Flying International With Kids
We've all been there... The airline seat in front of a family with kids. The seat that will be kicked and the kid that will inevitably be crying at some point. Whether it's a quick flight or multiple hours, more than likely you will be hearing from these kids.
Now, if you're in the same stage of life as me and bringing kids on multiple flights a year, you may be the one getting all the looks of disappointment when you are boarding. The typical excuses "sorry, he's usually not like this" or "sorry, we'll try to keep it down" comes to mind looking back at past flights... But it does not need to be a stressful situation at all! I have put together a list of tricks and tips that I have learned from dozens of flights with young ones.
The flight - This decision can make/break an international flight. Depending where you are going, the time you take a flight could be the difference in a pleasant experience or flat out horrible. For example, we have gone from Chicago to Europe multiple times. We like these flights because they all leave late at night (8pm-10pm typically). Flights overnight mean my kids usually get about two hours of flight time and then sleep the rest of the flight. So on a 9 hour flight, for example, I may get 6-7 hours of quiet. Easy on you and easy on the rest of the plane. Now, I know this is not always possible but even trying to work the flights around nap time could help out. The longer they are asleep on these flights, the easier it is fly.
The hype - What I love to do is include my kids in the "planning" stage of the trip. Let them know where you are going, show them on a map, keep bringing it up so they know the adventure ahead. If you show you're excited, they will get excited too. I like to show them our next adventure on a map on our wall and they will show visitors every time they come over. We then count down the days on the we get to "fly on the big airplane". The more excited they are, I feel, the more cooperative they are on the long haul.
The distractions - A lot of people ask me about how I can sit that long on a plane and even how my kids can sit that long. Usually, my response is one of asking if they are asking because of the size/comfort level of a typical domestic 737 flight. As we are looking at overnight or long haul flights, I have to inform them that the larger aircrafts (787 or 777, for example) are very much equipped for these long hauls. Typically equipped with a personal TV and thousands of movies, that is the first things my toddlers gravitate toward. We make it fun by letting them bring their headphones and pick whatever movie they want. They love the freedom of bouncing around and watching all kinds of movies. They are able to have "their seat" and watch "their movie" and give them the entitlement and freedom to do so. In addition to that, we bring window clings, trucks, coloring books, etc, just in case they want something new. If you can keep them busy the time they are awake, they will have a great time.
Snacks - I would advise anyone traveling with young kids to bring their favorite snacks. Most times, the airline will provide you with a meal or two but these are mostly catered for adults. There will be a couple things my kids will eat but usually, they are not interested in creamy chicken couscous with a side salad. Bring them food they enjoy so you are not having the "I'm hungry" battle mid-flight.
The comfortable flight - Most international flight provide each seat with a blanket and pillow for each passenger for the long flight ahead. If you have particular children, try to make the flight as comparable to their own bed as possible. If they have a favorite toy the sleep with or maybe a light blanket, bring it so it reminds them of their bed. The more comfortable they are, the more willing to sleep they are.
The inevitable meltdown - All of your preparedness will go right out the window as soon as your kid has had enough and it is not a question of if but when, when it comes to toddlers. The good thing about flying on international trips and on long flights is the plane is much larger than a typical 737. There are actually areas in the back that you could stand if your toddler is acting up and try to sooth them. This area is near the flight attendants and they will usually help you calm your child down by giving them snacks, juice, or any other bribes.
All in all, you can travel with kids fairly easily if you prepare for it. Try to give them the most excitement and freedom you can so you both can have an enjoyable experience. If you're lucky (and we have had this a time or two) people will comment after the flight "I didn't hear a sound out of those kids" which means you did it right!
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