15 Genius Tips for Stress-Free Air Travel with Kids

Flying with children is an adventure on its own, not only is it fun and thrilling, it is also hectic. Every parent can only dream of quiet flights, cheery children, and no tantrums on board. That might seem like being in a fairy tale, well, trust me, with a little planning, and few tricks up your sleeves, air travel with children can indeed be trouble-free, even enjoyable.
These are my top 15 genius tips that have also saved my day in more ways than I can count on one hand, and it would even save you too so that you and your little ones can have a recent experience on the plane in the future!

1. Choose Flight Timing Smartly

as much as possible, book the flights during nap time or bedtime of your child. One time I reserved a 3 PM flight with my young son who was traveling on a flight the first time around, and it was just the right choice. He slept most of the time on the trip and at least I was able to enjoy my airplane food.

2. Arrive at the Airport Early

Don’t rush. You do not need to be in a rush to get to the airport as early arrival will allow you to clear the security check, locate your gate, and take your child to the washroom or buy snacks. It is one worry less.

3. Pack a Kid-Friendly Carry-On Bag

Stuff it with their favourite snacks, a couple of toys, books, an extra pair of clothes, diapers (when they have them), wipes and one surprise toy. I refer to it as the emergency happiness kit. Believe me, that one surprise can be a life saver of your flight.

4. Keep Snacks Handy (And Spill-Free)

Not all kid-friendly food is a guarantee in the airline food. Put small zip-locks with dry snacks such as biscuits, namkeen, puffed rice, fruits or small sandwiches. No sloppy or spoon necessary stuff. Sippers or spill proof are necessary!

5. Don’t Skip Meals Before the Flight

The child who is fed is normally an unhappy child. See the attempt of feeding them something filling before you go away to the airport or at least before entering. Then they feel more relaxed after they sit down.

6. Book the Right Seats

The child should be sitting in a window seat; budget permitting. Majority of children enjoy viewing the clouds, and it keeps them busy. During a long flight, one should also sit closer to the aisle to take a quick short in the bathroom.

7. Use Baby Carriers or Light Strollers

It is hard to go through a crowded airport and carry a child and hand luggage. Foldable stroller or a soft baby carrier can help a lot. I have tried both and I have found that baby carriers fit infants and strollers fit toddlers.

8. Don’t Rely on In-Flight Entertainment

The television fails to work, or the head phones are too large, on little ears. Before the flight, download some cartoons or rhymes or children games on your phone or tablet. And then remember to bring kid-safe headphones!

9. Bring a Small Blanket or Shawl

Planes are prone to become cold and children are more cold sensitive. To make them comfortable, a soft shawl or a baby blanket is necessary, otherwise they can use it as a pillow in case they fall asleep.

10. Carry Wipes and Sanitiser – Always

Youngsters are all over and will put their hands on everything, use tray tables, touch windows, sit everywhere. To avoid germs, it would help to carry some small-sized wipes and a sanitiser to clean surfaces before they begin their play with food or toys.

11. Be Prepared for Ear Pressure

Air pressure may also result in ear pain during take-off and landing. Something to chew or suck on; a lollipop (old kids), a small bottle of water, or breast feeding in case of babies. Yawning or making believe one is blowing up a balloon is good.

12. Pack a Change of Clothes (for Both!)

Anything can go wrong, spilled juice, vomit or leaking diapers. You should always bring an extra pair of clothes both on behalf of the child and on your behalf. Oh, yes, I have been relegated into some mid-flight alteration before after a milk-spillicidal accident!

13. Keep Documents and Essentials Easy to Reach

Passports, boarding passes and medical contents should be handily held in a little envelope or organiser. As to not digging around in a large bag with a grumpy child in hand, that is something to avoid.

14. Don’t Overpack Toys

Children become easily bored. All that is necessary is 2-3 little toys - consider something light and non-noisy such as a puzzle, sticker book, or finger puppets. And avoid noisy things or small things.

15. Stay Calm and Go with the Flow

Not everything can be done perfectly fine, and it is normal. Children can cry, spill or get cranky. You being calm makes them relaxed as well. I actually had to walk in the aisle with the baby once for half an hour, when there came a nice co-passenger who smiled and told me that I was doing great. That was a good day to me.

✈️ Final Thoughts

Travelling with children does not need to be stressful. A bit of preparation, some useful tips and a good mindset attitude will help you change this journey to such an extent that it becomes very pleasant as compared to the destination. Heed this, you are creating memories, and that can be a little bit chaotic.
Any travel trick when it comes to flying with kids? Share it in the comments at the end of this article, I would love to hear also other parents!
And even, in case this article was helpful to you, go and share it with the other parents on WhatsApp, Facebook or the Instagram, because someone, somewhere is most likely stressing about their first flight with a toddler!

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