How to Enjoy Long-Haul Flights with Kids: A Parent’s Guide
As I write this, I am on a London – Sydney flight with a flight time of 22 hours. This is our family’s sixth long-haul flight in five weeks. It has been busy … and fun!
Whilst standing with my three-year-old, a fellow passenger remarked, "It is a LONG flight…" Indeed, he was right; however, it occurred to me that I don’t actually say that to myself. Instead, I say, "It is what it is." I began thinking about what else I think, feel, say, and do to allow me to enjoy these journeys and have fun in the sky …
When I woke up in London that morning, I had slept very little, had a migraine, and my period. It was not an ideal start on the morning of a flight with two children, one preschooler and one school-age. Acceptance was the key here, so I accepted that "it was what it was," and off we went.
Preparation the day before:
When preparing for a flight, I remind myself that it is my choice to go, and that it always involves packing and organizing. This allows me to accept that the preparation is not pushed onto me. I know I made a choice, and that makes me feel empowered and less resentful about everything we need to do.
Organizing hand luggage:
For long-haul flights, we use three bags. My husband and I have backpacks that we wear and place under the seat in front of us on the plane. We also have a wheelie bag for the kids to take turns with, which goes in the overhead lockers.
Snack bag (backpack) – Pack plenty of healthy snacks and a few treats! Into this bag, I also pack medications for the family. All liquids are placed into a small clear food bag. Our water beakers are emptied just before entering security and refilled on the other side in the departure lounge.
Entertainment bag (backpack) – Pack the iPad, laptop, kids' DVDs, kids' headphones, books (both adult and kids), and coloring activities for kids.
Clothes bag (wheelie bag) – Pack a change of clothes for each of us in case of accidents or spillage, and any other things that are not required frequently during the flight.
In between flights:
Running and playing games – Find a quiet section in the airport where they can burn some energy. Look for places to see all the planes and watch vehicles preparing and supporting the aircraft. We sat on a bridge, which kept the boys occupied for 45 minutes.
Water beakers – Empty them just before security and refill after or on the plane. We flew with Virgin Atlantic, and they had several conveniently located water fountains on board.
Frequent wee stops (every two hours if awake) – Helps reduce the likelihood of a desperate situation where there’s a newly potty-trained preschooler and a long queue!
On the plane:
Feeding the family – Choose a "go with the flow" mentality. If the kids aren’t hungry when a meal arrives, ask the stewardesses to keep it warm for them. Check how long the meal can be safely kept warm, and then ask them to bring it out as required or just before the time is up.
Handling kids’ questions – Use a calm and even tone and answer clearly. Transfer authority when appropriate, such as when the fasten seatbelt light comes on. "The air stewardess has asked that you take your headphones off for takeoff. You can put them back on when the fasten seatbelt light goes off."
In-flight entertainment – Find out when it is, where, and how much it costs so you are ready should you need it.
Coping with demands – Do it within reason. Changing channels for them, especially when they are tired, will help avoid outbursts. Teach older children how to change volume and channels. My 5-year-old did this easily, and my 3-year-old knew how to pause and play.
When the tears come, which they inevitably will, look at the big picture. Long flights, messed-up routines, and a lack of sleep will affect them. Remember that children cannot rationalize or express feelings like adults. Understanding that will keep you in control of your emotions while you deal with theirs.
For me, the key to surviving and enjoying air travel with my children is to manage my own expectations.
I have no expectations of time or what I can achieve, whether it’s reading a book or writing this article. If it happens, it happens, but if it doesn’t, that’s ok. It’s all about being realistic.
Have you had experience in taking long journeys with your child? What are your thriving strategies?
Ready to make your next family trip stress-free? Reach out to me for personalised tips and strategies to help you thrive during your travels!