Making Flights with Kids Easier and More Fun

Traveling with kids can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to air travel. To help you make your next flight experience smoother and more enjoyable, we’ve compiled a guide with tips, tricks, and hacks to keep your kids entertained and engaged during long flights. From travel-friendly games to technology resources, we’ve got you covered!

Flight with kids – Tips and Tricks

1. Pack a fun-filled travel bag:

• Fill a dedicated travel bag with a variety of activities such as coloring books, activity pads, sticker sets, and small toys.
• Consider interactive travel games like magnetic board games or travel-sized versions of classic games like Connect Four, Uno, or Guess Who.
• Include a few surprises like new books, puzzles, or small toys that your kids haven’t seen before, to maintain their interest.

2. Embrace technology:

• Tablets or smartphones loaded with kid-friendly apps and games can be lifesavers during long flights. Some popular apps include Toca Boca, Sago Mini, and PBS Kids.
• Download movies, TV shows, or educational videos in advance from platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
• Invest in kid-friendly headphones to ensure a more comfortable experience for your child and fellow passengers.

3. Audio books and podcasts:

• Engage your kids with audio books or podcasts suitable for their age. Platforms like Audible, Librivox, and Storynory offer a wide range of options.
• Choose stories that capture their imagination or educational podcasts to make the journey both entertaining and informative.

4. Snacks and treats:

• Pack a variety of snacks that your kids enjoy, such as granola bars, fruit slices, pretzels, or crackers. Avoid snacks that may cause a mess, have a strong smell or contain allergens.
• Consider surprise treats like lollipops or small candies, which can help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
• Allow your kids to pick out one fun snack at an airport convenience store, with the promise that they can enjoy it on the plane if they are on their best behavior during the boarding process.

5. Interactive games:

• Play interactive games together, such as “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or storytelling games where each person adds a sentence to a continuous story.
• Travel-sized magnetic boards with movable pieces can keep younger kids engaged.
• For older kids, consider brain-teasers like Rubik’s Cube or handheld puzzles.
• For everyone, there’s always those good ol’ throwbacks of Tic-Tac-Toe and Hangman.

6. Stretch breaks and movement:

• Encourage your kids to stretch and move around during longer flights. Take walks up and down the aisle or do simple exercises like stretching or leg lifts in your seat.
• Some airlines have kid-friendly amenities like coloring books, wing pins, or pilot certificates. Inquire with the flight attendants for any available perks.

7. Plan ahead with seat selection:

• If possible, choose seats with extra legroom or bulkhead seats that provide more space for kids to move around.
• Window seats can be entertaining for kids as they can observe the world outside.
• Websites like SeatGuru or SeatMaestro can help you find the best seats for your flight.

8. Engage with the In-flight entertainment:

• Many airlines offer in-flight entertainment systems with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and games. Check the airline’s website or app to see what options are available on your flight.
• Don’t forget to bring headphones suitable for the in-flight entertainment system.

A few things to remember…

While flights with kids can be challenging, with the right preparation, they can be quite enjoyable. Remember, children are unique, so tailor the activities to their ages, preferences, and attention spans. Keep in mind that moderation is key, as excessive screen time or overstimulation can lead to restlessness. Use a combination of different activities on flights with kids to keep them engaged throughout the journey.

Safe travels and have a fantastic flight with your little adventurers!

Note: The websites and services mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as endorsements.

Resources:

• Audible: https://www.audible.com/
• Librivox: https://librivox.org/
• Storynory: https://www.storynory.com/
• SeatGuru: https://www.seatguru.com/
• SeatMaestro: https://www.seatmaestro.com/