Expert travellers whose children thrive in the air provide tried-and-true tips for making travelling with your children less stressful.
Prepare for airport mayhem ahead of time
Rachel Pitzel, a travel blogger and mother of two, is an expert at navigating airports with children.
“Airports are a favourite among children! They are a lot of fun, and they like watching what everyone else is doing,” she claims. Nonetheless, she advises coming prepared for the stress of the security line. “Pack your suitcase so that you can quickly remove goods. If you are flying with water or liquids (which are normally permitted for children), keep them in an easily accessible location for the travel agent.”
Travelling with snacks necessitates more inspection in the security line, and staying organised can help you avoid a stressful situation. Pitzel also advises, “Always buy water at the airport or bring a refillable bottle. Dehydration can quickly derail your child while on a long flight.”
Don’t be concerned about your fellow travellers
There’s something about flying that drives otherwise rational individuals insane. Crowds storm the entrance before their zone is announced, and mature men are reduced to tantrum-throwing toddlers as they compete for overhead bin space.
“We were all children once,” says Regina Lluch, a flight attendant with over 40 years of experience and a mother herself. She says that you should not let the glances or words of other passengers contribute to your trip stress. “It’s crucial to trust your maternal instincts,” she advises. And if other passengers are bothering you, use your manners to defend yourself. “Tell them, ‘My apologies, we’re working on it,'” she continues. If a condition worsens, get assistance from a flight attendant.
Bring fresh toys and food with you
“When my wife packed an entire carry-on suitcase of food and toys for our travel, I chuckled, but it turned out to be a brilliant choice,” says Samantha Gutstadt, a comedian and mother of two sons. “When we travel by air, each kiddie gets their own small backpack loaded with snacks, earphones, and an iPad.”
Screen time buys you time
Leanne Wilkofsky, a social worker, occasionally flies alone on long flights with her two boys, and while she prefers toys to keep their imaginations engaged, a tablet can assist keep the boys seated. Even if you don’t usually allow screen time at home, the flight is the ideal place to allow it because airplane mode prevents kids from straying from favourite applications and games.
“Tablets are useful because you can pre-download their favourite shows and games,” she says. There are a plethora of kid-friendly alternatives available at a variety of price points, so selecting one that matches both your child and your budget should be simple.
Get a jump start on jet lag
Even if you’re eager to get back into your regular schedule after a trip, there’s a strong possibility your children won’t be able to overcome jet lag as easily. Try to organise flights that will allow your children to sleep, such as travelling overnight from the time zone from where they departed. Then, when you get to your destination, try to keep your children awake until their customary bedtime so they can acclimate as quickly as possible.
Once you’ve returned home, give yourself and your children some time to get back into a routine.
Communicate expectations prior to, during, and following the trip
When travelling with children, the most crucial thing you can do is communicate. Even if you don’t think they’re old enough, inform them you’ll be going on an airline and prepare them for what that entails. Kids, like adults, want to know what to expect when they travel to a new location and what the plan is once they arrive.
