How to survive flying with children!!

Posted on: October 15th, 2008 by Gareth Robinson

The rules and regulations for air travel have gotten tighter. A quick review of recent travel news articles will turn up several stories of people (and whole families) that have been removed from their flights because of attitudes or behavior. It can be scary to think that you could become one of those horror stories. And no amount of selling your story to the Mirror will make you feel better.

Traveling with children can always be a little nerve-wracking. Add in the stress of getting kicked off your flight and stranded far away from home and it’s no wonder fewer families are taking to the air. Instead of worrying about the experience you will be better off spending your time and energy preparing for the adventure of air travel. A field trip, some forethought and a few ingenious packing suggestions will help you survive and even enjoy taking flight with the children.


Sometimes it’s stressful to travel with children

1. Check with the airline before you book to determine any regulations regarding children. Some will let younger children sit in a parent’s lap while others require all passengers be in their own seat. It may also be a good time to find out what behavior is expected of your child (will he be allowed to move around, what happens if he starts crying and any other questions that you might have). The more you know going into the trip the more prepared you can be.

2. If your child has never flown before take a field trip to the airport before the big day. Get the child a little bit accustomed to the big planes and loud noises. The fewer surprises on the big day then the less stress your child is likely to feel.


Take your children to the airport before hand, so they know what they’re doing

3. Practice sitting still for long periods of time. Get your child use to sitting in one seat by giving them a film to watch and reward them if they don’t move for the whole film (Possibly not Gone With The Wind). Although there are times when you can get up and move around on the airplane, there are also circumstances that require you stay buckled in your seat.


Get your children to practice sitting still. Good luck!

4. Limit the number of connections that you have to make and choose a direct flight when possible. It may cost a little more for a direct flight but it will be worth the expense to avoid the hassle of changing plans and to keep from risking delayed or canceled flights.

5. On the big day you will want to arrive early (at least an hour or even two before your departure time). This will give you plenty of time to get through security. Carrying all the items required to fly with your child may make it a bit more difficult to get through the terminal (carrying around a car seat, diaper bag and other necessities can get heavy). You may also need extra time to go through the security process. Check with your airline before getting to the airport to see how you need to pack formula and other infant needs.

6. Expect delays and dress for the occasion. You may want to look nice for your flight (and your arrival) but you also want to be able to get down on the floor and play games with your child during any layovers or long delays. Keeping your child engaged and entertained will help reduce his frustration or impatience.


Expect delays – they will happen and it will add more stress

7. Keep your child focused on good things. Pack a carry on bag of fun and goodies. Include items that your child has an interest in BUT that are quiet (always be considerate of others on the plane. Include coloring books, activity books or even new reading books. It may also be a good idea to let the child pick out a few items to include in the surprise bag as well. Make sure she understands that this bag is only for use ON the plane and it special air travel bag.


Strap them up and show them a DVD – best thing for a flight!

8. Be prepared to feed your child on the trip. Airlines are doing all they can to cut back on expenses so it is unlikely that you will receive snacks or even free drinks while you are traveling. Keep a bag of unsalted drinks (the salt will make you thirsty) and some bottled water with your surprise bag. There are even single packages of drink mixes you can pack if your child (or you) prefers not to drink plain water.

9. Know your child’s best time of the day. Try to keep your flights planned around nap times or even bed time. Traveling with a child that is tired can be exhausting for everyone around.


Wait till they’re exhausted then go on holiday

10. Travel with adult friends or adult family. It can help to have reinforcements (even if you are only traveling with one child) in case you need to run a quick errand or even go to the restroom.

Air travel and be the quickest and most convenient form of transportation, even if you do have a child. The key to traveling with children is to practice the flight, pack some entertainment and plan to spend your flight helping your child stay engaged.

What do you think? Have you got any horror stories of travelling with children, or indeed encoutering children when travelling?? Why not let us know?

  • Alicia Cinar
    The worse time was two years ago,flung with my two years old daughter and my nice neighbor had a baby girl, she used to cry with out stop three hours on Trirteen hours trip, nothing was enough for Her and for us too.
  • They get better with age. I had to put up with the 2 year old while he bangs on the chair in front of me.
  • Alternatively, do the rest of the world a favour and don't take them with you.