How to get through a long flight with your kids

How to prepare your kids for a long flight

There’s no way to make the flight shorter, but there are a few tricks to help pass the time more easily when traveling with kids.

A long flight with children can be exhausting, and can set the wrong tone before you even get where you’re going. Selecting the right flight, packing a few key items, and preparing everyone for what’s ahead can help your kids prepare for their flight, ready to hit the tarmac running.

Before you leave

  • Consider departure times. If there is a flight that leaves at an hour that doesn’t require an early wake up and is the same price, or in the same range, it might be worth it for everyone’s comfort and sanity to get the later flight.
  • If there is going to be a major time difference, start to slowly adjust bed times a week ahead of time. A slight shift forward or backwards can make the transition to a new time zone a little less jarring when traveling with kids
  • Traveling with kids is better if you get them involved and excited in the process. Start marking down days on a calendar two weeks before the departure date. Being mentally ready for a big disruption in routine can help little ones prepare and adjust for the changes.
Counting down the days makes traveling with kids something everyone can mentally get ready for
  • Finish packing two days before departure. Leaving yourself time to focus on the excitement of the trip can help reduce any anxiety your kids may be feeling. Frantically packing, searching for items and rushing out the door will create tension for you and your kids, starting the trip out on the wrong foot.
  • Pack some favourite snacks and some uncommon treats to break up long waits, before boarding and for on the plane.
  • Create a ‘travel plan’ which outlines the events in the order they will happen. Cross events off as they occur.

At the Airport

  • Arrive early. Give yourself time to deal with the unexpected, from delays to bathrooms. Although spending more time than necessary waiting in an airport is no one’s idea of a good time, rushing around dragging bags and kids through a crowded airport is far worse.
  • Make arriving at the airport part of the adventure. Create a scavenger hunt worksheet for kids to watch for.
  • We are always the last to actually board the plane. While some travellers line up to secure their overhead luggage, we prefer to minimize the time on the plane. Lining up, shuffling through busy aisles and waiting for others to take their seats creates more anxiety. Even though we may not get overhead bins directly over our seat, we are happy to put a carry-on bags on the floor in front of our kids, as their short legs don’t need the space.
  • Break out some travel sized games to help pass the time
  • Have your kids start their travel blog using the Journi App
  • Refill water bottles before getting on the plane

On the Plane

  • Update your kids travel plan
  • Wipe down trays with antiseptic wipes
  • Bring suckers to help reduce the effects of ear pressure during descent
  • Bring lots of water (remember that bottles will get pressurized during takeoff, so be careful opening them!)
  • Take your shoes off. It’s just more comfortable
  • Bring triangular crayons which won’t roll off the tray
  • Create some art with a drawing pad
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