Family vacations aren’t always easy, especially if it’s a long journey. I know parents get anxious when it comes to flying with their kids, but honestly there is no need to worry! With all our experience in family getaways, we’ve
found loads of helpful tips and tricks to make the process much smoother.
Here are some tips for surviving a 24+ hour flight with children:
1. Pack Smart: Being organized is key when flying long-haul with kids. Pack plenty of snacks, activities and entertainment options that will keep your children occupied during the flight. Stock up on toys, books and electronic devices to ensure there’s something for everyone on the plane. Consider bringing comfort items such as blankets and pillows too, particularly if they are young or light
sleepers.
2. Set Expectations: Make sure you have realistic expectations about what the flight experience may bring. Try to arrive at the airport early so that you can get settled comfortably in your seats with plenty of time before the flight leaves. My recommendation is to arrive at the airport 3 hours ahead of time, whether your flight is domestic or international. Talk to your children beforehand and let them know what kind of behavior is appropriate for an airplane and discuss any potential challenges that might arise during their journey. If all else fails, while your kids explore the plane and make noise, catch up on all the featured movies while ignoring all those judging stares from passengers who may not love the occasional shouting match between siblings. Hey, what else can you do? After all, you can only control what you can!
3. Keep Moving: Sitting still in one spot for extended periods of time can be difficult for even adults; when traveling with kids it’s important to keep them physically active in order to avoid boredom or crankiness due to restlessness. Have them move around between sections of the plane and use bathroom breaks as opportunities to stretch their legs whenever possible.
4. Rely on Flight Attendants: Don’t hesitate to ask flight attendants if you need any help or assistance during the journey; they’ll often go out of their way to accommodate passengers needs – especially those traveling with young ones! If your child needs extra attention during meal times or mid-flight assistance during nap times, let a cabin crew member know – they might surprise you!
5. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Flying long distance with kids can bring unexpected challenges; instead of worrying about minor issues like spilled drinks or spilled food consider how best to handle these situations calmly so that everyone stays happy and relaxed throughout their journey!
