Families increasingly travel internationally with children. The stereotype of being trapped on an airplane with a screaming child across the ocean is every parent’s nightmare, but it does not have to become a reality with preparation, a sense of humor, and a lot of luck. Whenever possible before flying with young children, parents need to consider and plan for three key areas: timing, choices and carry-on luggage.
Timing of Flights
Planning a trip’s timing encompasses everything from what time the flight takes off, to when the family boards, to getting seat assignments, to talking to children about the flight. Certain aspects are wholly out of a parent’s control, however, many are not and the more attention parents give to timing, the smoother the trip will run.
Booking:
- Whenever possible, take direct flights to shorten the overall travel time and diminish the chance of long-delays or missed flights.
- Take an early flight to arrive at the destination when it is still daylight. Also, airlines are more likely to be on time early in the day, or to have another flight that day if there’s a missed connection.
Boarding:
- Talk to the gate agent to see if bulkhead seats are available as children will have more standing room. Some airlines will assign these at check-in upon request.
- Do not rush on the plane. Let the toddlers explore the boarding area to get out some energy. If a car seat needs to be installed, have one parent board first with some of the carry-ons and the other board with the child or children later.
Choices for Toddlers
Toddlers thrive on routine and control. The more involved they feel in what is happening, the less likely they are to protest about every new change. When parents provide choices about simple things, children get involved in the adventure of the flight.
- Simulate routines with children to the greatest extent possible. Trans-Atlantic flights fly overnight from the U.S. so have children put on pajamas and brush their teeth either before boarding the plane or soon thereafter. Let the child choose when.
- Bring some old-standby foods on board but let the child decide to eat it or the airline-provided meal.
Carry-On Luggage
Less is more is an excellent standard to live by when flying with young children because inevitably parents will end up carrying everything and a flailing child. This said, having entertainment items, a change of clothes, and comfort items are critical elements of any trans-Atlantic child’s carry-on bag.
- Bring 3-5 books to read, as either a pre-sleeping tool or for entertainment.
- Mix old favorites with something new the child has not seen before. It can be toys, books, crayons, or a movie for the portable DVD player.
- Introduce new items, from books to food to toys, throughout the journey to keep children entertained as long as possible. Take advantage of the in-flight materials as many toddlers like to talk about where they are.
Travel-loving parents do not have to permanently shelve their wanderlust. Before embarking on a long flight with young children, parents should adjust their expectations and embrace the new adventure.
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