Plane travel (including long haul)

Plane travel can be so exciting for some kids. Plane travel can be scary and unfamiliar for others.

A family holiday that includes flying does not need to be a challenge.

Travelling via any mode of transport can be a great family bonding experience.

The key to stress-less travel is preparation and planning.

Travelling with kids in a confined space like a plane, especially a long haul flight can be challenging but not impossible to survive.

It is exciting to be going on an adventure especially if it something new like travelling on a plane.

Planning and preparing for the flight is important.

Planning is as important, if not more so than your preparation when going on a car trip or to the park or shops. It’s important to be prepared when travelling on a plane as the option to have a break during the flight is limited.

Travelling on a plane can pose a variety of new challenges such as the take off and landing, the lack of mobility, sleeping, toileting, etc.

Preparation and planning starts well before boarding the plane.

• Pre-order child meals. Pre-ordering meals can be done 48 hours out from flying.
• Book a bassinet if flying with a baby.
• When checking consider the seating allocation and arrangement. If you sit on the isle and then the child easy access to the toilet is still available yet the child is not right on the isle.
• Talk with your child about the airport, security, etc. Preparing your child the new environment is helpful. Explain they will need to place their bag to go through security

• Feed the baby on lift off and landing as it helps to equalize their ears. This potentially helps so they won’t feel as uncomfortable.
• Swallowing is just as good for a child not wanting to feed or who is older. Snacks are a good distraction here and helps them to swallow.
• Use zip lock bags or containers for whatever you can as this can help in the mess department if there is a spillage. Pack a few small plastic bags as well store any accidents.
• We recommend keeping those smaller quantities of items to use in the carry-on luggage. You can often get samples of things and use them so you don’t need a forklift to carry everything.
• Be aware of security restrictions for items to take on planes.
• Organise well- nappies in one section, feed together, toys separate, etc. It is easier to access in a hurry.
• A change of clothes and set of alternative weather clothes (i.e. a jumper or a t-shirt to cover any eventuality). Ideally take two sets for each child.
• Take a change of clothes for yourself. It’s a good idea so that you can change yourself in case of those ‘messy’ moments.
• Have a selection of loved toys and some new exciting ones to help keep them occupied.
• Sleep whenever your baby does so that you don’t feel quite as exhausted.
• The airport stop over can be blessing rather than a nightmare as it’s a good time to stretch the legs, recharge the batteries ready for the next flight.
• Pack everything you will need. Ensure you don’t need to rely on the airline or airport for anything. Services may be limited, shops may be closed or they may not have what you need. Better to be prepared and not need it than need it and not have it.
• Pack enough food, formula and water to cover any potential flight delays.They do happen.
• Rest as best you can. Grab every feasible opportunity to rest especially during airport stopovers. Some airports offer shower facilities (at additional cost) and we highly recommend accessing this if possible. A shower will help you to feel refreshed and recover ready for the next flight or travel.
• Consider a night stopover. The jury is undecided on the benefits. Some love this option and others don’t. Consider whether this would work best for you and your children for that specific travel.
• Be aware planes do not have microwave facilities. Heating food or bottles is via hot water only.
• Be aware that airlines may not have the availability to store your supplies of food and/or bottles in the fridge.
• Pack extra nappies than you would normally pack for the same period on the ground. This will ensure that you have sufficient if there are any ‘blow-outs’.
• Pack a muslin, sheet and/or blanket. The more familiar to the child the better to help comfort them. This item can be used in so many ways.
• A small pillow or travel pillow is useful.
• Comfort toys or sleeping aids can assist with a tired baby/child. Have them handy especially on take off and landing.
• A baby sling is easier and more useful overall especially on the plane than a pram. Carefully consider if you need to pack your own pram or whether you solely use the sling or purchase a pram at your destination.

• Pack some new games and keep them as back up as needed when your child is reaching their limit.
• Pack sticker books, small travel colouring in packs, magnetic board games.
• For the airport in transfer: Take some “quick fixes” such as a few balloons that can be easily blown up and a cheap game is born, as is going on a adventure or ‘treasure’ hunt.
• Have a shower. Recharge your batteries and theirs. They can have a bit of a play in there.
• Use the play areas in airports during lay overs if they have any. It will help to expel any energy and get them nice and tired for the next flight and help alleviate that cooped up feeling.
• Plug in any electrical appliances, not only your laptop or mobile phone but their IPad/tablet too.