Travelling by plane with young children

20 March 2008

Taking your children on holiday by plane is exciting for them and it needn’t be a nightmare for you. Whether you’re travelling long or short haul planning and preparation will help to make your journey run smoothly . You can ensure that you armed to deal with any situation that may arise. You can find advice on taking toddlers and older children on an airplane and how to keep them safe, happy and occupied. Let’s try to get you to your destination ready to enjoy your holiday and get you home still feeling the benefits of your break.
Booking your flight
Whenever possible book non stop flights. Also travelling at non peak times - late at night or midday- may mean the flight is quieter. Obviously during peak season the flights are never likely to be quiet!
When you book your flight pre book your seats. Try to bet bulk head seats (this is the area where the section of the planes are split) where you will have more room.
Preorder your meals. You will have an idea what is available for the fussy eaters.
It can sometimes be cold on the plane, so pack a sweater that they can put one on if they get chilly.
Look at our packing checklist and top tips on packing for our advice on what to include in hand luggage.
Ask when booking for specific customs rules there are regarding what you can and can’t take in your hand luggage. For example, some countries do not allow you to take unpacked foods such as loose fruit.

Before you leave
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if your child suffers from motion (travel) sickness for advise.
It is a good idea to get your children to wear ID bracelets. You could also include your flight details and any other information that will get a lost child back to you quickly.
Try to tire them out. Hopefully they will then sleep on the plane. Consider taking travel pillows with you for when they want to nap, although there are usually some pillows and blankets available on the plane.
Finally, all dress for comfort. Keep clothing lose and comfortable; you could be wearing them for some time!

Arrive early
The days of rushing to the checkout at the last minute are long gone once you have children.
Check how soon before the flight is due to leave you need to be at the checkout. The plane never waits!
If you haven’t pre booked your seats you’ll want to make sure you’re there early to get your seats together.
Some airlines allow you to preboard if you’re travelling with babies and young children you will need to be there early to take advantage of this.
You can also hang on to your pushchairs and car seats until you actually board, so don’t panic about literally being left holding the baby!
Before you are due to board ensure they visit the toilet. It may be some time before you are actually up in the air and able to use the toilet again.

Keep them entertained
Also keep smaller children informed. Let them know what is happening at each step. This will avoid any pre flight jitters and break the journey up for them.
Make sure you have toys and games for your children to occupy them at the airport and for during the flight. Don’t forget to keep them in your hand luggage!
Suggested toys and games can be found in the travelling by car section.
CD player / Walkman / MP3 player: Great for older children. They can sit and l
listen to their favourite music through headphones.
Audio books: You can either buy or hire these. They are brilliant for children who suffer from motion sickness through reading a book.
Nintendo DS / PSP or other hand held console: Not necessarily something you want to go out and buy if you haven’t already got them, but they can keep the children amused and not crying ‘Are we there yet?’
Cards and games: A pack of cards is an inexpensive way of keeping the children busy. You may also want to buy some small travel games like Scrabble or battleship. Most towns now have ‘pound shops’ where you can buy little toys for an inexpensive way of keeping them entertained with ’something new’. Give these to them at spaced out intervals throughout the trip.
Portable DVD player: This is an expensive form of entertainment, but great for older children. If you are thinking of buying one for use on the plane it has to be able to run on batteries. The batteries probably won’t last that long either! The children take take an assortment of DVDs to watch. You should consider the other passengers by having a headset to plug in.

Food and Drink
Take some snacks on board with you. Children can’t always wait for meals to be served. You know what your child likes. It is worth investing in a small cooler.
Don’t forget to take a spoon and plastic bowl as well as your child’s drinking cup. You can get travel beakers, but be sure that your child is happy and able to use it beforehand. Also, be aware that any containers capable of holding liquids should be limited to those that are absolutely necessary and will be subject to extra security checks.

Hopefully, you’ll soon be there and arrive relaxed ready to start your holiday!