Top advice for flying with young children.
For expats, friends and family are often found a plane journey away, so flying with babies and children can be a regular occurrence. For every parent, travelling with young children can be a very anxious experience, add in the fact that airlines (and children) are unpredictable, and you can have a recipe for disaster.
We have compiled some tips and advice for having a successful flight with your children, and hopefully arriving at your destination reasonably sane.
Packing for the flight
Cabin bag regulations are strict concerning liquids, but you can take as much milk or food for your baby as you need, you might just be asked to taste some at the security check. Remember to pack a little extra in case of a delay. Nappy creams and other liquids are included in your liquid quota and you must conform with the security regulations, so only take a small (100ml) amount on-board.
Consider taking two nappies for every hour your journey will take, door-to-door. Pack a few extra for delays. Some airlines carry nappies on board but there is no guarantee and they might be the wrong size anyway. Wipes are also great for cleaning sticky hands and wiping up spills.
For toddlers and older children, keeping them entertained, especially on a long flight, can be a challenge. If your child has their own ticket then they also get a cabin bag allowance. Let children pack their own cabin bag with some special toys and books (just make sure you check they haven’t decided to pack their pencil case complete with scissors and pen knife!)
If you can, consider buying some new toys or games for the flight, something previously un-played with can hold little ones’ attention much better than something more familiar. That’s not to say you leave behind well-loved Mr Bunny, children, especially when tired, will want familiar things, cuddly toys and things they associate with quiet time may even help them to nod-off!
Adults and children alike suffer from pressure changes in the plane during takeoff and landing. The pain we feel in our ears can be relieved by sucking or chewing on sweets, chewing gum or a dummy for babies.
Most airlines provide snacks and children’s meals, nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to bring your own. Include a few special treats for when they are behaving well, or, if necessary as a bribe!
Getting through airport security
Since 9/11 security measures have tightened considerably on flights, especially for cabin baggage. As mentioned above, baby formula and food isn’t included in your liquid allowance so you can take a reasonable amount for your journey through security.
Everything else needs to fit inside a small, clear sealable plastic bag and be in containers of less than 100ml, this includes creams, sprays, pastes and gels. If you aren’t sure whether something must be included in this bag then check with your airline.
All your bags and other belongings, including coats and in some airports, shoes, will have to go through the X-ray scanner. If you have a folding pushchair that can go in with the bags, otherwise a security officer will scan it with a handheld device.
Babies can be carried through the body scanner, if you set off the alarm an officer will give you both the once over.
On board
Airlines usually let parents and young children board first. Once you have found your seats get settled in with everything you might need close by. Ideally you should try and let your kids wear themselves out in the airport, crawling or running around a quiet area by the gate is fine, or some airports have a designated play area.
For older children load up your tablet with games and DVDs to keep them happy, just be aware of the volume if they won’t wear headphones. Travel-sized games are great for older kids, cards and books are another good source of entertainment.
If it’s a quiet flight ask the steward if there is an empty row of seats you can move to to make it more comfortable. Once the seat-belt sign is off you can walk around the cabin with your baby and let them look around, it can help distract a restless baby.
Most parents are very aware of the need to occupy their children and prevent them from disturbing other passengers. Whatever your experience, remember many other parents will have had similar ones at some point. If you are worried speak to other expat families in your area about how they cope when they fly home with children.
Have you flown with little ones? What advice would you give? Let us know in the comments below!