When I first started flying with my little ones, I had several concerns, even though I was familiar with the aircraft environment. After talking to several parents, I realised many felt like me and they also worried and stressed about the thought of flying with kids. Here is a list of the main concerns and tips for overcoming them to have a stress free flight. We worried, so you don’t have to!
STRESS FREE AIR TRAVEL WITH KIDS
The main concerns for parents are whether their child will disturb other passengers, especially by crying continually; running out of supplies, flying solo and needing the loo, privacy when breast-feeding, illness , wriggly children and ‘looks’ from other passengers. (Whatever, your concern, we hopefully have it covered. If not, please do comment or drop us a note.)
- Disturbing other passengers through crying or being wriggly. The first step here is avoidance. If your child is slightly older, prepare them for the trip with children’s books about flying, being at the airport etc. Even role-playing can help. Ideas include pretend you are sitting on the plane and fastening your seatbelt. This can be played whilst in the car too.
- Be aware of possible delays and potentially hungry or tired kids. If you have a late night flight, consider putting the children to bed at the normal time and waking them up, just before you leave for the airport. This should hopefully give them enough energy to get through the airport without a meltdown, but still leave them sleepy enough for the rest of the flight.
- Make use of the airport soft play if they have one and burn off some of that excess energy. Bring some toys and entertainment to help while away time in queues.
- Have one of you board first with all your child’s stuff and the other parent board last- there is no point in letting your little one sit on-board waiting for other passengers to arrive…
- Also EVERYTHING on the plane will be a source of entertainment – the seatbelt and in-flight entertainment handset especially! If they really let rip, speak to a crew member and ask if you can just let her calm down in the galley for a bit.
- Running out of supplies. Airline amenities vary so much and whilst some are more than happy to provide milk, and have a limited supply of nappies etc on board, others simply don’t have the budget to provide all this. Make the most of the exemption to the 100ml rule -you can carry as much baby food or drink as needed. Obviously storing it can also be an issue, with some countries airport security allowing cold packs, and others not. If you are not sure and don’t want to be caught out, consider taking some zip-lock bags and filling with ice when you leave home, then refill at an airport restaurant, and again on the plane. You can also ask the restaurants for a refill of milk or, if leaving from the UK, make use of the Boots ordering service where you can pre-order baby supplies online and pick up at Boots after you have cleared security.
- Flying solo and needing the loo. Every airline will understand your situation, so definitely ask a crew member to assist. Airline policies do again vary, so whilst some will be more than happy to walk the baby up the aisle and help soothe them, others will need to sit down in your seat, fasten the seatbelt and also use the infant lap belt .
- Privacy when breastfeeding. Firstly, there are no restrictions on breast feeding on an airplane. There are some great products on the market for a little more privacy when feeding, but unfortunately there are no private areas on the aircraft, except the loo which is not a place where any woman would ideally want to breast feed. Therefore, the best option if you are concerned is to request a window seat. Do ask the crew for a spare blanket or pillow to make you more comfortable when you do so.
- Illness. It’s never a pleasant experience when your little one is ill whilst traveling, and the added concern that you are not in the comfort of your own home can be worrisome. Make sure you carry in your hand–luggage/carry on any medicine that potentially may be required, including any antihistamine’s or inhalers. Calpol and Nurofen do come in handy 5ml sachets but Tylenol and Motrin do not. If you need to take over 100ml in your hand luggage, make sure you have a doctor’s note accompanying it and the prescription details if necessary. Be aware that some stronger medicines may be illegal in some countries and in those cases a prescription and a doctor’s letter is essential. Always pack a spare change of clothes for each child and at least a spare top for you. If you are in any way concerned about any serious illness developing on board- alert the crew immediately. For more packing tips, see here.
- ‘Looks’ from other passengers. My number one rule is smile and ignore. There is always going to be the odd person that will be grumpy and who forgets they were babies once. Some parents have handed out goody bags in a pre-emptive attempt to avoid these ‘looks’ and to create a little bit of humour in the situation. These packs have included a friendly note, a packet of ear plugs and a token sweet. But don’t feel you have to apologise every time your child makes a whimper. Babies do cry and children get frustrated with delays etc, just as adults do.
What tips have worked for you? Please do comment below and let me know.
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Thank you for your support as always.
Alex
Sunday 24th of September 2017
My little one will be eight months old when we fly. She has had ear infections in the past and we are worried about her being in pain or sustaining ear damage during take off and landing. Any tips on how to help her? Thank you.
Emma
Saturday 27th of August 2016
Due to fly on a nine hour flight in two weeks with a boisterous one year old (almost two) who is finding his voice and thinks its funny to squeal at the top of his lungs every so often. I am a nervous wreck worrying what fellow passengers will say and if I will get upset. I know I need to relax and not react and Im taking lots to entertain him but still a worry. We were spoilt by our first two daughters who were fantastic on flights of this length from the age of 6 months. Can I ask if its worth mentioning anything to the crew about how nervous I am about this or just wait and see what happens after take off?
CarrieB
Sunday 28th of August 2016
Hi Emma, I totally understand how you feel, and it is a nerve-wracking experience, and IF, it does happen, most passengers are parents themselves and do understand. Often any looks are sympathetic. Its always worth mentioning to the crew- also a lot of them are parents too and will try and help out when they can too. Please let me know how the flight went.
Fran @ Whinge Whinge Wine
Monday 11th of July 2016
Although I am never ever ever going on holiday again, if I were to I would definitely be taking way more changes of clothes. Carrying a pukey naked toddler all the way through baggage claim was pretty rubbish! #myfamilytraveltips
Sam - Travelling With Our Kids
Monday 11th of July 2016
Great tips and advice. I always try remember spare clothes for myself but normally that is the one thing I keep forgetting. I'll get there eventually haha. #myfamilytraveltips
Cathy (MummyTravels)
Friday 8th of July 2016
Agreed - I think people are normally far more understanding and helpful than I'd feared, especially when travelling alone. My failsafe is trying to plan for pretty much every eventuality so spare clothes, food, games, entertainment etc. Soft play t the airport is a godsend too. #myfamilytraveltips