18 Brilliant Hacks to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Long Flights

Flying is stressful enough, but with kids, the anxiety is only elevated. Air travel is very tough on children, especially for younger children who aren’t used to long flights or crowded spaces. Every parent wants to make sure their kids are as comfortable as possible during the trip. With a little planning, you can make things easier for both you and your kids. Here are some simple tips to help make flying with children a smoother and more pleasant experience — your fellow passengers will appreciate it too!

Plan Ahead

Start planning your trip well in advance to avoid last-minute stress. Choose flights that align with your kids’ schedules, making sure to book seats together. It’s also a good idea to look into the airline’s policies on traveling with children and any amenities they offer that could make your journey smoother.

Stay Calm

Your kids can sense and feed off your energy. If you are stressed before heading out the door, you will get precisely what you put out. Getting everyone out the door with a positive, excited attitude will rub off on your children. Calm yourself down, and start your journey with a positive mindset.

Leave In The Morning

When traveling with younger kids, try to book the earliest flight available. Leaving early in the morning will keep kids mellow and allow fewer delays. Wherever you are going, it is best to have the kids at your destination by bedtime so they can rest at the accommodation and prepare for the first night.

Bring Snacks

Snacks are necessary, as no one wants to deal with hungry kids! Younger children will certainly need the extra nourishment during the flight. You can choose options like fruits, veggies, and other easy-to-eat items. But make sure to check with the flight about what foods are allowed onboard.

Relieve Ear Pain

The pain from changes in air pressure is notoriously painful for children. In hopes of remedying the ache, there are a few methods to try. You can bring hard candies for your kids to suck on, encourage them to drink a lot of fluids and teach them helpful breathing exercises. If traveling with a baby, try giving them a bottle or breastfeeding them during takeoff and landing.

Pack Light

When traveling with children, it’s easy to unintentionally overpack and end up with too much luggage. However, there are simple ways to consolidate your luggage and make travel smoother. For instance, two parents can share a carry-on and a suitcase, and two kids can do the same. You may even want to consider making a list beforehand for better packing.

Bring Colored Luggage

Buying your children backpacks and suitcases in bright colors is a good idea. This will make them more visible and easily identifiable in a crowded area if they get separated from you. Additionally, brightly colored luggage is more noticeable on the conveyor belt, making it quicker to retrieve at baggage claim.

Be Ready To Entertain

If you are traveling with children, you might need to keep them entertained at the airport, on the plane, and even after arrival. Utilizing technology, such as an iPad with gaming and learning apps, is one easy way to keep them occupied. However, engaging them in interactive conversations about your vacation and playing games together can prevent boredom and increase excitement.

Set Expectations Beforehand

Parents should sit down with their children before embarking on a vacation and explain their expectations. This should cover many bases, from manners, respect, and how to behave to the consequences if expectations are unmet. However, these should not be too limiting since no one deserves to be stressed on vacation.

Choose The Right Airline

You may not have even considered it, but some airlines are more kid-friendly than others. To provide your children with the best flying experience, choose carriers that offer family-friendly movies and snack options kids love. You may even get priority boarding as a family with young kids.

Take Bathroom Breaks Before Boarding

Make sure to take your kids to the bathroom before boarding the plane. It’ll help avoid those constant trips to the tiny airplane restroom. Getting this done right before takeoff makes settling in easier and helps cut down on mid-flight disruptions, giving everyone a more relaxed experience.

Make TSA A Breeze

To get through TSA as quickly as possible, dress yourself and your children in comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to slip on and off. This way, putting everything back on is a breeze after going through security. Additionally, getting TSA Precheck saves even more time, so children don’t have to stand in long lines and lose their minds.

Book Direct Flights

Always book a flight with no layovers or stops, if possible. Even if the flight is lengthier, one long flight is better than multiple shorter ones, as kids can become cranky, tired, and impatient after spending so much time in transit. You may even run into a high possibility of delays with multiple flights.

Reserve Seats During Booking

One way to reduce travel anxiety is to pick your seats during the booking process to ensure you all sit together. Securing your seats early lets you enjoy a more relaxing and comfortable flight, knowing your family is nearby. This way, you can cater to your children’s needs and divide care between parents.

Use Airport Lounges

If possible, use airport lounges, which often have more comfortable seating and sometimes even play areas for kids. These spaces can offer a quieter environment where kids can relax, and parents can freshen up. Some lounges also offer a variety of food which may not cost anything if you’re traveling in first or business class.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

Make sure your kids are dressed in comfy layers that are easy to adjust for the changing temperatures on the plane. Go for soft, breathable fabrics and slip-on shoes. Don’t forget a lightweight blanket or sweater to keep them cozy without feeling too restricted. Keeping them comfortable is the best way to ensure a happy flight.

Bring Comfort Items

Don’t forget to pack comfort items for your child, like their favorite plush toy or a soft blanket. This can make the airplane feel more cozy and secure for them, especially during long flights. Let them pick their favorite toy themselves so they’ll be excited to travel with it and won’t make you stressed out.

Enjoy The Journey

Traveling with kids is all about creating special memories. Stay positive, enjoy the little moments, and embrace the adventure. Laugh at the unexpected hiccups and take plenty of photos to look back on. These experiences, both the fun and the challenging ones, will become cherished stories you and your kids will talk about for years.

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This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.