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What’s up, fellow adventurers! If you’re reading this, you are probably gearing up for a long international flight with a child; which is a different issue altogether. I can see how the dynamic of excitement and wiriness can cause concern.
Don’t worry, as I have already covered this particular section of travel planning. My toddler’s first long haul trip was a test of patience and comfort in extremes. Luckily for me, I have some amazing pointers that have changed my life when it comes to traveling.
This is for all the first time parents trying to manage kids that fly or experienced parent ninjas looking for new ideas. I assure you that your next round trip will be effortless, inexpensive, and almost enjoyable.
Why Long Flights With Kids Can Feel Like Climbing Mount Everest
Solemn truth, traveling with children, especially flying, involves a lot of work. The excessive energy that is stored but not utilized alongside the attention deficit and compounded time all these factors lead to this reality.
The first episode has to do with the ever dreadful middle of a flight. While sitting on the airplane, I distinctly remember my daughter running out of snacks midway through the flight.
Ponder for a moment how it might feel to walk on a plane. For some, that could be the beginning of a living nightmare. Rest assured, with a little effort on your part, mental preparation, and the right approach, it can be far better than it meets the eye.
Pre-Flight Prep: The Secret to a Smooth Journey
Choosing the Right Flight Time: Work With Their Rhythm, Not Against It
Your kids are likely to put up a fight when it comes to choosing the flight time, but you can turn the situation around by choosing a time that is most appealing to them. Remember, work with their rhythm, and don’t fly against it.
Nothing is as important as making arrangements for flight time. This can make or break your trip. Would you like to be able to get the most out of the trip with your child? Book flights during times they normally rest. You will thank this later once you realize you avoided that stress of your little one having a toddler’s morning nap.
Packing Like a Pro: The Art of Being Prepared
Getting ready to board a long-haul flight with children feels like preparing for an adventure. It requires thorough planning, including provisions for contingencies. The ‘contingency’ plan comes with extra garments (for the uncontrollable spills), diapers or pull-ups, wet wipes, and a compact first aid kit. Stretchers or stuffed animals, as well as the favorite blanket, are helpful soothing items to remember as they could lessen stress at various stages.
Now, let’s think about snacks. Snacks come first, did I mention that? So make sure to include a huge serving of unexpected snacks like a variety of crackers, fruit, granola bars, along with a couple of surprise treats of your favorite snacks.
Make no mistake, children with an empty stomach can be a ‘handful’ waiting to happen during delays, so take my advice, bring more snacks than anticipated. Oh, stay away from snacks packed with sugar unless you’re a fan of dealing with sugar-frantic toddlers at 30K feet.
Entertainment is Key: Keeping Little Minds Busy
Boredom is an unwelcome companion during long flights. I had to learn it the hard way with my son who spent his toys within the very first hour of a six hour long flight. Striking a balance with different activities and giving options is critical. A possible solution can be to bring out your tablets with pre-downloaded shows, movies, and games alongside portable art materials, some coloring books, stickers, and small toys to keep little imaginations active.
Here is a travel tip I swear by: Keep new items like toys and books ready to catch your child by surprise. One time, I had ready a small puzzle and my daughter was busy for an hour. These surprises can easily assist when kids have meltdowns or feel untethered.
The Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
Along with the primary items, there are a few others which add extra features and value to ensure a smooth sailing trip. For example, I personally tend to carry a special small bag that is meant only for trash which facilitates cleaning ease as it piles up quickly with wrappers and used wipes.
A portable charger is essential if you plan to use a tablet for entertainment purposes during your trip. Regardless of the situation, always have a backup change of clothes. Take a moment and thank me later for when your toddler manages to dump juice all over you during the flight.
Why This Prep Work Matters
Many of these steps like preparing materials may seem straightforward but result in multiple positive outcomes which are worth the time and effort. Remaining organized with all necessary materials often helps relieve stress unlike when one has to think over what is missing. The impact of witnessing children being able to relaxed and the joy in doing these activities shifts the entire experience to a more positive reality.
At the Airport: Setting the Tone for Your Journey
Arrive Early to Avoid the Rush: Give Yourself the Gift of Time
The one tip I have that I believe everyone should know is how essential getting an ECI is. I, for one, have been stressing a lot because of the airport procedure trying to pass through an airport with young children. Picture this: I have a stroller, a toddler who is walking independently, and a diaper bag to carry all the way to the gate, and it is not easy to say the least.
So that I do not find myself in such catastrophically embarrassing situations, my rule is that I get to the airport for domestic flights two hours early and three hours early for international flights.
Getting to your terminal on time also eliminates those annoying aggravating hassles beyond your control, such as the last minute diaper change while toddlers examine all the trash cans of the respective terminals. This way, the children have ample time to make themselves tired in the terminal long before the plane leaves.
Take Advantage of Family-Friendly Amenities: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Recent developments within family travel show that airports have worked diligently to improve several factors. Most international airports now contain family-specific services, such as family security lanes, that save travelers a great deal of time. I still recall the first time I used one—it was almost as if I had uncovered a hidden shortcut. As a parent with young children, standing in long queues for security checks is often torturous since toddlers tend to run off.
