Family travel
Tips for flying with children
Heading out for a short trip in the family car is pretty manageable. If the kids don't behave, you can always turn the car around and head back. Flying with kids is not so simple, but arm yourself with these parent-tested suggestions and enjoy your family adventure.
Before you go
Don't forget: each child, no matter how young, needs a valid individual passport for international travel.
When you're considering where to go, make sure you search out a spot that welcomes children. Sounds obvious, but if a hotel actively encourages children as guests (rather than tolerates them) you'll be in for a much more relaxing holiday. Look for hotels and resorts that let children stay free or provide free meals for kids. Ask before you book about babysitting services, cribs, kids' clubs and facilities for children.
Flying with children can be stressful, but there are ways to minimize this with a bit of preparation before you even take off. Keep these tips in mind to make your time in the air pass as smoothly as possible:
- Book direct, nonstop flights if possible, to avoid airplane changes.
- On international flights, try to travel at night so children can sleep.
- For international air travel, reserve a bassinet for infants up to about 8kg.
- Ask the airline if they permit pre-boarding for families.
- Arrive at the airport early and ask for bulkhead seats.
- Be flexible and keep your itinerary simple.
- Call the airline to see if they provide child seats – if not, bring your own.
- You may be required to place car seats in a window seat during the flight.
In the air
Naturally, you need to keep your children safe, healthy and well-fed during air travel. The most challenging task when flying as a family, though, is keeping kids busy. Be sure you are rested before you depart, because you are not likely to get much sleep on the plane.
To keep your kids occupied in the air, choose an airline with seat-back movies and video games. Most airlines have digital diversions that will keep most kids glued and happy.
Many airlines offer kids' packs, but it can also be fun to make your own. Try to include a good variety of (quiet) activities: crayons and paper, a book to read, books on tape, toys and games. With a bit of luck, the excitement of a special pack will keep them amused.
Though the airline might provide snacks, children aren't always the best at waiting for a meal. Bring food and plenty of water or juice with you. Children get dehydrated during air travel just as easily as adults. Bananas, raisins, rice cakes, bread sticks, juice, dried fruit, and small boxes of dry cereal are great items to bring.
Health and safety in the air
Lots of infants younger than two experience ear pain when changing altitudes, which can cause cabin-rattling screams. Help them swallow by giving them a bottle or pacifier, which should reduce infant ear discomfort dramatically.