5 Tips For Going On A Long Distance Flight With Kids
This is a collaborative post
Family holidays are plenty of fun, but long flights and kids don’t always mix. Luckily there are lots of things you can do to help your children feel relaxed and comfortable on a flight.
1 . Have a chat with your children
Before you go on a long-distance flight with your kids it’s vital to have a chat with them. If your kids are scared of flying it’s particularly important to do so. Start off by asking your children why they are scared to go on an aeroplane? Use their answers to address their fears and help them to calm down.
You might use an activity book to show them how a plane works? Alternatively, you could act out being at the airport, and on the plane, so that they know what to expect. If your children are younger it may be difficult for them to understand. Try using a few aeroplane based kids games, to help you.
- Bring plenty of activities
As you can imagine, kids need plenty of activities on a long-haul flight! Get them a special kids bag and pack toys, books and games. When you’re figuring out which toys and games to bring it’s important to ensure that these games and toys are suitable for the plane. The last thing that you want is to annoy all of the other passengers! Travel friendly audio players such as the Yoto Mini Player and a selection of their favourite yoto cards can also be a welcome distraction whilst blocking out surrounding noise and helping them feel calm and relaxed.
- Snacks as distractions
Make sure that you bring lots of snacks, your kid’s will feel happy and settled when they’ve got lots of yummy foods to eat. Allow your kids to pick out a few special items, and help them to get excited about their ‘fun plane food’. Of course, it’s not a good idea to give them too many sugary things, (especially if you want them to sleep on the flight)!
- Encourage your kids to sleep
Your children are likely to be tired, and it’s good to encourage them to sleep on the flight. Bring items that will help them, whether it’s special blankets, teddy bears or sleep masks. You might also try playing them relaxing music, and dimming the lights. If your child is restless, close your eyes and lay back. If your child thinks you are going to sleep this may encourage them too.
- Apps to help
Lastly, there are a few kids apps which may help you when traveling on a long-distance flight with kids. The Bamba Airport app is a great tool, with the help of this app you can teach children about the different things they’ll be doing at the airport.
If your children are feeling anxious, the Breathe Think Do app is another useful tool. It’s the perfect app to help children feel calm, meditate and tune in with their feelings.
Getting organized for a trip involves sorting out many different processes, from your travel insurance to your visas. To learn about US visas and the ESTA waiver travel authorisation check out the ESTA website.
When you’re going on a long flight with your kids you’re bound to feel a little nervous. With the help of these five tips you can get nice and prepared, and keep your kids happy and safe.
