Flying With Kids - Top Tips

If you're arranging your family holidays and will be taking the little ones for the first time, or you have flown before but found the experience incredibly difficult then this could be the article for you.

Pre Departure

- First and foremost it's extremelyimportant to run through with your children in advance what will happen at the airport. Explain to them about landing and take-off, and various other procedures that they might encounter and also that they must behave.

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

- Mention that you are travelling with children 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 are less people to annoy!

- Try and book a flight that isn't fully booked as you might get free seats next to you (handy for sleeping children)

- Carry a change of clothes for the little ones AND for yourself as mishaps do happen.

- Don't forget to pack your kids favourite toys, teddy bears, colouring books etc (if they are electronic then make sure the sound is turned off).

- Pack a small extra cushion.

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

- Try and keep your kids up late the night before travelling, they will probably sleep the whole journey, or alternatively book night flights.

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

Travelling with an infant

- Ask for a air cot and try and get a bulkhead seat to accomodate it, otherwise reserve normal seats as the armrests raise up.

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

- Bring enough food and nappies should there be any delays.

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

- Finally, stretch your legs every now and again. Keep a sense of humour and keep reminding yourself that you'll be relaxing on a beach before you know it!

Don't be worried about flying with young ones 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.


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