20 Tips for Flying with Kids ✈️
Things we learned the hard way!
- When you book, select the window and aisle seats and leave the middle seat free. Quite often it stays that way and you get a free seat for your baby! 🤗 (Check-in staff will even block it for you sometimes if the flight isn't full 😉)
- Ask flight attendants for kids toy / welcome pack. If they don't offer it already. They usually have them and it's a nice little novelty / distraction for little ones after boarding. 🧸
- Download their favourite shows 📱 (especially if there's no in-flight entertainment)
- Don't wait to fly: kids under 2 years fly free, and are much easier to manage than older, more active kids. Plus: they get used to flying from an early age. 👌 (Our Leo is less than 2 and has already taken more than 25 flights!)
- Go for direct flights where possible, especially when traveling with babies or toddlers. 🛬
- Always request the baby bassinet (on longer flights). Then cover it with one of the blankets they give you. Game-changer. 😴 (we've had our baby sleep for 10 hours uninterrupted like this! 🤫)
- Pre-order kids meals (on longer flights). They usually come in the style of a Happy Meal, which is exciting for kids, plus they get served first. 🍔 (especially good for fussy eaters).
- Stay calm during the flight, even if your kids aren't! 🧘♂️ (you getting stressed will only stress them more)
- Help your kids appreciate the excitement of flying and make it a fun experience for them. Remember that it is amazing and exciting to fly! 🤩
- Plan flight times strategically, around nap times etc. For most destinations, there are several flight times throughout the day. Choose wisely. 🕒
- Breastfeed or bottle feed during take-off and landing to ease their ear discomfort. 👂 (works every time)
- Pack snacks! Prevent hangry meltdowns. 🍿
- Use the hook on the back of the plane toilet door to hang your changing bag. 🎒
- Items we always pack: a portable white noise machine, a blow-up cushion to extend the seat so kids can lay and sleep, noise-canceling headphones. 🎧
- Always take advantage of "boarding for families with small children". 📣
- Accumulate frequent flyer miles with one alliance. Benefits like (much faster) priority check-in and lounge access are totally worth it! 🌟 (sometimes your kids earn miles too)
- Avoid discount airlines, except for flights <2 hours. They usually have inconvenient flight times, poor service, rude staff, and often don't even let families with small kids board first. 😠
- Book flights as soon as you find the dates and price you (most likely) want, to avoid price increases. Flights with more family members can get expensive fast! 💸 (we've made this mistake a bunch of times & ended up paid a lot more! 🤦🏻♂️)
- Don’t book a super early morning flights, especially on the return leg. It totally ruins the relaxed holiday feeling if you need to get up at 4am to catch your flight home! 😰
- Don't lose their favourite toy, bottle, or blanket onboard! Check all the pockets, under the seats in front and back before you disembark. 😬
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