Travelling by plane pre-kids is relatively hassle free; you can stick in your headphones, catch up on your reading and peruse the menu for your favourite drink. You might even do some duty-free shopping while on board!
Travelling by plane with kids is a whole different story; let’s just say it’s no fairy-tale as the minute you sit down, the whining will commence. If you’re prepared, it will subside a little, but if you’re not, it will get worse and worse until the whole plane is giving out about you.
So, to make life a little easier while you’re in the air, here are a few must-haves.
So Many Books, So Little Time
Board books, colouring books and audiobooks are all great options for making a long journey whizz by. Let your little one choose what they’d like to bring and help them pack a little pencil case with colours in. You can even get books specifically for plane journeys such as ’50 Things to do on a Plane' by Usbourne or ‘On the Plane Activity Book’ published by Ivy Kids. That’s one way to take some of the pressure off!
Snack Attack
If you don’t want to waste your holiday spending money on snacks from the service trolley, you need to fill your handbag with treats aplenty. Presuming you had breakfast before your boarded, the main reason you need so much foodstuff is to keep them quiet! Choose healthy snacks that take a long time to eat; apples and raisins are ideal and older kids could have a lollipop once they’ve gnawed on something nutritious.
Comfort Is Key
Travelling is tiring business, so if you’re lucky or you time the flight to coincide with nap time, they might nod off for an hour or so. If they do, you need to make sure they’re comfortable, so they don’t wake up cranky and irritable. Bring along a travel pillow, a light blanket and a cuddly companion and they’ll be snug as a bug.
Say Yes To Screen Time
And finally, now is not the time to be limiting screen time - this is the time when it should actually be encouraged. If we were travelling in first class we’d all have our own TVs anyway! The main thing is to make sure that you download their favourite films or shows beforehand so they’re ready to go. And if they’re content you might even have a chance to put your headphones in so you can listen to some 90s classics rather than Cocomelon!
