4. Be Prepared. Travel can be unpredictable. Long flight delays, hour long lines in customs, missed connections are only a few of the complications that you can encounter. Kids reserve is patience is smaller than that of adults. Having extra water, snacks, perhaps a surprise treat can smooth over the rough edges of travel.
5. Be Nice. Be kind to all the travel personnel you interact with, flight attendants, check-in clerks, stewards, baggage handlers, customs agents, and immigration officers. They have hard jobs and I think quite frequently they don’t get to see the best side of people. Being kind doesn’t cost anything and you never know when they can help you and make your trip more enjoyable. One trip, a gate agent noticed that my 3 year old was mesmerized by the plane that he could see outside the window of the airport prior to boarding. When we got on the plane, they asked us up to the cockpit and let my son sit in the pilot’s chair. He was thrilled and happy and it made the whole flight easier.

Happy Flying!