Are you a parent dreading the thought of taking your little ones on a long-haul flight? Do visions of tantrums, restless legs, and endless “Are we there yet?” questions fill you with dread?

With our top tips for surviving long-haul flights with kids, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling cool, calm, and collected. From packing snacks to planning entertainment options, we’ve got all bases covered. So buckle up and let’s get started on making your next family flight a success!

Start With a Plan

When it comes to surviving long-haul flights with kids, one of the best pieces of advice is to start with a plan. Before you even begin packing for your trip, sit down and map out what you need to do to make the journey as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Before you book your tickets, consider the best time for your family to travel. If you have young children, try to avoid red-eye flights. If possible, choose a direct flight to minimize stress and fatigue. With a little bit of planning and preparation, long-haul flights with kids can be surprisingly enjoyable. Just remember to stay calm and go with the flow, and you’ll all arrive at your destination before you know it.

Pack Light

If you’re traveling with young children, you know how important it is to be prepared. But when it comes to packing for a long-haul flight, less is more. Pack light to make life easier for yourself and your kids. Start by making a list of everything you and your children will need for the flight. This includes snacks, diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and more. Then pare down that list to only the essentials. You can use space-saving techniques like rolling clothes instead of folding them, and investing in travel-sized toiletries. Also, avoid bringing unnecessary items like extra toys or books. Stick to one carry-on bag per person to avoid excess baggage fees.

Choose the Right Seat

When booking your seats, be sure to consider your child’s age and needs. If you have a baby or toddler, you may want to book an aisle seat so you can easily access the lavatory or stretch your legs. For older kids, window seats can be a fun way to pass the time looking out at the clouds.

Bring Entertainment

Long flights can be boring for adults, let alone kids! Be sure to pack plenty of books, toys, games, and other forms of entertainment to keep everyone occupied during the flight.

Get Up and Move Around

It’s important to stay active during long flights, even if it means just walking up and down the aisle every few hours. This will help prevent blood clots and restless leg syndrome.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Dehydration is a common issue during long flights. So be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the journey. Avoid sugary drinks like soda as they will only make you more tired in the end.

Eat Healthy Snacks

Eating small, healthy snacks will help to keep your energy levels up and your blood sugar levels steady during the flight. Avoid sugary or caffeinated snacks that can cause energy crashes later on.

Bring Noise-canceling Headphones

If you have a baby or toddler, be sure to bring noise-canceling headphones. This will drown out any loud crying or other noises from your little one – or other passengers!

Be Prepared for Ear Pain

Ear pain can be a common issue for kids during flights, especially with changes in cabin pressure. Be sure to pack some gum or hard candy to help relieve the pressure on their ears.

Use Window Shades and Noise Machines

If you are bringing an infant, consider packing a window shade and/or noise machine. This will help create a comfortable environment for them while they sleep. This will also help block out light and sound if they are sensitive to those things.

Bring Something Cozy

Even if you don’t plan on sleeping on the plane, it’s still nice to have something cozy. Bring a blanket or pillow that kids can cuddle up with while they watch movies or play games on their devices.

Take Advantage of Kid-friendly Amenities

Many airlines offer special amenities such as coloring books, toys, and snacks specifically designed for kids. Be sure to ask when you check in if these are available on your flight.

Make Use of Layovers

Don’t let a layover turn into a boring waiting game! If you have enough time, consider taking a stroll through the airport or visiting one of the many shops or restaurants there. This will help break up the monotony of the flight and give everyone something to look forward to during the journey.

Get Creative With Games

Sitting still for hours can be tough for kids, so why not get creative with some travel-friendly games? Try playing I Spy, scavenger hunts, or even telling stories together during idle moments on the plane.

Have a Plan for Jetlag

Jet lag is inevitable after long flights and can be especially tough on kids who may not have good coping mechanisms yet. Come prepared with some strategies to help them adjust quickly. For example, trying to stay awake until their normal bedtime and get out into natural light soon after landing.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your next long-haul flight with the kids is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Happy travels!