We have two sets of Grandparents on completely different sides of the globe. Also, we now live as expats. Oh… and we love to go on holidays.
The majority of the time, we fly as a family of four and can “tag-team” all of the joys that are involved when flying with children. It is , at times, also just myself and my two wriggly monsters.
As a family, I really feel that we have (through a thorough trial and error approach) found our ‘groove’ and know what works for us. Saying that, we are also learning all the time as children’s needs (and “don’t needs”) change , of course, with age.
While I’m a strong believer that it is fantastic for kids to be bored, I do find that the more I prepare for flights with children, the more smoothly it all goes. Really.
So….although it looks like these hints are for the sake of a happy child, actually, this is completely selfish – it is all about creating quiet sitting time for the grown-ups and just .. you know …general personal sanity preservation.
This is my post on packing the practical items (nappies, clothing, medication etc.) But below I’m talking more about the entertainment side of things.
Also here are my TIPS ON FLYING WITH BIGGER KIDS
*EXTRA TIP: Even for newly toilet trained kids I would still pack a few nappies. It’s really handy for those moments when you’re stuck on a runway and kids aren’t allowed to go to the bathrooms. At times like that we had pull-up nappies and asked the kids to treat them like underwear and still make it to the toilet ( but with that little safety net.)
One tip that I feel that I must throw in first….
When I travel with kids on my own, I also take a photo on my phone of each of our passports and one boarding pass.
Then, its really easy to fill out the immigration forms mid-flight from my seat without having to fuss around.
Here are my self-proclaimed “commandments” :
NO RULES ON PLANES
( Well , not really no rules …but we scale back on our ordinary at home ‘no-no’s. Let me explain why…)
As we have to travel so much (my husband travels for work , I have family in Australia… he has family in England , Scotland and the U.S. ….. and then there are holidays to add on top) right from the start we really, really, REALLY needed our kids to love flying. So, we decided to make flying time feel like a real treat and as special as possible.
For example: We are most definitely NOT a no-screen time family, but, our kids most definitely do not get an ipad to hold and select their own shows for a large amount of time – except for on a plane.
The same goes for a special cup of soft drink, a little tin filled with M&Ms and little (cheapie) presents wrapped up and handed out at take off and landing.
It really, really works for us.
Our kids are often just as excited by the idea of getting on that plane as they are for the holiday destination at the other end. Seriously. After a long-haul flight, my little girl is probably the only human-being in sight who is actually so disappointed and asks for “more aeroplane please?!!
IPADS , PHONES & IN-BUILT PLANE TVS ARE NOT ENOUGH
Before I had children, I would have assumed that charging up an ipad and throwing it in the hands of a 4 year old would be more than enough. Surely?
Wouldn’t that be nice?
Kiddies have teeny attention spans.
My little boy likes to click between shows in 30 second increments and my little girl needs to draw or play while a show is on.
Also ….what about that time during take-off and landing where the devices need to be switched off? …or what if your plane doesn’t have an in-built tv? Or …errr.. heaven forbid… you’re delayed on the runway?
So… Dear “Pre-Children Me,” You’re going to need more stuff.
95% OF THE HAND LUGGAGE TOYS NEED TO HAVE NOT BEEN SEEN (OR HIDDEN FOR A WHILE BEFOREHAND)
I have a box in my hallway cupboard labeled “Travel Toys.”
(I also have another two boxes titled “Restaurant Toys” and “Hotel Toys”- see HERE for my post about hotel toys .) This box is somewhere my kids can’t reach and I throw toys and activities whenever I get a chance.
Inside that box goes all those ‘happy meal” “goody bag”, ‘party favours ”, plastic cheap toys and stickers. Basically, all of those toys that children win or are gifted at the school fete or by generous shopkeeper etc.
Of course, I don’t deny my kiddies the novelty of playing with these trinkets at the time – but they never seem to remember them the next day so…. into the box they go. That toy brought them two minutes of happiness at the time. But…..I really need two minutes of happy, quiet kids on a plane.
Especially for some serious tantrum deflection.
