Thinking of taking the kids on holiday, but worried about the flight? Air travel can be stressful for many people without the added extra of kids. Not only do you have to keep them occupied for the flight, you’ve also got to negotiate the airports on either end. Fortunately, there are several tricks that can help to make your journey go smoothly – here are just 10 tips that every flying parent needs to know.
Take Advantage Of Early Bird Offers
Flying with kids can also put a stress on your wallet. Once kids reach the age of 2, they’re often legally required to have their own seat. It often pays to book your flight early – early bird offers sometimes include free flights for children or discounted tickets which can make booking a family holiday on a budget much more feasible. Booking early can sometimes result in other perks too such as free upgrades to first class. All in all, it pays to be an early bird.
Avoid Late Night Flights
Late night flights can sometimes be cheaper, but you should think twice about flying later for the sake of a cheaper ticket – the reduced costs may not be worth the added stress of having to deal with overtired kids. Public tantrums on a plane are never fun to deal with. They can be even less enjoyable on a late night flight when many passengers are likely to be trying to get some shuteye during the journey. Opt for a morning flight or a midday flight that won’t interrupt your child’s natural rhythm – you’re less likely to have deal with tantrums and passengers will be more sympathetic.
Break Up Long Distance Journeys
If you’re brave enough to go on a long haul journey, you may want to consider booking a multiple stop flight. You’ll get to your destination later, but it could be better for young kids by giving them the opportunity to stretch their legs and explore a new environment rather than spending nine plus hours in one plane. You could even plan to stop overnight somewhere en route – multi-stop journeys are often a lot cheaper and even with the added cost of a hotel for the night you could still save money. It could even add an extra bit of adventure to your trip by allowing you to explore another place on the way.
Pre-Order Baby Milk For The Airport
Airports around the world can have strict and confusing laws when it comes to bringing liquids through security. When it comes to bringing baby milk on board the flight, you may be able to save yourself the hassle by ordering some milk beforehand to pick up at the airport once you’re through security. Boots are one store that does this – you’ll find a Boots store in the departure section of practically every airport in the UK. This milk can be ordered from your local store or online.
Consider A Ride-On Suitcase For Kids
You can end up doing a lot of walking around in an airport which can be tough on toddlers’ feet. Ride-on suitcases are a cool luggage accessory that doubles up as a pull-along vehicle for your toddler. This can be fun for your kids whilst saving you from having to carry them when they get tired. You can buy these suitcases online.
Check What Your Kids Bring Through Hand Luggage
For older kids that may have packed their own toys for the journey, check that they’re not bringing anything that could get taken away during security. This includes liquids, snacks and items like toy guns. Checking the contents of their hand luggage before you get to the airport will ensure that they don’t throw a strop when something gets taken away.
Keep Track Of Their Belongings
It’s not unusual for toys and kids jackets to get left on the plane or dropped in the airport. Try to make checklists every step of the way so that nothing gets lost. You could consider tracking options such as labels for clothes so that if an item of clothing does get lost, the item will be more identifiable when you call up lost and found. You could also make a rule of packing all toys away whilst walking somewhere so that nothing gets dropped.
Bring Some Sweets For The Flight
It’s worth taking some snacks on the flight as a distraction. Sweets, in particular, can be useful for take-off and landing – if your kids start complaining that their ears hurt, you can give them a sweet to chew that should help to relieve the cabin pressure. When it comes to sweets, you do have to be cautious of feeding the kids too much sugar as this could make them hyper.
Avoid Drinking Too Many Fluids Before The Flight
Having lots of drinks just before boarding the flight can be a big mistake. Your kids will need the toilet when they get on the plane, but may not be able to go until the plane is in the air. If the plane then gets caught in taxiing, your kids could then have to hold the bladders even longer. Take caution with drinks in the airport and make sure that the kids take a last-minute trip to the toilet before boarding the plane as a precaution.
Download Some Games And Movies
It’s worth downloading some games and movies onto your tablet or phone before the journey – this is certain to keep kids occupied. A new movie or game is likely to be more exciting and catch their interest for longer. You may also want to invest in a portable charger for helping you to keep all of your devices fully charged on the go.
*This is a collaborative post*
