Plane Travel with Young Children

If you’re planning on taking the kids on holiday soon, the flight is probably the part that you’re looking forward to the least. The prospect of going on an aeroplane is so exciting for most young children, however once you’re a couple of hours into the flight and they have nothing to do, boredom sets in and you have to try and keep them entertained. Whether you’re taking a short flight or going long haul, we’ve put together some top tips to make flying easier and more interesting for your kids.

Pack a Play Bag

Along with their cabin luggage, let your child pack a small rucksack of their favourite toys and other items to take with them on the flight. Colouring books and crayons are a really good idea, as this will keep them occupied for quite a while. Carrying their own bag will also help to get them excited for the journey as they’ll feel like a ‘big’ boy or girl with their very own luggage.

Schedule Around Nap Times

If you’re taking a short flight, you might be able to get away with scheduling it around when your child tends to have their daytime nap. Although this might not be possible if you’re booking last minute, booking for a late flight or a flight in the day when your child is most likely to be dropping off to sleep can make the flight a better experience all round for you all.

Take Sweets

Most kids don’t like the painful sensation of pressure in their ears during take-off, so it’s a good idea to take along sweets, chewing gum or gummy vitamins for them to help to relieve it. When it comes to other foods, buying snacks on the plane can be a good way to relieve boredom, especially if you buy your child a treat and get them something that you wouldn’t normally let them eat.

Electronic Gadgets

If you have an iPad or a smartphone that you don’t mind missing out on for the duration of the flight, this can be a fantastic way to keep your child occupied and happy as they’ll be able to play games or watch videos. If you’re taking a tablet with you, download some favourite movies beforehand and watch them together with your child on the flight.

Dress Comfortably

Make sure that you dress your kids in comfortable clothes that won’t dig in or start to irritate them after being sat down for a couple of hours. If you’re travelling late at night, dressing them in their pyjamas might be a good idea as this could also encourage them to fall asleep – especially if you take a blanket as well. If you’re travelling early from Gatwick with your kids, why not book a family room at an IHG Gatwick for the night before.

Do you travel with your kids often? What do you do to keep them entertained and happy on the flight? Leave your response in the comments below.