The Ultimate Survival Guide to Long-Haul Travel with Kids

Packing for the flight is about balancing "having enough" with the realities of navigating an airport.

The Hand Luggage Essentials: Keep a dedicated bag for essentials: spare clothes for the kids and for yourself (spills happen!), baby wipes, medications, and your child’s comfort items like a favorite teddy or blanket.

Snack Logistics: Never rely solely on airplane meals, they are served on a fixed schedule and may not have options that your child likes.  I find that using lunch boxes with small, separate compartments is a total game changer (Click here to buy on Amazon).  I fill these with a variety of snacks, things like fresh fruit, crackers, sweets, and a little chocolate.  It’s like a mini buffet for them to graze on, which keeps them occupied much longer than a single bag of snacks ever could.  Our family love them so much that even Mark has started to ask for me to prepare him one.  

Entertainment Packs: Create a mix of activities. Think coloring books, sticker books, and puzzles.  I always head to the shops before a trip to pick up a few new small toys.  I wrap them individually as little "flight gifts" and give one to my youngest every hour or two. Unwrapping something new provides a great distraction and keeps the novelty, and their interest, high throughout the journey.

Don't fear screen time on a long-haul flight, it is a powerful tool.

Download Everything: Do not rely on airplane Wi-Fi, which can be expensive or unreliable.  Download movies, TV shows, games, and audiobooks onto your devices at home before you leave.

Headphone Comfort: Pack child sized headphones that are comfortable for little ears.  Airlines  do often provide headphones but they are usually in ear ones and rarely fit well which can be frustrating for children.

Battery Power: Ensure all devices are fully charged and carry a reliable power bank to keep things running for the duration of the flight.  We have been using the Samsung powerbanks for years and highly recommend them.  They have a smaller 10,000 mAh one which charges a phone a couple of times and can charge 2 devices at once (Click here to buy on Amazon) or they also have a 20,000 mAh, this is larger and heavier but it gives you double the power for less than twice the price and charges up to 3 devices at once (Click here to buy on Amazon).  They're both super fast charging and are perfect for life on the go or travelling with devices 

Cabin environments can be harsh with dry air, fluctuating temperatures, and limited space.

Dress in Layers: Airplane temperatures can change rapidly.  Dress your kids in soft, breathable layers that are easy to add or remove.

Hydrate Often: Cabin air is dehydrating.  Encourage kids to drink water regularly throughout the flight to avoid headaches and fatigue.  We always take refillable water bottles with us. This year we have bought stainless steel ones from Shein. 

Manage Ear Pressure: Take-off and landing can cause ear discomfort.  To encourage swallowing and alleviate pressure have small sweets for older children, a bottle or a dummy for little ones. 

Remember, you are part of a shared space, but your primary job is to care for your family.

Be Polite, Be Prepared: A quick smile to your neighbors as you settle in goes a long way.  Most people are understanding if you are clearly doing your best to manage your children.

Embrace Movement: When the seat belt sign is off, don’t hesitate to walk the aisles with your child.  A quick stroll can help burn off energy and break up the flight for everyone.

Lower Your Expectations: The perfect flight is one where everyone arrives safely.  If your child has a meltdown, stay calm.  You will get off the plane eventually, and you will never see the other passengers again.  Focus on your family and take it one hour at a time.