how to survive a long haul flight with kids

Flight Tips

Apr 28

Traveling and seeing the world is an amazing opportunity, but long flights are hard for everyone. Especially when a flight duration goes over for 7+ hours it can become a challenge keeping your littles entertained. We have flown several times to destinations well over 7 hours and up to 16 hours with our 2 kids.

After doing these trips, I have learned quickly what works best for us as a family. Some things are an absolute must to pack and some that we found that were not really that useful. I want to share these tips to help you on your next long flight with your kids, consider the below for surviving the flight.

tips for surviving a long haul with kids

Know your airports
We always get to the airport a lot earlier than needed because 1. it’s fun and exciting for the kids to roam around and 2. get them tired before the flight. Some airports like the Incheon airport in Korea has great indoor playgrounds and spaces for kids. They are usually multiple and we just make our way around playing at different areas.
Sleep
We like to fly when our kids are most rested, during the day time or a flight that is around bed time (especially for long hauls so that can hopefully sleep more than half of the duration). Dress in pjs around bed time, try to keep bed time routine similar (read books, sing songs before sleep)
Bassinet
If you have an infant or a young baby that fits the requirements of the bassinet size of the airline you will be taking, always request for one. It is a great option to have for being hands free and usually you will get that row to yourself because most people don’t want to be sharing a seat next to a young baby.
Lovey/favorite doll
Bring their lovey/ doll that they sleep with at night. Consider using an eye mask to block out light.
Food
Snacks from home! There is usually at least one entire bag of snacks and food for the plane. I like to limit their sugar intake so they don’t get sugar high. These are some of our favorites @feel.sunnie @myserenitykids, @rhythm @skoutorganic @saffronroadfood
Some useful items to pack snacks are these easily collapsible containers, reusable silicone bags, reusable water bottle, and non toxic sanitizing wipes.
Entertainment
Consider modifying your screen time policy. Our kids don’t watch TV regularly, at most twice a week and no more than 45minutes. But when we are on planes we give them that freedom to watch entertainment from home that has been tested. Maybe it’s because they know it’s for special occasions like this? they can sit and watch for hours. For a long flight I will download at least one new movie from iTunes. I always bring their own headphones. (PRO-TIP: Pack your ipad chargers in your carry-on, most longer flights have outlets on board.)
Activities
Even if kids can spend a lot of time on the screen we always pack other activities to keep them entertained. We give them these activities and toys each in their own bag that are only used on our travels. This helps them to get excited and keeps their attention span longer.
Sticker books - keeps them entertained for a long time. Choose the ones that your kids have most interest in (i.e. my son loves trucks/cars. For my daughter dress up etc)
Other fun toys/activities: workbooks (for kids above 3), playdough, magnet toys, mini legos.
Layers
Always make sure you wear and pack comfortable layered clothes. Long haul flights especially trans-ocean flights get cold even in the summer. I always keep extra set of clothes for everyone in case of emergency and one of those will be a jacket/cardigan.
Don’t Overpack
Though it may be tempting to bring everything or more, it is better to have the essentials, packed neatly in separate cases to be able to find them easily. Check out this organized packing list post.
As always, lower expectations and be patient!