Catching Flights With Kids: Air Travel Tips To Keep Them Happy And Entertained

Preparing for Takeoff: Essential Tips for Stress-Free Air Travel with Kids

Traveling with kids can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to air travel. However, with a little preparation and some handy tips, you can ensure that your journey is smooth and enjoyable for both you and your children. From packing smart to keeping them entertained, here are some tried and tested air travel tips for kids that will make your next flight a breeze.

Pack Smart: Essentials to Bring Onboard

When traveling with kids, it’s important to pack smart and bring all the essentials they might need during the flight. This includes extra clothes, diapers, wipes, snacks, and their favorite toys or activities. Remember to also pack any necessary medications or comfort items that your child relies on.

Choose the Right Seats: Optimize Comfort and Convenience

When booking your flight, try to choose seats that optimize comfort and convenience for both you and your children. If you have a baby, consider booking a bulkhead seat that provides extra legroom and a bassinet attachment. For older kids, opt for aisle seats for easy access to the bathroom and stretching their legs without disturbing other passengers.

Keep Them Entertained: Fun Activities for In-Flight Entertainment

Long flights can be boring for kids, so it’s essential to keep them entertained throughout the journey. Pack a variety of activities such as coloring books, puzzles, and small toys to keep them engaged. You can also download their favorite movies or shows onto a tablet or smartphone for easy and portable entertainment.

Snacks and Hydration: Keep Them Nourished and Hydrated

Snacks and hydration are crucial during air travel, as it can help prevent hunger and dehydration. Pack a variety of healthy snacks that your child enjoys, such as fruits, granola bars, or crackers. Don’t forget to also bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up once you pass through security to keep them hydrated throughout the flight.

Explain the Process: Prepare Them for Airport Security

Airport security can be overwhelming for kids, so it’s essential to explain the process and prepare them in advance. Talk to them about removing their shoes, emptying their pockets, and going through the metal detector. This will help alleviate any anxiety they may have and ensure a smoother experience at security checkpoints.

Comfort is Key: Dress Them in Layers

Dressing your child in comfortable layers is key to ensuring their comfort throughout the flight. Airplanes can be chilly, so dressing them in layers allows you to adjust their clothing accordingly. Opt for soft and breathable fabrics that allow for ease of movement and avoid any clothing with buttons or zippers that can cause discomfort during long periods of sitting.

Encourage Ear Pressure Relief: Tips for Takeoff and Landing

Changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause discomfort in children’s ears. Encourage them to swallow, chew gum, or drink water during these times to relieve the pressure. For babies, nursing or using a pacifier can also help alleviate discomfort.

Respect Rest Time: Create a Calm and Relaxing Environment

Rest is essential during long flights, so it’s important to create a calm and relaxing environment for your child to sleep. Bring a small pillow, blanket, or favorite stuffed animal to create a sense of comfort and familiarity. Dimming the lights and using noise-canceling headphones can also help create a peaceful atmosphere for rest.

Be Mindful of Jet Lag: Adjust Sleep and Meal Times

If you’re traveling across different time zones, it’s important to be mindful of jet lag and adjust your child’s sleep and meal times accordingly. Gradually shift their schedule a few days before the flight to help them adjust to the new time zone. It’s also helpful to expose them to natural light during the day and create a dark and quiet sleep environment at night.

Stay Calm and Positive: Lead by Example

One of the most important tips for air travel with kids is to stay calm and positive throughout the journey. Children often mirror their parents’ behavior, so if you remain calm and composed, it will help them feel more at ease. Remember to be patient, understanding, and make the journey a fun and exciting adventure for everyone.

By following these air travel tips for kids, you can ensure that your next flight is stress-free and enjoyable for the whole family. From packing smart to keeping them entertained, these tips will help create lasting memories of a smooth and fun-filled journey. Bon voyage!