Alright, let's be honest, flying with kids isn't exactly a vacation. But it's also not the nightmarish hellscape we sometimes make it out to be. I am from The Netherlands, so I have logged more cross-Atlantic air miles than I care to admit (with kids in tow!). Over the years, I've learned a few things about making the experience less stressful (for everyone involved). So, ditch the dread and check out these 5 tips:
- The Airport is Your Friend: Seriously. Kids are fascinated by airports. All that activity, the massive airplanes, the endless stream of people... it's an adventure in itself. Factor in extra time for wandering, exploring, and maybe even a little pre-flight dinner. You'll be surprised how much this helps burn off energy before boarding.
- New Toys = Engaged Kids: A few new toys can be your secret weapon against boredom. And they don't have to be expensive! A pack of crayons, a new coloring book, some Play-Doh... these little things can provide hours of entertainment. Wrap them up individually to add an element of surprise and extend the fun.
- Snack Attack: I don’t know about your kids, but mine are mostly quiet when they’re snacking. Pouches, granola bars, and yes, plentyyyy of treats (I especially love lollipops for this) go a long way in making these little Tsars happy.
- Embrace the Screen: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Download movies, shows, and games before your trip and let technology be your co-pilot. You can always reinstate your screen time rules once you're back on solid ground. Pro tip: my four-year old is now old enough to understand bribery. We tell him if he sleeps the way to Europe, he can watch nonstop movies on the way home. So far, this has worked like a charm...
- It's Not Forever: Once we were flying to Europe and my daughter puked all over my husband, Matt. He handed me Noor so he could clean up and she promptly puked all over me, too. We were now both covered, with a screaming child, and a confused 3-year old Ben we still had to take care off. It was… not ideal. We looked at each other, ordered a drink, and said our mantra: “This will be over in 6 hours. This will be over in 6 hours.” Some flights just suck, but they are not endless. Even the longest flight eventually ends. Breathe, try to relax (as much as possible), and focus on the fact that you'll be at your destination soon.
Air travel with kids may not be glamorous, but it's doable. With a bit of planning and a healthy dose of patience, you might even find yourself enjoying the ride (at least a little!).
P.S. Seasoned traveling parents, share your wisdom! What are your must-have tips for flying with kids?