Now, families are able to get through security easily, leaving them with sufficient time to destress before their flight.
One of my favorite lifesavers is an airport play area. If the airport you are traveling through has one, be sure not to miss it. Letting kids to burn some energy off before a flight helps many be able to settle in during the flight.
In my opinion, around 20 minutes of playtime has a significant impact on children’s mood and energy levels, plus it helps to tire them out before they have to sit in their seats for several hours at a time.
On the Plane: Keeping Kids Comfortable and Happy
Managing Ear Pressure
One of the most painful sides associated with traveling for children is the discomfort of ear pain. For them to swallow would best be accomplished by some comfortable snacks or drinks or even by a pacifier. Older kids often respond favorably to chewing gum. I always try to pack some for both takeoff and tender in order to cam a lot of discomfort.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
While travel can be fun, air travel can be a strange world being high above it and out of their comfort zone which can be uncomfortable for young children. To facilitate, I suggest the classic sweat pants and a t-shirt combination which makes adjusting clothes during the flight less challenging. A travel pillow and blanket can go a long way here. Lastly, for children who are more sensitive, getting them some noise canceling headphones will help.
Rotating Activities to Prevent Boredom
A child can get restless, even with the best plans in place. The trick is in allowing the option of changing activities to a different one, which makes the child feel engaged. With children, I tend to begin with screen time before moving onto reading, coloring, or anything else they would prefer. Changing activities every hour or so ensures that children remain active and reduces the chances of an emotional outburst.
Handling Challenges: When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Dealing With Meltdowns: Staying Calm in the Chaos
Based on my experience, spending hours sitting in a plane has it’s fair share of challenges. Toddlers and young children are prone to having emotional outbursts due to an array of reasons including having too much of free time, being bored, or simply feeling exhausted. To this day, I remember the time my daughter decided to throw a tantrum in the middle of a flight because I gave her the ‘wrong’ colored cup.
To start, try to attend this situation in the coolest and relaxed manner possible. I know how uncomfortable this might seem, but imagine how in situations with the curtains in mind, one needs to fix the capes first before helping other people. Your disposition controls everything in the situation.
You look nervous, and it is possible that the situation will get worse. Spend a few good seconds convincing yourself it is something you can in fact make it out of. After that, your next primary aim would be to distract the attention of the child.
Managing Motion Sickness: Be Prepared for the Bumps
Children with motion sickness can have it especially tough when it comes to flying. I can recall the first time my son ran into trouble while flying. It was quite terrible. These days, I make it a point to always try and be prepared. For traveling children with motion sickness, don’t forget children’s Dramamine (as always, check with your child’s doctor first). Natural remedies like ginger sweets might be able to settle their stomachs as well.
Picking the right seat can also help. Seats above the wings are often the least turbulent and can make motion sickness less likely. And here’s a pro tip: keep a plastic bag handy. One of my travel tips is that I always keep a small bag in the pocket in front of me. It is small but can take a great deal of strain off of you if the need arises.
Post-Flight Tips: Adjusting and Recovering
Adjusting to New Time Zones: Helping Little Bodies Adapt
Adapting to new time zones is a challenge by itself, but with young children, this can be particularly difficult. My son decided to have a go at playing with the toys at 2 am while my family was traveling to Europe and my family was getting up to deal with the new timezone jet lag. After a few days filled with sleep deprivation, I slowly started picking up a few strategies to ease it for younger children.
The most basic piece of advice that I can give is to change the shift of the sleep schedule a few hours before the trip, Especially, If eastern. Because, if you are traveling west, then trying to fall asleep will help in the adaptation, and your children more likely than not would not whine that much.
Don’t forget that staying outside is crucial for children. More so the sun can be beneficial for everyone after traveling and don’t forget to drink some water as staying hydrated is essential in overcoming jet lag.
Recovering From the Flight: Taking Time to Rest
As is well known, every flight above a certain duration has a recovery time attached to it. I remember trying to rush into a tour and starting it right away, but that was not wise as it led to my parents feeling tired and my siblings bursting with rage. I learned from that incident on how best to tackle the recovery window and make it less complex. I realized that a slower and more graceful recovery was necessary.
Lese give you advises like when staying in a hotel, make the best use of the amenities that you have access to. Thus, go to the pool for some relaxation while the children enjoy frolicking in the water. If staying with friends or relatives, dedicate a few moments towards setting and unpacking everything. The most critical rule to cash is to not impose any rigid boundaries, let everyone rest how they wish to.
My Opinion | You’ve Got This!
Indeed, my long flying experiences have taught me that traveling with kids can be both refreshing and daunting at the same time. To the best of my knowledge, this is the best approach: no rigid fixed schedules. Heart racing as it may sound, kids can indeed be amused for hours on long flights, though, that relies more on the adults’ willingness to adjust.
There is a great deal that can be accomplished with the right spirit and adequate preparations. Remember to plan, be open to modifications, and focus on cherishing moments. To all my travel buddies out there, wish you well on your trip!
