LIFE

Flying with kids: 5 essential plane journey survival tips

Last modified on Wednesday 13 January 2021

Flights with children? Are you crazy? A confined space, turbulance, delays, along with crys of: 'Mummmm, my ears huuurrrtt', let alone worrying about your children disturbing the other passengers. Need we go on?

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Ok, so we may not be able to give you an upgrade, we can share our top tips for getting through it unscathed. So take a deep breath, picture that fortnight of R&R that awaits you, and read on. You can do this!

1 Check before check-in

A bit of organisation and planning can go a long way in easing in to your holiday...rather than arriving at the wrong airport, on the wrong date, with a screaming toddler who hasn't slept for 12 hours. Yep, we did that.

When it comes to booking, night flights are a winner. The kids will have been on the go all day, so by the time they reach that dimly-lit cabin, hopefully they'll get some shut-eye. When they do, grab your ear plugs and eye mask and join them!

2 Make that bag count

If you're travelling with a baby on board, then their changing bag will probably constitute your hand luggage, too - don't you just love the one-bag luggage allowance rule? Pack well and you'll thank us for it; plenty of nappies, a few more just in case, a change of clothes for them, a change of clothes for your, you get the idea...

And pack layers for the flight too. You may be off to sunnier climes, but for some reason plane cabins are usually kept at the same temperature as your deep freeze. So step away from the flip flops and shorts and layer up, making sure the kids have something to snuggle up with - so they don't steal your (paper-thin, postage-stamp sized) blanket and leave you shivering.

3 Snack happy

Don't rely on airline food to keep everyone happy. Airline meals are neither known for their tastiness nor their nutritional brilliance. And what's with those tiny portions? Snacks, snacks and more snacks are a must.

Staying hydrated is a key priority, too - and no, the gin and tonic that's the highlight of your flight (or reward for doing all the packing) doesn't count towards this. Remember the rules on liquids at the airport still apply - no container more than 100ml in a resealable plastic bag. So, stock up airside to avoid spending £5 on a tiny bottle of water on board.

4 Delay the boredom

When delays kick in, which they inevitably will, pre-empt cries of boredom by surprising them with toys and games you've snuck in their bags. Stock up at Tesco or Poundland before you leave. And don't forget all those old-school games you played as a kid. Think noughts and crosses, eye spy, who am I etc. Oldies but goodies.

5 Ouch, my ears hurt!

So, you've sat through the obligatory safety announcement, fastened everyone's seatbelts and you're off!...

'Muuuuuum, my ears huuuurrrrt!' Cue boiled sweets to help relieve the pressure building up in little ears. Just make sure you leave a few for the return journey, too.

When it comes to your smallest, pack a couple of teething rings to soothe them (or let them suck on a finger, bottle or sippy cup) and give them lots of cuddles while they get used to the sensation of flying.

And that pretty much covers most of the turbulence you're likely to encounter along the way. Try to sit back, relax and let your holiday begin. Ok, so you'll still have to wait at Arrivals for your baggage (which always seems to be the last to come off the plane), but that's another story...

Happy holidays!