Tips For Long Haul Travel With Kids

Written by Ella Cawthorne Last updated August 23rd 202323/08/23

Have you got your heart set on a long haul holiday, but the thought of all that travelling with children is quite daunting? Fear not, we are here to help!

Destinations further away from home help to make incredible and unforgettable holidays, and we’re here to make your journey there a little easier and hopefully stress-free. Here’s our top tips for flying with children.

Make the Journey Fun

Often, if you feel a little stressed and rushed, this rubs off on your kids. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! To make the journey a whole lot easier, make the process fun from the get-go. Ask your children to help pack their bags, if they’re old enough, and if you have young kids who understand they’re going on holiday, talk to them about the exciting things you will do when you reach your destination, this helps them to focus on the end goal!

Play games during your trip to the airport and get everyone looking forward to getting to your hotel, to hopefully make the travelling process a bit smoother. Whether you have a relaxing All Inclusive holiday booked, or are going on a fun filled self catering break, there’s plenty to look forward to, so you won’t be short of inspiration.

Keep a Routine

Keeping a routine is very important when doing a long haul journey, whether you’re flying with babies, young children or even older ones! Depending on what time of day you’ve booked a flight for will depend what you need to bring with you, but if you’re on the plane at a time your children would usually be having a nap or going to bed, then stick to that plan.

Pack their pjs and toothbrush and get them to take part in their usual bedtime routine, despite being thousands of feet in the air! Once they’re all cosy and settled, dreaming of their super exciting holiday, you can also get some rest meaning you will be energised when the plane lands. Starting your break in a routine will also help you to keep it up throughout your family holiday.

Pack Lots of Activities

Don’t forget to pack lots of interesting games, toys and activities for the flight. This could be their favourite toy, a colouring book or an activity tablet, but make sure to pack a couple of things so they don’t lose interest during the long haul flight.

Bringing a new toy or a small, wrapped present is a nice way to start off the holiday, and will give your child a reason to be good, so they can earn their reward! Bribery is the best form or parenting, no?!

Bring a Change of Clothes

Comfort is key on a long haul flight, and you never know when ‘oops’ moments may occur. Ensure you bring a spare change of clothes for your children in case they spill something or have an accident, so they can get changed and relax for the rest of the flight.

Bring a change of clothes for yourself too if you’re travelling with younger children – spillages always seem to end up on mum or dad, don’t they! The last thing you want when you’re getting a bit of shut eye is the smell of your baby’s regurgitated bottle or half a cup of fruit juice lingering on your clothes.

Minimise Luggage

If you want boarding the plane to be a smooth experience, then minimise your hand luggage! As you have to keep hold of it through from bag drop to the departure lounge, and board the plane with it, the less things you have the better! Use a small carry on case for essentials like entertainment, bottles and clothes, but make sure any liquids are accessible so you can get them out when going through security.

Bringing a shoulder/cross body bag for yourself is a great idea to store passports, boarding passes, your phone and other smaller items, as it keeps them all in one, easy-to-access place, and the bag is hands free!

Snacks, Snacks, Snacks!

If you’re anything like us, then you know what it feels like to be hangry, and hungry little tummies doesn’t make for an enjoyable flight. While in-flight meals and snacks are family friendly and do cater for children, if you know they have a favourite treat or home comfort that you can bring, then it’s a great idea to keep them happy.

There are plenty of healthy options available on the plane, but you’re on holiday, so don’t worry too much if your little ones want chocolate buttons for breakfast – if that’s what peace and quiet costs, we’re sure you’re down for that!