Pre-flight preparation:
When booking tickets, try to select seats together as a family. This will make it easier to manage children and stay connected during the flight. If possible, choose window and aisle seats so that the children have a view, and parents have easy access to the aisle. Check for any restrictions such as exit rows or bulkhead seats, which may not be suitable for families with small children.
Packing for a flight can be challenging, especially if you are traveling with young children. Pack enough food and snacks to keep children energized and hydrated throughout the flight. Include games, coloring books, tablets with pre-downloaded movies, and headphones to keep them entertained. Also, bring essential items such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a change of clothes.
Some airlines offer child meals, so make sure to book these in advance if needed. Also, if any family member requires special assistance, such as wheelchair access or dietary requirements, be sure to notify the airline at the time of booking.
Following these pre-flight preparations will make your family’s travel experience much more comfortable and stress-free. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure a smooth journey from departure to arrival.
Table of Contents
- In-flight entertainment:
- Health and comfort:
- Onboard behavior:
- Connecting flights:
- Airline-specific information:
In-flight entertainment:
Keeping children entertained during a flight is a crucial aspect of successful family travel. The key to occupying children on a plane is to pack a variety of engaging activities that appeal to different age groups.
Books and coloring books are excellent options for younger children who enjoy creating and learning new things. Older children may enjoy bringing along handheld games, tablets with pre-downloaded movies, or listening to music with noise-canceling headphones.
Snacks are also vital to keeping children engaged during the flight. Bring along a variety of healthy and tasty options, such as fruits, sandwiches, and crackers. Also, a treated snack or candy can be used as positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Parents can make the flight more interactive by playing games with their children. Simple games like I-spy or counting the clouds outside the plane window can keep children engaged and entertained. Parents can also encourage children to watch the flight map and track the plane’s progress, offering a fun and educational experience for kids.
It is important to strike a balance between screen time and non-screen time activities. Too much screen time can cause eye strain and restlessness, so it’s essential to encourage children to take a break from screens and engage in other activities.
In-flight entertainment is an essential aspect of flying with children. By packing a variety of engaging activities and encouraging children to participate in interactive play, families can create a comfortable travel experience that helps keep children happy, engaged, and relaxed during the flight.
Health and comfort:
Staying comfortable on a long flight is vital for both adults and children, as it keeps them in a good mood and promotes healthy circulation. Here are some practical tips to achieve comfort on a plane:
1. Choose comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable clothing. Layers are essential as the temperature on planes can vary from hot to cold.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water during the flight is essential for staying healthy, avoiding jet lag, and keeping skin moisturized. Airplanes are dry environments, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
3. Stretch and move around: Sitting for prolonged periods can cause stiffness and discomfort, especially for children. Encourage your children to stand up and walk around when possible or perform simple exercises like stretching and ankle rotations.
4. Bring a travel pillow and blanket: These essential items can help maintain a comfortable sleeping position, making it easier for both children and adults to fall asleep.
5. Use noise-canceling headphones: These headphones help block background noise and create a comfortable and calming environment for children and adults.
6. Apply moisturizer: Apply moisturizer to exposed skin to keep it hydrated, avoiding dry skin and itchiness.
Staying comfortable and healthy during a long flight is key to successful family travel. By keeping these tips in mind and planning ahead, families can create a comfortable environment and make their flight more enjoyable for everyone.
Onboard behavior:
Maintaining good behavior on a plane is crucial for both family members and other passengers. Children’s behavior can affect the travel experience of everyone around them, and parents must set expectations and guidelines for their children to follow. Here are some tips for promoting good behavior on a plane:
1. Talk to your children: Before boarding the plane, explain to your children the rules, expectations, and consequences of misbehavior. Be clear and concise, and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
2. Reinforce positive behavior: When children adhere to expectations, acknowledge and praise their good behavior. This will help motivate them to continue following the rules throughout the flight.
3. Avoid disturbing other passengers: Encourage your children to avoid disturbing other passengers by keeping the noise level down and avoiding kicking or shaking seats.
4. Be prepared for tantrums: Children can sometimes act out, especially when they’re tired or over-stimulated. Bring along items that soothe them, such as their favorite stuffed animal, toy, or blanket.
5. Use distractions: If a child’s behavior becomes disruptive, use distractions to redirect their attention. This could include engaging in a new activity or offering a treat or snack.
6. Respect the limits of your child: It is important to be realistic about your child’s behavior, abilities, and limitations. Be patient and understanding, and recognize when it is time to adjust your expectations accordingly.
Setting expectations and encouraging good behavior can make the flight more enjoyable for everyone on board. With patience and preparation, families can ensure a pleasant and comfortable travel experience for their children and other passengers.
Connecting flights:
Some flights require layovers, which can make travel more challenging. It’s essential to prepare and plan ahead when booking a connecting flight. Consider the following tips when planning for a connecting flight:
1. Allow enough time for connections: Ensure you have enough time between your connecting flights to avoid the stress of rushing to make the next flight. Airlines usually recommend allowing at least an hour and a half between connecting flights.
2. Book a direct flight if possible: Direct flights can be more expensive but may be worth it for the hassle-free and comfortable travel experience, especially if traveling with small children or an elderly family member.
3. Pack essential items in a carry-on bag: Pack all essential items in a carry-on bag, this could include medicine, snacks, and other necessary items to make travel and layovers more comfortable.
4. Keep your documents handy: Keep your identification, boarding passes, and passports in an easily accessible pocket or bag.
5. Use airport amenities: During layovers, take advantage of airport amenities such as kid’s play areas, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment centers.
6. Stay updated: Keep an eye on flight schedules and gate changes, and stay connected with the airline for any updates.
Traveling with kids can be stressful, but by planning ahead and following these tips, you can make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Connects flights can be an exciting part of your journey, experience and planning ahead will help you make the most out of the journey.
Airline-specific information:
Each airline has its policies, services, and facilities that cater to family travelers. It is essential to research and familiarize yourself with the airline’s specific policies, services for child travelers, and other facilities to make your family travel experience more comfortable. Here are some examples of airline-specific information that will help you plan your family travel better:
1. Book early: Book early to take advantage of family discounts, allocate the right seat options, and make any special requests
2. Policies: Each airline may have its policies regarding children’s travel, such as age restrictions and travel documents.
3. Boarding procedures: Some airlines offer priority boarding for families with small children, allowing them to board before other passengers.
4. Child amenities: Some airlines provide child amenities, such as activity kits, child meals or snacks, and baby-care facilities.
5. Seat configurations: Certain airlines offer family configurations to seat children and adults together, such as the ability to reserve two or three adjacent seats together.
6. Childcare services: A few airlines offer in-flight childcare services that enable parents to enjoy the flight without worrying about their children.
By researching and familiarizing yourself with the specific policies, services, and facilities of your airline, you can make your family travel smoother and more comfortable. Take advantage of the airline-specific services and facilities to make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.