There are a number of suggestions for parents who are planning to fly with their children. The best tips for flying with kids include making sure that everyone is well rested and that parents are prepared with games and activities to keep the kids entertained during the flight. A parent should also give the child as much information as possible about what to expect on the trip. Booking air travel for times when airports and planes are less likely to be crowded, as well as avoiding trips that require changing planes, may also be beneficial.
Getting plenty of sleep the night before your flight is one of the best tips for flying with kids. This may help both the parent and the child maintain their calm and patience in the face of delays and challenges. Some parents may consider allowing a child to stay up later than usual or skip a nap in order to ensure that the child sleeps for the majority of the flight. However, this is rarely a good idea, and a tired child may have a much harder time behaving during the flight.
Flying with children can be made easier if you are well prepared with activities to keep the child occupied. Depending on the child’s age, this may entail packing small games, coloring books, craft supplies, video games, and reading books. Additionally, sketch pads, CD players, and even portable video players can keep a child occupied. If a parent chooses to bring something with loud audio, bringing a pair of headphones may help prevent the child’s game or video from disrupting the other passengers’ quiet enjoyment of the flight.
Those that involve explaining to the child what air travel entails are also among the best tips for flying with children. A parent, for example, could describe the interior of the plane and possibly show pictures of the interior of a similar plane. The parent may also discuss what he expects of the child during the flight, such as when he will be allowed to walk around, how long he will be expected to sit, and what he will be able to do while on board. A parent can also prepare a child for the feelings he will have when the plane takes off and lands.
Flight scheduling considerations may also make air travel more enjoyable for parents and their children. In general, connecting flights should be avoided when planning a trip. Nonstop flights may result in less crowd exposure, less confusion, and fewer frustrating waits. Families with children may find that traveling during non-peak times makes the trip more enjoyable.