4 Life Hacks for Parents Flying with Kids

22/01/2019


flying with kids

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As a parent, you may love the idea of traveling with your young children, because you can think of no better way to expand their horizons and cultivate their curious minds than by introducing them to new countries, new cultures, new people, new sights, and new experiences!

However, as we know from the Star Wars movie franchise, there is a dark side of the force out there somewhere — and for so many parents out there, it is that dreaded time in the air. Indeed, while some kids love flying and decorate their rooms with pictures and models of airplanes, many kids would almost rather go to the dentist (almost!) than board a flight. Of course, they are too young to know or care how airplanes work. But that is beside the point. They know what they like, and they know what they are not keen on and for some flying is firmly in the latter bucket.

Fortunately, if you’re the parent of an unwilling or unsure passenger, then you don’t have to limit your adventures to destinations that can be reached by car, bus or train. Here are 5 great life hacks that can help turn an in-flight nightmare into a smooth, stress-free flight for all involved — including you!


flying


1. Aim for an early morning flight if your doing short haul as they are usually less crowded, and there is a lower chance of delays on takeoff and landing, making it a less stressful trip all round despite the early wake up call. We did this on our trip to Amsterdam a few years ago. If you are going for long-haul an overnight flight is always the better option as you have a chance of getting them to sleep and hopefully passing the hours quicker.

2. Mitigate the impact of air pressure on young ears by having your child drink warm water as soon it is safe to do so after takeoff, and especially within about 45-minutes to landing. The swallowing actions helps relieve pressure, and the warm water is hydrating.

3. Bring kid-friendly snacks to avoid any hangry moments. Unfortunately, most airlines don’t cater particularly well to kids so having a few nut-free breakfast bars, fruit and savoury snacks is a good idea, just double check before you leave what you are allowed to bring on board in terms of consumables. Here is a post I wrote about snacks to pack on a trip.

4. Pack kid-friendly activities. While some airlines have back-of-seat screens and kid-friendly programming, don’t count on this (especially since those back-of-seat screens tend to have a mind of their own, and work as often as they don’t!). Instead, you can bring age-appropriate puzzles, sticker books, travel games and audio books. Also packing their favourite toy can bring comfort and ease any feeling of homesickness.


train travel


Bottom line

When your child gets older, he or she will either learn to endure flying — or better yet, even enjoy it. But for now, it’s up to you to try and minimise the discomfort, fear, and boredom. It’s not an easy job and there is no magic wand. However, the life hacks above should help make your mutual time in the air as tolerable as possible, and set the stage for a great adventure in an exciting place! 

Of course there are always other options if your children (or adults) really do fear and dislike flying or are looking for more sustainable ways to travel. If you are a regular reader of my blog you will also know that we love a good road trip and I have driven all across South Africa, UK and parts of Europe and if you really wanted to do it in style you could hire a classic car restoration service to refurbish an old classic! We often opt for the Eurostar if we are heading to Europe and have also taken the Ferry from the UK to Holland twice. 


flying with kids

16 comments:

  1. I am always searching online for articles that can aid me.
    Thanks!

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  2. Quite an informative article. I do fly with my kids, but the frequency is very less. my travel is mainly road.

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    1. I have to say we do love road trips!! Snacks are also important when driving far distances :) thanks for stopping by Parveen

      Laura x

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  3. Having snacks in general is a good shout as I know sometimes the choice for anyone on flights is pretty bad. I bet the hope would be that they'd sleep for the whole journey x

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    1. Yes snacks goes for adults as well - I know I can get hangry especially in stressful travel situations

      Laura x

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  4. Thanks for finally talking about >"4 Life Hacks for Parents Flying with Kids" <Loved it!

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  5. Great tips! I love travelling with my son. Started young and it is so easy now + he is such a good travel buddy :)

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    1. That is so good to hear Polly - yes the younger you start them the better they become at travelling

      Laura x

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  6. I went on my first plane at 2 weeks old and my parents said it was a nightmare. These are helpful tips for once the kiddos get a bit older!

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  7. Nice tips! I don't have a child yet but my hubby and I talk about how to deal with traveling with kids quite frequently (we travel, camp and backpack a lot) and these tips definitely would help. I liked that you mentioned snacks - I'm an adult with food allergies so I can NEVER trust that airlines will have appropriate meals or snacks. Only issue I've found is that you have to be willing to toss your snacks before going through customs as some countries have very strict policies with outside foods.

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  8. Well. all I can do is to wish you nice travels ahead. It is nice to see people make kids travel from the early age.

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  9. Great ideas, and the early morning flights applies even if you don't have kids! I remember my ears popping being pretty painful as a kid, so the suggestion to have them drink water is a great one! Thanks for sharing, Laura!

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  10. This is really useful for parents who have younger kids. I agree that few kids would rather go to dentist than flying on an airplane. My cousin's kid was one of them. She used to cry a lot, I remember. I wish I had your hacks back then to help my cousin.

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  11. Very helpful article especially for many parents who struggles to bring their kiddos with them. I may not need this yet, but is it a great way to learn and have compassion to co-passengers with kids with them.

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Lovely comments

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