Flying With Children
Flying with children can be a stressful experience if you are unprepared, but don't let worries about how to keep the kids happy on the plane prevent you from enjoying a family holiday abroad. Here are some simple, tried-and-tested ways to make life easier for yourself on the flight.
Less Crowds Means Less Stress
Midweek flights are generally less full than those at the weekend, so if you choose a
weekday departure it is possible that there will be more space on the plane (and in the
airport). With less people around you, you will feel less stressed about them being bothered by
the occasional cry (or loud laughter) from your children. Remember too that many of them will
have flown with kids in the past, so they will know just how you are feeling.
Also, it is important to arrive at the airport in plenty of time, so that you do not have to
worry that last-minute toilet stops or demands for sweets will slow you down from getting to
your departure gate.
Be Prepared
Preparation is the key when it comes to keeping children entertained on flights. Not all
planes have TV monitors and, unless you are on a scheduled flight with lots of TV channels, the
chances are that they won't be playing programmes that you will keep young children entertained
for long.
A good way of keeping them happy is to wrap up some gifts that they can unwrap when the
seatbelt sign is switched on and they can't move from their seat. Even if you have just wrapped
up old toys, it can still feel like a present to the child, so can help to avoid tears. If
possible, try to make sure that the toy is battery-free, so that you don't have to take the toy
away on the descent (and undo all your good work!).
Protect Little Ears
On take-off and landing the quick changes in pressure can sometimes make your ears feel funny. This can normally be solved by swallowing, but try telling your kids that! Many people have found that the easiest way to get their ears to equalise the pressure is to suck boiled sweets or lollies - when sucking and swallowing these, ears normally pop and adapt to the change. Obviously this will not work for babies, but one thing that you can try is to time a bottle feed during take off and landing. Again, as they swallow the drink, their ears should pop.
Seating Plan
There are 2 good options of where to seat a child on the plane, depending on what you think
is going to be most appropriate. Sitting them by the window means that they will be able to
look out and be entertained by the view. They can also move around on their seat a bit more
without clambering on other people. It can also be easier to get a child to sleep in a window
seat, as they have something solid to lean on.
Alternatively, if toilet breaks might be frequent, sitting near the aisle could be the best
option, so that you don't disturb other passengers every time you have to get out of your seat.
If you are flying with an infant, you may like to consider sitting near the back of the plane
because the baby changing facilities are often located in the rear toilets (check this with
your aircraft). On the other hand, it can also do you good to have a walk down the plane and
stretch your legs.
Thomas Cook Team Tip - Flying with Children
A good way of making the child feel like the flight is an adventure is to let them take their own small suitcase onto the plane as hand luggage (if permitted by the airline/airport). Not only does this make them feel grown-up, it also frees up some room in your own hand baggage that would otherwise be taken up with toys.
