Whether it’s your first time or fifth time, you learn something new each and every time you travel with children.
Flying with your little ones is . . .
a whole lot different than flying with adults. Alone or as a couple, you might be able to get away with carry-ons and a purse but it’s a different ball game travelling as a family.
We’ve done it a few times with three little ones and I have quite a number of embarrassing moments. Trust me you get a whole heck of a lot of comments from strangers when you’re travelling with three car seats, four suitcases and five people – but we survived.
We’ve learned a bit from our mistakes and have read lots on the subject. It also helps to get insight from friends who’ve travelled, here is all that information summed up for you in case you’re planning a trip anytime soon.
When you book your flight – research your airline. Find out what you are allotted for baggage and carry-ons. Find out what you are allowed to carry on and follow the rules. This helps when you go through security.
Pack everyone their own little carry on. Have their favorite snacks, games and things to do (read further on for ideas on what). Read up on liquids – I’ve definitely packed juice boxes and had to throw them out (depends on the airport you’re travelling out of). Always pack an empty water bottle to fill up before the flight.
Always leave yourself extra time to park at the airport, get inside, get lined up and through all the checking in. You should be prepared for extra bathroom stops, meltdowns, feeding times for your baby etc. When the airline says to get there three hours in advance, listen. If you’re there early and get through all the checkpoints without problem at least you’ll have time to hang out at the little play place with your little ones before sitting for the next forseeable future.
Board early. All airlines allow families with small children to board early. This is a huge perk. It allows you to get your carry on in the overhead compartments first and allows you to begin settling in before everyone is stuffed on the airplane.
If your child is under two (and therefore travelling without their own seat) be prepared to have a chat with the flight attendant about how to hold your child during take off and landing. Little note here, I’ve done this with two different children, flying at night is so much easier than mid-day. However, we managed, so fret not.
Okay, this next section is vital for your survival — have a ton of things to do on hand. Pack their backpack with things for them to do. Ideas include white board markers and books, books you can read to them, colouring books and crayons, markers, tablet for a movie or show (this tends to be a saving grace on a flight), little containers of Playdough can be fun, cards, stickers, books or anything else you know your child is interested in doing. Be prepared, you do not want to embark on a four hour flight with nothing for your little one to do. Once you’re on that plane, there’s no escaping.
Snacks — Most airlines don’t offer anything during a flight, if you’re lucky you’ll get a bag of pretzels. So be prepared with food you know your child will love. Granola bars, bear paws, crackers, etc., pack a few surprise treats these can save you right before a huge meltdown.
When all else fails and your child needs to move, take a walk. Walk with them up and down the walkway explaining things, waving to people, taking a pee break, looking at the floor and lights, just watch out for the drink cart.
Be prepared for the famous, “My ears hurt.” For little ones we’ve bought drink boxes at the airport for them during take off and landing (two juice boxes a flight made for some happy kids) and the sucking motion with the straw helped keep their ears from popping. We also have gum and chewy candies. For babies, it helps if they nurse or drink a bottle during take off and landing.
Always lie to your children. They will get tired, bored and fed up on the plane. They will ask how much longer? Are we almost there, and when will this be over – over and over again. Always say soon, it’s almost time. Remind them where they are going and try to distract them with the excitement of what’s to come but really just try and be patient, being on a plane isn’t all it’s cracked up to be for us so imagine how it is for them.
Don’t fool yourself into thinking they’ll sleep on the flight, it just doesn’t happen. Our kids didn’t sleep a wink on our last flight. I can remember a late evening where I had a baby asleep on my lap and a toddler asleep on my arm but typically they’re awake the whole time. Just try and get them cozy enough to relax. That time we travelled with three car seats, we also travelled with three blankets and that was the time everyone slept. So if there’s room to pack a little blanket in their backpack I say throw it in and ignore the stares from people.
Travelling with little ones can be hectic and terrifying but also such a great experience and wonderful memories. If you’re prepared and expect the unexpected, you’ll travel well.