And just think… imagine if you had a little cloth bag that contained 10 tiny two minute toys? That’s twenty minutes of quiet time! That could, seriously, be the difference between a smooth and a rough landing.
Deliciously distracting.
Other suggestions:
- Disassembled Art Projects (the ones that aren’t special enough to keep forever, of course) with a glue stick in a ziplock bag to re-assemble. My kids love “showing me” how they made it the first time.
- Salvaged single pages of un-touched colouring books before the rest goes in the rubbish bin
- Novelty key-rings, erasers, stickers
- Figurines with missing hair or arms (they will never see more love than when there aren’t any other options around. Thanks, Madame ‘One-leg Elsa.’ ) My kids mix them in with their playdoh games and give them new playdoh outfits, wings, playdoh houses, cars and beds.
- Random coloured pencils (I wrap up all of the pencil orphans with an elastic band)
- Toyshop brochures and pamphlets (these are almost always my kids favourites!)
This is how my little guys decorates with stickers ( we remove them before we get off the plane, of course.)
95% OF THE TOYS AND TRINKETS NEED TO BE DISPOSABLE
So just before you think I’m the cheapest person ever – giving my children odd pencils, dismantled masterpieces and re-gifting them their own party favours… there is some kind of method to my madness… these items all need to be disposable.
Why?! It’s a plane ! They’ll get lost. They’ll get spilt on. They’ll get stuck between the seats or dunked in plane food….and that needs to be ok.
When I have one child sleeping or eating on my lap I just can’t be frantically using my toe to search for an extremely special toy.
I remember when I had a rough time during landing once when I was travelling without my hubby. When that plane landed, I just needed to “abandon ship” and swoop up both children. It was so good to not scrounge around on the floor for a full set of pencils, or a favourite doll. We just made sure we had our bags, their favourite teddy-bears (the VERY special one toy that they can bring on the flight) and just ran for it.
If you take these paint with water types of books, I recommend also packing paint brushes and a chopped up sponge. You can then dampen the sponge and kids don’t need to have a little tub of water to spill all over themselves.
These mess-free marker books are also incredible. They only work on those pages so you won’t have a child who has coloured in the plane interior or their entire face on the flight.
TOY & SNACK STORAGE
When I travel on my own with the children, I find that those hanging toiletry bags to be so helpful – especially as they have a hook on the top. They can hold snacks and /or toys to easily access during the flight. I also put hand sanitizer in one pocket and wet wipes in another.
Here are some other “storage” ideas for keeping toys accessible.
Because the toys need to be disposable you can get creative. If time permits, I cut out pictures from catalogues and put them in a bag with a piece of paper and a glue stick.
The insert of toy boxes and packaging often have a scene printed as a backdrop to the toy – and these make a great “scene” for play with figurines on a plane.
This small paint kit also comes in handy for my little girl. I pour her about 1 teaspoon worth of water so that if it spills its not going to do much damage. (And even better? I bring a small piece of sponge to use, like I mentioned above.)
For other crafty-ish or recyclable play ideas, take a look at my article on creating a flight survival kit.
SNACKS : Remember you can bring any food on the plane you like (pretty much!)
Many people forget this.
For my own kids, in their own activity bags, I include a few snacks like mini packs of Oreos or Doritos or chopped up carrots or apples.
But I also have a bigger stash in my bag to hand out.
For day flights you need HEAPS of snacks.
What works for us is a giant ziplock bag of toasted sandwiches that I can hand out if someone claims starvation (this is especially handy if they don’t like the meals provided.)
I always think that chefs who choose the menu for inflight “kids meals” on planes must not have kids. My kids rarely like what is offered – which is fine for short flights but not great for a long haul flights when they are actually hungry.
*Personally, I think it’s not a very kind choice to ever pack nuts on a plane – even if the airline says it ok. I just could never sleep at night if I thought I caused someone with a severe reaction to fall seriously ill from just having any type of nuts even near them*
Examples of the food I pack for long haul flights with kids:
I pack store bought sushi rolls (vegetarian or cooked chicken as I don’t want them to smell), cooked cheese and ham toasties, cooked chicken or sausages, and (this is an Aussie niche but) bakers delight cheesy mite scrolls etc. My kids also love a takeout container or ziplock bag of chopped carrots to munch on while they watch shows too – and carrots are good because they don’t smell and they are still pretty yummy even once they hit room temp.
