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3 tips for enjoying long haul flights with children

Posted on
July 5, 2019

Everyone gets a bit terrified when planning a long journey with children. The benefit of a car journey is that you can stop every now and then to get some fresh air and a little personal space. Travelling by aeroplane, however, is a different matter entirely. 

We’ve all seen it when standing in line waiting to board. Parents and children getting ushered along to board first, and you can feel a collective inward groan from the other passengers. Perhaps you are one of those groaning at the thought of being stuck in a metal tube thousands of feet above the ground with noisy kids for company.

Travel, especially long journeys, is as difficult for the children as for those travelling with them. Children have energy to burn and much shorter attention spans than adults. They have a constant need for entertainment and stimulation because they are still growing. Their brains are still developing. So how do you keep them entertained on a long flight?

Here are three tips for enjoying long flights with children.

1. Plenty of games and activities

Photo by Click and Boo on Unsplash

Pack an entertainment bag for the children and ensure it’s full of things that they will love. Books, colouring, games, soft toys, it all depends on the child’s age and interests. Do they enjoy small world play? Are they creative? Some parents like to choose well-loved toys from home, whilst others like to create a blind bag: a selection of new (or at least new to them) toys that will gradually be brought out during the flight.

One suggestion for a travel game is I Spy, which has been passed down for generations. You can also purchase travel sized versions of games like Connect4 and Monopoly.

2. Screen time

Photo by Patricia Prudente on Unsplash

Don’t shy away from screen time. Pack the iPad, LeapPad, portable DVD player, or whatever else it is you use. Download shows, games, apps, music, podcasts, anything that you know your child would enjoy interacting with. Tech Advisor have compiled a list of the best kids apps which might give you some ideas. Always ensure you have a full battery and bring your charger with you! Some flights will have charging ports for passengers, whilst others don’t. Don’t rely on using your phone, but instead conserve the battery in case it is needed for the next part of your journey. Make use of the in-flight entertainment too, because they often show new films.

3. Snacks

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Possibly the most important tip of them all – pack all the snacks! Even if meals are provided in flight, your children will still want to eat. Try to avoid all the sugary sweets and biscuits which will have them bouncing off the walls, and instead take a look at this list of healthy travel snacks. Remember the fluid limits through check-in and pick some drinks up when you are waiting to board.

Finally, breathe! Enjoy the experience with your children. Turn it into an adventure and it won’t become a stressful experience for the whole family.

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5 Comments
  1. Reply

    Rosey

    July 5, 2019

    If we were flying we always tried to book a red eye flight and brought along their car seats. It worked like a charm, they slept most of the way. 🙂

  2. Reply

    Valentina

    July 7, 2019

    This post is a saviour. Travelling with kids is not an easy task. After reading this it seems one can make it fun. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Reply

    Wai

    July 11, 2019

    We have done this more than a few times. Remember two things – (1) A change of clothing (for everyone) (2) Relax, they are just kids.

  4. Reply

    Boat Tours Komodo

    January 13, 2022

    This is great, information. We are looking at doing some very long flight in the near future and some of these ideas are super helpful. If you ever make it to Komodo National Park and want to enjoy it with your family, we can offer you many different options. please reach out to us at https://www.komodoislandtour.com/komodo_island_day_tours.html

  5. Reply

    Jejey Daga

    March 10, 2022

    sorry I realised I posted to wrong website ha. We are hoping to fly with our baby soon, and know it will be a challenge for sure. Reading blogs like this help to learn better way to prepare. We are still looking at different visas though. So if you are ever in the area, the correct website is https://www.komodoislandtour.com

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KARA GUPPY
Bournemouth

Are we nearly there yet? is a new online blog run by me, Kara Guppy, and is named as such thanks to my daughter Eliza who always asks that very question when we are less than 5 minutes up the road heading off on our adventures. You may know me from my other family blog chelseamamma.co.uk