Making Flights Fly By: Essential Tips for Traveling with Kids
Flying can be an incredibly convenient way to get from place to place, but when you’re traveling with kids, a little preparation goes a long way! Our children started flying at a young age, so the airplane itself isn’t a problem for them. However, even for seasoned little travelers, the hours can get long and restlessness can set in (for everyone!). We’ve got some fun ideas to help those long flights really fly by.
Power Up Your Devices!
Always charge your electronics before you leave! While many planes now come equipped with outlets, you don’t want to be caught off guard by a plane that doesn’t have them, or worse, a non-functional one. For shorter flights, most devices will last a couple of hours. And let’s be honest: while we don’t love excessive screen time for kids, on a long-haul flight, you do what you need to do to maintain peace for everyone’s sake!
Headphone Harmony
Bring headphones or earbuds your child has worn before and is comfortable with. We learned this the hard way on our first long flight to Hawaii. We packed headphones we thought would be fine, but our youngest disliked them and refused to wear them. And trust us, you absolutely do not want to be “that person” subjecting the entire airplane to an endearing but potentially annoying kids’ show for hours on end!
Pack Engaging Activities (Smartly!)
Curate a selection of activities specifically for the flight.
- Crayons can be tricky for younger kids; if your little ones are anything like ours, those crayons will inevitably drop and roll into other passengers’ space within moments. If your children are older and can manage not to drop them, coloring can be a good option.
- For a mess-free alternative, we love sticker-by-number books. They’re similar to paint-by-number but use stickers, which means no mess! Just be sure to supervise if you have a little one who likes to stick them in places other than the book. Even at 8 and 10, our kids still ask for these on every flight!
- Other excellent choices include reading books (our kids love getting a new book especially for the flight!).
- “Magic marker” books are also fantastic, as they use just one marker and are designed not to mark on other surfaces.
The All-Important Snack Stash
Always pack a snack or two (or five!). Long flights invariably mean hungry kids. Let’s be honest, airplane food isn’t exactly gourmet for adults, and our kids often turn their noses up at what the plane offers – they don’t even like the pretzels! Having a few readily available snacks keeps everyone happy.
- Remember to check TSA rules regarding liquids, and be aware that rules for bringing fruits and vegetables can vary depending on your destination.
- However, packaged food items like crackers, cookies, and fruit snacks are usually a safe bet, easy to pack, and make for yummy, kid-approved treats.
- Pro Tip: You might want to consider rationing these, as if your kids are like ours, they’ll be gone in the first 20 minutes!
While long flights with kids might seem daunting, a little foresight and the right tools can truly transform the experience. By arming yourselves with entertainment and sustenance, you can minimize meltdowns and maximize smiles, ensuring everyone arrives ready for adventure. So, charge up, pack smart, and get ready to conquer those hours in the air. Here’s to smooth flights and happy memories from takeoff to touchdown! What are your best flight tips? Please share below!
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