Air Travel With Kids

Air Travel With Kids

Air travel with kids isn’t always easy and even the shortest of flights can sometimes pose problems. However, there are a few things you can do to make your family’s air travel experience a little easier and definitely more enjoyable.

Plan

The best way to avoid unexpected problems is to make sure you pack all the necessary carry-on essentials. This will, of course, vary according to how many kids you’re traveling with and their ages.

Make a list

A good thing to do is make a list of everything you may need. Think of unforeseen situations like a child getting sick or a baby teething. If you’re flight is short then you don’t have to worry as much, but for long international flights it definitely helps to be prepared.

Anticipate delays

You not only need to make sure you have all the essentials for during the flight, but also be prepared for any unavoidable delays at departures or arrivals.

Here’s a list of some things to consider when packing your carry-on bag:

Food for babies and toddlers:
Take your diaper bag as you would normally do but make sure it’s stockpiled with foods such as various crackers, Cheerios, or dried fruit and other healthy snacks. Also, you’ll want to make sure your toddler doesn’t have too much sugar on the plane, especially on a long flight. For baby, take along any baby food or formula you normally use. It’s always good to take a little extra but you don’t have to overdo it. For example, if you’re flight is 6 hours then you may want to take enough supplies for 8 or 10 hours (just in case).

If you have kids that need special attention or medications you may want pack these essentials separately, or into one bigger bag so you’re not digging around for it during the flight. You may also want to pack some medicine in case your child develops a fever or headache.

Food for preschoolers and older kids:
Keep in mind that not all kids enjoy airline meals so take plenty of snacks in case they choose not to eat the in-flight meals. Pack a variety of fun and nutritious snacks such as granola bars, pretzels, cut up fruit, etc. You can also purchase some of these things on flight.

Drinks:
You’ll be able to get drinks on most flights but not necessarily when you want them! Always make sure you have some bottled water or juice on hand.

Change of diapers and clothes:
Pack a bag full of diapers adequate for the length of the flight, and a few more for luck. Don’t forget to include wipes, changing mats, and diaper rash cream. It’s a good idea to pack extra wipes for sticky hands and faces too.

And make sure you pack an extra set of clothes, not only for the kids but for yourself too. It is no fun sitting on a long flight in the same clothes your child has thrown up on. These things do happen and kids sometimes get motion sick on flights. So when packing a spare set of clothes add one for mom and dad too. Also, pack a few empty plastic bags to put soiled clothes in.

Games and toys:
Pack a few bright toys like teethers and stuffed animals as well as a favorite book to keep them happy. Make sure all toys are lightweight and safe. If your child is bringing along a handheld electronic game ask the flight attendants what period of time this can be used on flight. Electronic devices can interfere with aircraft navigational or take off safety system. Explain this to your child beforehand. And why not spend a while printing out some of the activities at Activity Village to keep the kids amused on the journey!

Older kids:
Once kids reach about 8 years and above, part of the thrill of a plane journey is having their own carry-on bag. We have found that an appropriately-sized backpack for each child works well. We make them responsible for their own bag (so we check it is comfortable and not too heavy before we set out). We give them a bottle of water, snacks, a reading book and the latest copy of their favorite magazine, a notebook and pens, some printed puzzles and activities, a pack of miniature cards and perhaps a game of Top Trumps, and a surprise or two!

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