Before we had kids one of our worst nightmares would have been being stuck near a screaming kid on a plane. We would have tolerated it, we’re not monsters and know kids often can’t express how they feel therefore screaming is the only way they can get their frustrations out. We know that even more now we are parents ourselves. In fact, being the parent of a screaming kid can be an even bigger nightmare. You don’t want to be the person that people look at, either angrily or with pity that you can’t control your child. Luckily for us, our children love flying. However, that is not to say they don’t get bored and/or crabby, especially on long haul flights. Therefore, through trial and error, we have put together this list of ways to avoid mid-flight meltdowns when flying with kids.
Keep Your Expectations Realistic
You know your child(ren) therefore it is important to keep your expectations realistic. Children are children and can and will freak out from time to time. Air travel can be tough on adults never mind children, therefore perfect behaviour is unlikely. If your little one(s) do start to act up or get upset the most important thing for you as an adult to do is stay calm. We know this is often easier said than done, but it is important. If you are calm, the likelihood is this will calm your child and allow for a smoother and more relaxed flight.
Talk Things Through
If your child(ren) are like ours they will want to know what is happening and when. By sitting down with them and explaining what will actually happen we find that it alleviates some fears and makes the process easier. Airports can be scary places for little ones. They can be noisy and busy and everyone is bigger than them and usually in a rush. Therefore we try to prepare our children by breaking down the journey from our home to our destination. We explain what they are likely to experience at every stage so understand.
Pick Appropriate Flight Times
The age of your child(ren) and sleeping patterns will determine the most appropriate flight times for you. Another factor to consider is the length of your flight. Our children are past napping so we do not have to factor those in. However, they are still young enough that we have to ensure that they get enough rest to function once we arrive at our destination. I.e, on short-haul flights we usually opt for morning flights following a full night’s sleep. Whereas long haul we usually opt for night flights so they can sleep on the plane.
Direct Vs Connecting Flights (Long Haul)
Talking about long haul flights, a decision you will need to make is between direct and connecting flights. Often price will dictate which you opt for. But travelling with children, especially small ones should be an influencing factor too. You may choose to take one really long direct flight through several time zones and worry about jet lag once you arrive at your destination. However, you may think your children (or you) wouldn’t be able to handle that. Therefore, a layover (or two) may be necessary to break up the journey.
Think About Food
It is important to find out if meals are included in your airfare or if you can add them on for a few quid if the length of your flight warrants a meal. You then need to consider if your child(ren) will actually eat the meals served up. Our children aren’t fussy eaters but I imagine that they would turn their noses up at most aeroplane food. Therefore, we always, regardless of the length of the flight pack enough snacks (healthy and less healthy) to keep them happy for the full duration. A hungry child is most certainly not a happy child.
Consider Comfort
If you are flying with kids, not only will you need to consider what they are wearing but what you are wearing too. No one likes to feel confined on aeroplanes, especially on long haul flights. Therefore we always opt for loose-fitting usually cotton clothing for all. It allows us all the freedom of movement. This is often essential when you have small children with you. Often they like to stretch their legs and roam the cabin. Even though our children are out of nappies, we still always travel with a spare set of clothes in case of spillages etc.
Bring Entertainment
Bored children are just as much fun as hungry ones! Therefore, when flying with kids ensure you have enough entertainment to keep them occupied for the duration of the flight. Depending on their ages and interests will of course influence what you bring along for the flight. Even if the plane you are flying on has in-seat entertainment systems onboard, we advise that you do not rely on them. Firstly, there may not be anything suitable for your children and secondly, from personal experience – sometimes they don’t actually work!
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