Family Wings: Tips For Flying Internationally With Kids

Traveling by plane with your children can be both a challenge and an adventure all at the same time. It’s a blend of surprises, challenges, and moments that, years down the line, make for fun dinnertime stories. Let’s dive into how to make the most of these trips.

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Planning: The Blueprint For Controlled Travel

With some planning, you can make your life a lot easier when traveling with the whole family.

Choosing the Right Flight

While it’s tempting to snag that deal with three layovers, it’s sometimes better to aim for direct flights. If layovers are unavoidable, ensure they aren’t rush-hour short. Also, if possible, align flight timings with your kids’ natural sleep rhythms. It will be a breeze if they can sleep throughout the flight.

Seat Selection Matters

Location, location, location! A window seat can provide hours of cloud-watching entertainment. And if you’re traveling with an infant, those bulkhead seats with extra legroom could be your golden ticket to a bassinet spot.

Packing: Getting Your On-Flight Packing Right

Packing for the flight can either be a huge stress or a breeze, depending on your strategy. The key lies in the delicate balance of preparation and simplification. Here are some things to think about.

Snacks

We’ve all seen it – the transformation of a mild-mannered child into a cranky critter when hunger strikes. Now, imagine this at 35,000 feet with limited food options. So, pack snacks. Make sure they’re both healthy and not messy.

Entertainment Essentials

While the digital age has blessed us with tablets and in-flight entertainment, there’s something deeply grounding about tangible, tactile fun. For younger kids, coloring books, with their vast array of patterns and colors, can be both entertaining and therapeutic. Sticker sets, where they build scenes or stories, tap into their creative side. Older kids might appreciate compact board games or even magnetic travel games.

Comfort Items

The unfamiliar hum of an airplane, the slightly chilly ambiance, and the close quarters can be a tad overwhelming for our little adventurers. Here’s where the magic of familiarity comes into play. Packing a well-loved pillow or the blanket they always cuddle with at bedtime can make a world of difference. It’s like carrying a piece of home with you.

Leaving For The Airport: Start Off Right

When it comes to family travel, the journey starts long before you board the plane. It begins the moment when you close your front door, luggage in hand, kids bubbling with excitement.

Transport Decisions

The ride to the airport sets the tone for your adventure. Whether you go for your trusty family car, a taxi, or even public transport, it’s essential to consider several factors. First, think of the convenience – while driving allows you to operate on your own timeline, parking or returning a rental can add layers of complication upon arrival. On the other hand, taxis or rideshares, while convenient, might not always be readily available during peak hours, or might not accommodate larger family sizes or luggage. And if you’re considering public transport, weigh in potential delays and the comfort factor.

Charging Devices

The night before your trip, institute a family ‘tech-check’ ritual. Ensure that tablets, phones, and any other electronic devices are fully charged and ready to go.

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Checking In: Stress-free Start

Airports, with their sprawling terminals and bustling atmosphere, can often feel like a different world. For families, especially those with younger kids, the check-in process can be both the most exciting and most daunting part of the journey. But with a sprinkle of foresight and a dash of organization, we can turn it into a seamless experience.

Have Documents Ready

The moment of truth at the check-in counter isn’t just about weighing bags; it’s ensuring that all necessary paperwork is in place. Imagine reaching into the depths of your bag and not finding a passport, or worse, realizing a child’s document is missing. Panic! To avoid these heart-pounding moments, it’s wise to have a designated travel pouch or organizer. This is where every vital document – passports, tickets, visas, and other essentials – find their home. And here’s a little tip from one parent to another: if possible, go digital where you can.

Hand Luggage

For many of us, packing can be a blend of art and science, trying to maximize what we carry without overloading. But while check-in luggage has its own weight limitations, it’s the hand luggage that needs special attention. Each member of the family, especially the young ones, might want their own bags. However, the key is to strike a balance. Too many bags, and you’ll find yourself juggling more than you can handle.

On the Plane: Making the Most of It

Being airborne, enclosed, and soaring miles above the ground is nothing short of magical. But when you’re with family, particularly younger members, the flight itself can turn into a tricky and stressful time. Many parents just wish the time past.

Stay Hydrated

The cabin’s dry air can be quite deceptive. You might not immediately realize it, but staying hydrated is super important. Sipping on water or juices not only keeps those headaches at bay but also assists in combating jet lag. For our little passengers, hydration is key to keeping them comfortable. However, there’s a flip side: too much liquid, and you might find yourself shuttling to and from the restroom, disturbing fellow passengers, and managing possibly restless kids in confined spaces.

Move Around

Sitting for extended periods, especially in cramped spaces, isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s also not particularly healthy. For adults, it’s a good idea to periodically stretch your legs and take brief walks down the aisle. For kids, these strolls can be transformed into mini-adventures. Engage their curious minds!

Make Friends With The Crew

Airline crews are the heroes of our sky-high adventures. Their insights and assistance can transform a challenging flight into a stress-free one. When traveling with family, fostering a friendly connection with the cabin crew can be both courteous and strategic. Often, they’re privy to little hacks and solutions that might not be immediately obvious.

Arrival: Wrapping Up

There’s a unique blend of fatigue and exhilaration as the plane touches down at your destination. While the journey might have been long, the anticipation of new adventures keeps the spirits high. However, the post-landing process can be a whirlwind, especially with a family to manage.

Gather With Care

Once the seatbelt sign is off, the instinctive rush is to stand, stretch, and gather belongings. But with kids, this process requires a touch more finesse. Ensure that every family member checks their immediate space – seat pockets, under the seats, and overhead compartments.

Finding Your Way

Airports, especially international ones, can be sprawling mazes. Once you disembark, there’s a course to follow – immigration, baggage claim, customs, and finally, the exit. With children, this path needs a pre-plan. Who handles the documents? Who’s in charge of ensuring all bags are collected? Who keeps an eye on the kids? Dividing these responsibilities among the adults or older kids in the family ensures smoother navigation.

Waiting For Bags

It’s a universal truth – baggage reclaim can test the patience of saints. The carousel’s hypnotic loop, the sea of suitcases, the anxious wait for your bag to show up – it’s all part of the travel package. For kids, this wait can be especially tedious. Here, small distractions come in handy. Maybe it’s a game of “I spy”, or a challenge to guess the color of the next suitcase. If they’re tired, it might just be a good time for a snack or a quick story.

Celebrate The Journey

Make reaching the destination a mini-event. A favorite snack, a souvenir, or stick your luggage in lockers and do a fun first-day activity can make the trip worth it.

There you have it! A mission, yes, but with every twist and turn, there’s an opportunity to make a special family memory. Every journey is unique, and years later, these flights and all the stories will be your treasures.