Going on vacation with your family is one of the best ways to make memories that will last a lifetime. Though, getting to your destination is sometimes easier said than done. Children can get agitated and antsy while flying, which can turn what should be an easy travel day into a nightmare at times. Thankfully, there are many things that you can do to make flying with your kids go a whole lot more smoothly. From playing travel games to packing snacks and more – here are ten tips to make flying with children easier:
1. Let Your Child Know What to Expect
A few days before heading to the airport, be sure to inform your child about your travel plans and explain to them what it’s like to fly on a plane. Tell them what rules need to be followed, what you expect of them while flying on the plane, and let them know that the plane is taking them somewhere fun! Informing your children of what to expect will make them feel more comfortable and help make your flight experience easier.
2. Download Movies and Television Shows
Another thing that you’ll want to do before your flight is to download some of your child’s favorite movies and television shows onto your electronic devices. Putting on a movie or TV show is the perfect way to keep your little ones entertained for hours and distract them from what’s happening around them. Hopefully, you can just throw on a movie or two, and you’ll reach your destination without hassle.
3. Take Your Child’s Favorite Stuffed Animal With You
One of your child’s best travel companions will be their favorite stuffed animal. Stuffed animals make your child feel safe and calm, which is why they are the perfect item to bring along on a plane. The best part about bringing your child’s favorite stuffed animal along? Your little one can also play with their furry friend as a distraction!
4. Book Direct Flights
One thing that we always recommend for families flying with children is to book direct flights over multi-stop flights when possible. The more time you can spend flying rather than being stuck at a layover, the better. You don’t want to get your child on and off a plane numerous times, so if you can, always book direct flights.
5. Pack Healthy Snacks
What is one thing that all children will enjoy having on a plane? Snacks, and lots of them. Don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks to take along with you on your flight. Chances are that your child will get hungry at some point, and sometimes, the snacks that airlines pass out to you just don’t cut it. So, make sure that you’re prepared and ready to feed your little one when the time comes.
6. Play Travel Games
Mini travel games are a great way to distract your child while on a plane, and games also give you some time to make fun memories with your kiddos. You can bring along fun classics such as Guess Who, Memory, or Tic Tac Toe, or search for some new games that you’ve never played before. Play a few games while flying, and before you know it, you’ll be at your destination!
7. Fly at Night
Another great way to make flying with children easier is to fly at night when possible. Your children are used to going to bed around the same time each night, and the odds are that they will already be tired when your flight is set to depart. If you fly at night, your little ones will probably be tired and, hopefully, sleep throughout most or all of the flight.
8. Bring Coloring Supplies
It’s a well-known fact that most children LOVE to color. Bringing along some coloring books and coloring pencils with you on a plane will keep them entertained and calm. The best part about bringing coloring supplies is that your little one can even color at the hotel, in the car, or while at dinner.
9. Use Kid-Friendly Headphones
An excellent way to minimize distractions around your children while flying is to provide them with kid-friendly headphones. Your child can use these headphones while watching a movie or television show, playing games on your electronic device, or listening to some soothing music!
10. Pack a Travel Pillow and Small Blanket
One final tip to make flying with children easier is to pack a travel pillow and a small blanket. The more comfortable your child is while flying, the less fussy they will be. Hopefully, your child will be so cozy that they will even nap throughout a large portion of the flight!
Are you planning a family vacation? We can help you and your family get passports for your trip! If you’re interested in using our services, you can get the application process started on the Swift website. If you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team. No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there!