Something to remember – no liquids (except for baby food.) Also, fresh food and veggies need to be disposed of (or eaten, of course) before entering a new country.
What I don’t recommend bringing on long haul flights with kids:
It’s quick common for influencers and “Mom-Hack” social posts to show their snack box that is a converted bait/tackle box. It looks so cute and like a mini-charcuterie board. So cute right? But, unfortunately, I don’t recommend this idea at all. If the container gets tipped over all falls on the floor- there go all of your yummy snacks (and there is now also a big mess.)
For us, I prefer to pull out snacks from my bag as needed. This “entertains” as they can’t see the snacks ahead of time so it’s a little surprise (“What else have you got, Mum?” “OOOhhhh ! I love these crackers!” – as I say many times – what ever buys you some happiness time and keeps everyone busy for a tiny bit) and then I also get to decide if they have had enough or should wait a bit longer “since we just ate” etc.
FOR SOME REASON, THE INDIVIDUAL BAGS, WRAPPING AND TINS HELP WHEN PACKING TOYS FOR KIDS FOR FLIGHTS
My sister-in-law passed on a fantastic tip : wrapping up the toys. They can be wrapped in newspaper, wrapping paper – anything. Not necessarily new toys – I think it’s hilarious that my kids delightfully scream “look! my toy car!” after peeling off make-shift wrapping paper.
I think it’s for the same reason that kids love those crappy youtube videos of presents being opened or pulled out of plastic eggs. The unwrapping part is a large portion of the excitement of receiving a toy.
It’s long gone and lost now but we used to have a little Disney tin that originally stored cookies and I used to give it to my daughter with a couple of cute erasers, a small container of M&Ms and a cheap toy. When she was asleep or busy doing something else, we would switch around the toys and treats inside the tin and then give it back to her the next time she was wriggly. It worked every time.
GARBAGE BAGS ARE THE BEST THING EVER
I pack lots of garbage bags.
It is amazing how much rubbish accumulates (especially if you take me up on the wrapping paper idea) and its great to have a bag to collect your own rubbish and dispose of it when you have the chance.
But even more than for tidying up your own toys and paper, it is so, so, so good for when you’ve finished eating an inflight meal but the cabin crew are taking forever to collect the leftovers (ie. spillables and smellies: Kiddie-disaster waiting to happen.)
Put it all in the garbage bag, tray in the seat pocket and the tray table is now free for drawing and playing again.
Some airlines are funny about saving all of your rubbish and handing it to them at the end so I sometimes hand over a bag or two every few hours. However, more often than not, the staff thank me for saving them several trips back and forth.
NIGHT FLIGHTS ARE MY BEST FRIEND
This is controversial but we LOVE night flights. Many people shy away from them for fear of waking up other passengers or not getting sleep themselves.
Here is what I think regarding the positives of taking kids on night :
You probably won’t get a lot of sleep either way.
You have small children.
It’s part of the whole small children thing.
So anything you do get is a bonus!! Hurray!
I think that night flights raise your chance of children sleeping. Your odds are just better.
They’ll never sleep as long as they do in their own beds, of course, but even if they sleep half the regular amount of time, then that’s still fantastic (and you’ll have enough quiet entertainment prepared for when they wake .)
We often change our children into pyjamas just before it hits the time when we would like them to start thinking about going to sleep.
DON’T FEEL TOO APOLOGETIC TOWARDS OTHER PASSENGERS
I, personally, don’t feel the need to apologize to or bring gifts for surrounding passengers. Kids are people too and everyone was one of them once!
This is where the world is at now. People fly with their children and it’s not an unusual occurrence at all.
Personally, I’d rather spend my energy thanking those who do give an understanding smile or offer to help. I like to focus on telling them just how nice that is and what a difference they have made. I almost cried with gratitude when the cutest older Scottish couple helped me get with my bags getting off the plane last year. Absolute gems !
