A Real Mom’s Guide to Painless – and Enjoyable – Air Travel with Children
Here we are. It’s time. You’ve booked the tickets, made all the arrangements, procured passports and counted down the days with excitement. Now? Time to pack and – ooof – actually get your small human/s there. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, whether you’re traveling with an infant or a tween, here are some tips to keep the cray at bay while on a lengthy airline flight!
I was personally never victimized by what I feel is a trending, more recent culture, which seems to suggest that as parents, we need every little detail, item, resource and strategy absolutely perfectly planned and accounted for. This could not be farther from the truth, and especially so when it relates to travel; when you and your family are shoved into stressful circumstances that require advanced planning, plenty of money, and the cooperation of many other moving parts out of your control, a bit of flexibility and allowing, generously, for the unknown is necessary.
Less is more. You do not need every toy. You do not need every book. You don’t even need all the diapers you can fit in your carry on (pro-tip, they’re available pretty much everywhere globally). Take only what you need and leave the rest.
Unless it’s snacks. Then: more is more. You can never, ever, EVER have enough snacks on a plane for your children. It’s novel, varies the routine up, and consumes their time while they graze. A little bit of a lot of variety will go a long way (not to mention save you a buck or two along the way).
Identify the Essentials. Every child and family is different. Do what is best for your children and for you, revisit tip #1, and get packing. I fervently believe that for a trip even as long as 6+ hours, you do not NEED anything for your child other than refreshments, a change of clothes in case they get soiled (age dependent, obviously), and 1-2 toys/activities/time sucks, and an electronic device if you’re willing. Which leads me to….
Peace at Any Price. I learned this one from my sister-in-law, who attributes it to her Aunt. If you’re typically a gadget-free home but are willing to introduce an electronic device while traveling, DO IT. McDonald’s French fries for breakfast? Sure thing. I’m not saying we’re in the Wild Wild West, but your peace and sanity are more important than an extra lollipop and maybe another movie. This means rules will be broken, and that’s okay.
Don’t Re-invent the Wheel. I promise, the best toys are often free. Ever notice how a toddler inevitably enjoys the massive empty box rather than the toy that arrived in it? Rather than panic over all the age-appropriate developmental toys you could fill a suitcase with, grab whatever’s small, lightweight, durable, and – this is key – can be lost or broken without trauma. I’m telling you, I once crossed the country with a wooden and rubber spatula for my then 18-month-old.
Regardless of its type or nature (though my brand is 1) cheap and 2) lightweight/easy to pack), try to introduce one new item/trinket/treat/surprise right when you’re seated or when you take off (or if needed, prior). This holds attention long enough and adds a dose of excitement everybody could probably use. While insanely specific, the single best rec I have for this is those little plasticy window clings or reusable stickers. If you’ve got an aisle seat, you’re golden, but even if not, they often do very well on the tray tables. If your kids are a bit older and more autonomous, grab a single puzzle/activity/word search book from the dollar store. One other trick I love is bringing some kind of resource on your destination – even if it’s home! This could be a book, activity/coloring pages, trivia loaded to your phone, etc. Encourage your children’s excitement about the destination if you’re going somewhere new.
Develop “travel traditions” early and often. A favorite airport snack, a certain movie or book, siblings taking turns filling different roles or taking different seats, etc. Charlie LOVES to fly and is always so excited about the beverage service. This is his opportunity to get anything he chooses and he really enjoys that. He also kills about 15 minutes just reading through the refreshments menu, so it’s a win-win. Travel traditions give everyone something to look forward to and also builds lasting memories!
Befriend the Flight Staff. Most of them were made for moments like this and step in to shine, breaking up the monotony with a simple quick conversation or beverage refresh.
Lastly: Let others help you. Or better yet, ask for help! When Charlie was less than 2, a saintly Southwest Airlines flight attendant literally rocked him up and down the aisle from about Jersey to Kansas. Even if you’re not flying solo with your kiddos, it can be a lot even with two sets of hands. Give yourself grace and allow others to do the same!
Air travel can be grueling and stressful and chaotic and even frightening, especially for some kids – but how grateful are we to live in a time where planes can fly us all over the world to our loved ones. Whether 60 minutes or 16 hours, flights, by very design, are temporary and fleeting. The rough ones all inevitably end, and with that comes lessons for your next adventure!
