An overseas family holiday can be a wonderful experience. Although the thought of flying with kids and keeping them entertained can be enough to deter you. Taking the children off to sunnier climes doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It is definitely achievable by following some of our handy tips.
- Build anticipation before the holiday. Talk to your kids about the flight and the aeroplane. Answer their questions and get them excited. With a little prior knowledge of what to expect. Your children will hopefully not see the experience as such a shock to the system.
- Everyone knows that the simplest of tasks take 10 times longer with the little ones in tow, flying with kids is no different. With that in mind, always allow for extra time including travel to the airport, check in and getting from check in to departures. Consider deals from a smaller, regional airport to save time too.
- Consider taking some reins or a harness for toddlers. This way, they can have a little freedom in the airport but not so much that they run off and get lost. Reins are easier to keep hold of than a tiny hand. It will keep both you and them happy.
- On the plane itself, try and sit as close to the front of the aircraft as you can. There’s usually a small amount of extra room plus it can be slightly quieter in front of the engines. You may have to pay extra for seat selection, but it might well be worth it.
- If that’s not possible, try to sit near other passengers who also have children. If the kids start playing up, not only are other parents more likely to be understanding, the little ones might make some friends. You might be able to swap some of the toys and games during the flight too.
- Give up the window seat for your kids. There’ll be plenty going on outside the plane to keep them entertained before take-off. Plus, a window blind which looks awfully fun to play with… Even if that doesn’t work, if your child gets upset, it will be in your ear, not the person sitting in the adjacent aisle.
- If you have more than one child in tow, sit in between them and swap which one gets the window seat during the flight so that everyone is happy.
- Whilst giving your child sweets at a random time of the day isn’t necessarily ideal, packing a lollipop is worth considering. It can help their ears to pop when the plane is taking off and quite simply could save a good deal of tears.
- Pack a variety of toys and games when flying with kids. Crayons and colouring books or even activity books are also a great idea for slightly older children as they won’t take up as much space. Some people suggest wrapping each toy or game to pass some extra time whilst your child un-wraps it.
- Snacks are an absolute must! Airlines are cutting down on the provision of in-flight snacks and a small box of raisins or a sandwich will go down a treat if your child gets hungry.
- Ask the stewardess if they offer fun packs or similar if your child begins to get bored with the selection you have brought along.
- Remind your kids that boredom never killed anyone and if all else fails, laugh!
A holiday abroad doesn’t have to be as stressful as you imagine. Once you have prepared, just try to relax, keep things fun and go with the flow. Have you got any handy tips to add? Share your suggestions.