99% of the time, people are so kind, helpful and forgiving. If they aren’t? They are probably horrible to other GROWNUP human-beings too so …at least they aren’t discriminating with their horrible-ness, right? ( insert forced, bitter laughter here)
Horrid people are few and far between but if you are “lucky” enough to be seated near one of them – save it all up and it makes for awesome horrible ‘flying with children” stories to laugh at later down the track. Promise.
However, (and this is where I get my Nanna-voice on) I do think it is a parent’s responsibility to show passengers around you just how much you are doing your best not to inconvenience them. I make sure that people can see me telling my child to not kick the seat or throw a toy, sing loudly etc. ( I hope they see that I’m just a Mum trying her very best…)
Someone told me they saw someone change their child’s nappy on a tray table once….as in where people eat (!!)…so, so, so gross. Yeah…don’t do that stuff either.
Oh and while on ettiquette on a plane with kids – controversial – but I don’t think it’s appropriate to walk up and down the aisles with a little one unless it is a last, last, last resort.
1) because it sets a precedent and a toddler will ask to do it a lot 2) it’s not very fair to other passengers – no matter how adorable your little cutie is…
TELL THE CABIN CREW AT THE START OF THE FLIGHT IF YOU ARE FEELING ANXIOUS
Most people who work for airlines do it because they really, really love lots of different types of people. Actually, that’s one of the first criteria for getting a job in that field. But some people do forget about or don’t know what it is like to have a little person/people to take care of. Just give them a heads up so they can hopefully be the first to ask how you are going.
Some airlines have funny rules about holding babies etc (most are fine though) so, if that’s the case – ask for help with all the other jobs then – bags down, tidying up, changing a tv channel, picking up a toy etc.
TAKE PHOTOS OF THE PASSPORTS AND BOARDING PASS BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF
Photos on my phone save having to get up a grab things down from above us or mess around with a child asleep in our laps. This is particularly useful when I’m traveling without my hubby’s help. If the pics are on my phone I can just scroll through and fill in all the information on the immigration and customs cards.
HAVE YOUR ADDRESS AT DESTINATION ALREADY WRITTEN DOWN / SAVED IN YOUR PHONE
Customs will need your address or hotel details if you’re on holidays. Easier to have it ready to go. This also a good idea if the new country has a language barrier. When you’re tired you just want to be able to flash a go to address – and be on your way.
HAVE TOYS AND SNACKS HANDY FOR BEFORE AND AFTER THE FLYING PART
The queuing at immigration etc. before and after planes is often forgotten and I often find it more difficult than the actual flying time. Everyone is tired and bored. So make sure you save treats for these bits too.
Tip for long queues after the flight and layovers – have some balloons in your pocket. Blow them up to tennis ball size and do whatever keeps kids happy – squeeze them, draw faces on the them, play catch with them- whatever works.
(WHEN TRAVELLING WITH ANOTHER ADULT) CONSIDER STAGGERING YOUR MEALS
This tip, my Hubby and I worked out by accident. I’m pescatarian so my ‘special meal’ arrives first. This is really useful as my husband is on kiddie-duty while I eat then I clear up as soon as I can and can take over when he eats. ( We put the other person’s meal on the side of our own tray while the first person eats – or on a chair if you’re lucky enough to have the space.)
PACK EMPTY BOTTLES LIKE THIS
As you know, kids don’t drink and eat like adults. They sip a drink, then they colour. Then another sip. Then they wriggle. Then they sip.
Take bottles/cups like this because a normal paper or plastic cup sitting on a tray table? You KNOW that is going to spill.
ONCE THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH, TALK THEM THROUGH THE STEPS
My four year old now loves the process . First we check in our luggage, then the magical x-ray tunnel, the line at immigration, then we go to our gate. Yep. She loves to help me find the correct gate too.
We also talk a bit about the “plane rules” a few days leading up to the flight.
Rules like: seat-belts on, tray-tables up during take-off and landing, quiet voices because other people are sleeping etc. ( We usually pretend that my husband or I have forgotten the “rules” and ask my daughter to remind us.)
NO-ONE STOPS MOVING IN THE AIRPORT
Once they can crawl and walk then everyone keeps moving in an airport.
