Air

Practicalities Getting There Air Distractions 

Because there is so little latitude, this is an element of a trip where planning in detail can be a big help in keeping children from making trouble.

For specifics from the airlines see the Airlines report.

Provided by the Airline

• Though less common on short-haul routes, long-haul most airlines now provide some sort of goody bag for children flying with them. This may be fun but not provide much appropriate to the age of your children.



• Once children are around five years plus the on-board films are very useful and will have been cleaned up for family viewing if they are on a large screen.



• If the airline operates seat back screens there is often a children's cartoon channel which will keep them amused for hours. However, some children explore the options and have horrified parents who discover them watching films considered highly unsuitable. A further disadvantage is that aircraft with the screens tend to have a shallower seat pitch offering children less space to squirm and greater likelihood of banging into the seat in front, necessitating parental/child apologies.



• Meals are an obvious diversion, though frequently nutritionally dismal so you might actually prefer to take your own food. It is worth bearing in mind that hotels increasingly offer aircraft food packs. If this is unworkable and you consider an adult meal preferable, insist and you will get it. If you do want the entertainment of the children's meal you will need to order this when you book and confirm your request on checking in. It is worth thinking about trying to get the children's meal first so that you aren't trying to juggle two trays and a wriggling child at the same time. Worth considering as well is asking for a low salt/vegetarian meal as the special diet meals are generally better than the standard ones. In the US you could ask for a brown bag meal which will be cold, thereby avoiding the danger of scalding if your child is particularly fidgety. An alternative is to ask for a fruit plate.

Your Own

• For ideas on what to take, see [Wanted on Voyage] If you are flying during the day be prepared to spend all the time on entertainment until the children are old enough to enjoy the in-flight option or draw or read.



• One new item per hour of flight is generally held to be the rule of thumb, though with infants much less is required, and the same is true of children of an age to be given the latest Harry Potter or equivalent.



• For those old enough to read a map you can point them in the direction of those in the in-flight magazines showing the route, or you can provide your own rather more detailed map for the purpose.

Sleeping

In some ways the ideal distraction - if you can arrange for it to happen.

• If they aren't already on your seats, do ask for a blanket and pillow as early as you can to ensure you are not left without.



• If counting on your offspring sleeping, bear in mind that lights may not go out until some hours after takeoff, so some distraction will be needed until then.



• Restricting naps before the flight may just result in extra factiousness, particularly if the flight is delayed. Particularly for toddlers, think about relying on run around time at the airport to tire them out.



• Long-haul try to make the routine as normal as possible, changing children into pyjamas and settling them to sleep, possibly with a favourite bed-time toy.



• Note that for safety reasons children are not supposed to sleep on the floor of the aircraft. However, some airlines/crews are more relaxed about this than others and some simply don't notice.



• Similarly children should sleep without limbs protruding into the aisle when they sleep as this can result in injury both to them and other passengers.