7 tips to survive a long-haul flight with children

Long haul flights can be a daunting experience for anyone, but when you add children into the mix, it can become even more challenging.

There are several things to keep in mind to survive a long-haul flight with children. Here are 7 essential tips that can help you and your family have a smooth and stress-free journey.

Tip #1 Book seats in advance

Before you even step foot on the plane, it’s essential to plan ahead. With most airlines, you can choose to book your seats in advance with the airline, so you can choose the most convenient location for your family.

It can be a good idea to sit at one of the aircraft’s bulkheads, as there is extra legroom for children to play.

When traveling with children under 2 years old, it’s common for airlines to expect them to sit on your lap. However, you can also reserve a separate seat and bring along a car seat for your child’s comfort and safety.

Many airlines offer complimentary bassinet seats, which can be a valuable choice for parents. It’s essential to book these seats in advance to secure availability. Bassinet seats are advantageous as they are designed to follow the aircraft’s movements, allowing your baby to lie down and rest without experiencing excessive disturbance.

Tip #2 Pack strategically

When faced with a lengthy packing list (and you do when you have kids!), it’s a good idea to utilise an app to help you keep track of what you need to remember.

Pack the essentials in your hand luggage that you might need during your trip, such as snacks, nappies, medicine, wet wipes, and a change of clothes (also for the adults in case of accidents).

For older children, make the packing process more enjoyable by assigning them their own suitcase. They’ll feel important as they proudly roll around with their own luggage at the airport and you’ll maximise packing space at the same time.

Extra tip: Consider selecting ride-on suitcases, as pictured above, for added fun and functionality. These suitcases can double as footrests during the flight or be extended to create a makeshift bed, allowing your child to lie down and catch some restful sleep during the journey.

Tip #3 Banish boredom

Boredom is the enemy of any long-haul flight, especially for children. To keep your child entertained, bring a variety of activities and toys that they can play with. This can include an iPad, colouring books, puzzles, small toys, and handheld gaming devices.

In addition, it might be worthwhile to plan a special surprise for your child, either at the airport or onboard the plane, particularly if it happens to be their first time flying. Some parents find it beneficial to incorporate hourly gifts, enabling their child to anticipate and enjoy small treats during the flight.

With this approach, your child receives a new gift every one or two hours, creating a pleasant distraction. These gifts can range from picture books and toys to small snacks. If the gifts are wrapped, it adds an extra element of excitement, providing the children with an engaging activity to pass the time.

Tip #4 Comfort is key

Comfort is key when traveling with children, especially on long haul flights.

Make sure your child is dressed in comfortable clothing and bring a soft blanket and pillow to help them sleep. You may also want to bring a neck pillow, which can be more comfortable than the pillows provided by the airline.

Tip #5: Protect little ears

If your child is prone to ear pain during flights, it’s a good idea to bring small snacks for when the plane takes off and lands. This could be a bottle (or breastfeeding if your baby is breastfed) or smoothies for the little ones, or sweets or chewing gum for the older ones.

You can also ask your doctor for suggestions for ear drops or other remedies to help.

Tip #6: Snacks

Food on board an aircraft is served at specific times and not always when it fits into your child’s usual eating schedule. A little familiarity is always a good thing, so make sure you pack plenty of your child’s favourite snacks, vegetable sticks, fruit bars, crackers, etc. so you’re prepared when the cravings hit.

Tip #7: Be prepared for the unexpected

Despite your best efforts, unexpected things can still happen when travelling.

Delays, luggage not arriving or missed connections can be extremely stressful, even more so when travelling with children.

Travelling with an experienced travel agent or tour operator can make all the difference. Knowing that you have an emergency phone number you can call is an excellent way to calm your nerves and give you extra peace of mind.

In addition, a tour operator can help arrange transport, accommodation, and other logistics if there are any unexpected delays or problems during your trip.

It can be overwhelming to travel with children, but with a little planning, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for the whole family.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller