Family Holidays - Flying With Kids

If you're arranging your family holidays and will be taking the kids for the first time

, or you have travelled before but found the experience incredibly stressful then read on.

Pre Departure

- First and foremost it's imperative to let the children know beforehand what to expect. Explain to them about landing and take-off, and various other procedures that they might come across and also that they must behave.

- When checking in try and ensure that you get aisle seats so you can control the children and also try and secure a window seat for the kids to keep them occupied.

- Mention that you are travelling with kids so that you aren't seated next to the emergency exits (you might end up getting moved due to age restrictions).

- Try and reserve seats as far forward as possible, not only is it quieter but there will be less people to annoy!

- Try and get on a flight that isn't full as you might get free seats next to you (handy for sleeping toddlers)

- Carry replacement clothes for the little ones AND for yourself as accidents do happen.

- Don't forget to pack your childrens favourite toys, colouring books, teddy bears etc (if they're electronic it's a good idea to turn the sound off).

- Pack a small extra cushion.

- Pin the name of your child to their clothing should they get lost.

- Try and keep your children up very late the night before travelling, more than likely they will sleep the whole trip, or alternatively book night flights.

- Non-spill beakers are vital for keeping seats dry and toddlers hydrated.

Travelling with an infant

- Ask for a baby bed and try to reserve a bulkhead seat to accomodate it, otherwise reserve normal seats as the armrests are moveable.

- If the baby is travelling on your lap then ask for a lap restraint for the child.

- Bring plenty of nappies and food should there be long delays.

- Take a fold-able umbrella pushchair which are usually included in the baggage allowance and are easier than trying to carry a baby around the airport with suitcases in tow..

- During take-off give your infant a bottle or a dummy to suck on as this will enable the baby's ears to adjust to the cabin pressure changes. (If breastfeeding try and co-ordinate feeding times with take-off and landing.

- Finally, take a stroll up and down the aisles every now and again. Keep a sense of humour and keep reminding yourself that you'll soon be by that pool in the sun!

Don't be worried about flying with young children and it should never be a reason for not taking that much needed family holiday. You now have these tips to help you and the airport staff and crew on the plane will always be on hand to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

by: Gavin Lapidus

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