Don’t sit ! Run! Hide and seek! Dance! Jump! Wrestle! Anything!!
This is a really, really good reason to go to the airport early. Waddle around behind your little human – that leisurely stroll to the gate is going to really help later.
ALWAYS PEE WHEN THEY PEE / GET A NAPPY CHANGE
In keeping with the whole “maximizing the sitting-still time” thing, this is a no brainer. Don’t forget to go, yourself! However, I almost always forget this one. (I’m working on it. )
I know its squishy in there but just pee while they are on your knees washing their hands, if you have to.
TAKE ZIPLOCK BAGS
Keep changes of clothing in them and then if there is an accident or a spill, the dirty clothing can be compartmentalized ( and the bags, themselves, can be used as a sick bag, if need be. )
Take spare clothing for everyone. Even Parents. I pack a large t-shirt and thin trousers than roll up tightly and fit both my husband and I , incase of an emergency – like that time a child threw up all over one of us. I find the Qantas PJ bottoms great for this. Not exactly a fashion statement but … better than walking around dirty.
EXPECT THE WORST
Muuuhaaa haaa haaaa. What a horrid thing to say, right? …. but it really helps us!
Expect that they’ll feel sick at least once, cry some of the time, sleep only a tiny bit of the time, eat none of the food provided by you or the airline – and you’ll be fine!! They WILL pleasantly surprise you!
Before we fly, my hubby and I try to take turns at having a nap or a long bath the day before/ the day of so we are at least a little bit prepared for whatever will happen (delays, tantrums, projectile vomiting included. We’ve had it all.)
DAY FLIGHTS ARE OFTEN BETTER FOR OLDER KIDS WHO LOVE WATCHING MOVIES
Older kids seem to love when they are hardly forced to sleep and can have a kit of colouring books and fidget toys and snacks and just chill with endless movies.
Warning: Day flights mean you need to pack way, way, more snacks.
WHERE POSSIBLE, WE ALWAYS TRY AND CHECK OUR STROLLER AT THE PLANE GATE
It isn’t always allowed, but we always ask. The airport itself is sometimes where we need the stroller the most of the whole holiday.
I just love having the stroller up until the last minute incase one child is asleep or tantrum-ing. You can just strap a child in and keep moving – no matter what- and get to that gate on time. And if I’m travelling without hubby and just the two kids? Well.. I’ll be the one having a mini (panicked) tantrum if I can’t hold onto my stroller until we board. For the same reasons as above but ALSO I can’t physically help children make their way through the airport and along corridors as well as carry hand luggage etc.
This picture was taken just outside the plane boarding gates before we began a night flight.
For hand luggage, I like using a big, slouchy tote like this.
It fits a lot of stuff, it hangs off the stroller, I can sling it across my body if I’m carrying a sleepy child.
Also, as it doesn’t have a “structure” it squishes up nicely if airlines are being funny about the size of your hand luggage. It can also be squished up and go under the seat in front of you AND we’ve also used ours as a pillow for children too.
EXTRA TIP!
If you’ve travelled to many countries in Asia ( particularly, Japan) you and the kids have most likely been given little light slippers. KEEP THEM ( or at least the children sized options!)
Pop them in your hand luggage bags and then, once everyone is seated- slide them into the seat pocket in front of everyone’s seats.
Reason?
We all fly (once seated, of course) either barefoot or in socks. These are the perfect quick slip on for a trip to the bathroom and save little feet from… uggghhhh… those revolting plane toilet floors.
Lastly, make sure that you enjoy the good bits. The luxury of flying wanes quite a bit with small children but it does get easier as they get even slightly older for the next flight and as they learn what to expect.
When they are sleeping or just chilling I make sure I have ice-cream and/or a bottle of wine and watch something funny. Ultimately, travelling with your family is pretty cool and I know I’ll get those child-less flights back….at some point.
*Flying with little babies requires different kinds of toys and strategies. Here is my article on flying with little bubbas.
For ideas on what to pack to keep kids and babies occupied on flights see my “Creating a flight survival pack” post here.
Want to know EXACTLY what my hand luggage looks like? See here.
