11 Tips For Flying With Children
Taking your young family on holiday can be such a wonderful experience, but does the thought of a few hours or more in an enclosed aeroplane cabin make you feel a little less relaxed?
Do not worry. Here are our 11 tips for flying with children.
1. Check the airline policy on buggy’s
Some airlines will require you to check them in, some may allow smaller ones to be stored in overhead lockers. You will also need to check where you have to check them in, is it at check-in/bag drop, or is it at the gate? It is often the latter, but best to find out early on!
2. Can you take your car seat?
Some airlines will allow you to take a baby onboard in their car seat as these can be strapped in. This will also help in trying to settle the baby as they will be comfortable in their familiar surroundings.
It will also help at the other end in meaning you will not need to hire a car seat either!
3. Need to breast or bottle feed?
- If you have a baby that you are still feeding via breast or bottle, try to do this whilst taking off. This will help their ears with the change in pressure.
4. Have suckable sweets
Flying with children can be painful on their ears from the change in air pressure. Airlines used to hand out sweets for this reason, but very few do now. Make sure you have a few on hand just in case. We recommend sugar-free suck able sweets… you probably do not want your child having any more sugar on a flight!
5. Take a night flight
Flights at night are often cheaper than daytime flights. Flight at night will mean that your children are likely to settle and sleep, making that flight a little easier. Do not fly too late in the night, however, keeping a child up throughout the night to board a late flight could be a cause for tiredness tantrums before boarding!
6. Pre-book your seats
Each airline is different these days. Some automatically allocated them on booking, some let you choose them, some charge a fee for doing so. However, your chosen airline does it, make sure you book your seats well in advance to make sure you are sitting together.
7. And your kid’s meals
If you are flying long haul, airlines often provide meals for free in economy. We recommend that you let them know in advance that you need children’s meals. You will thank us for that later as they will definitely rather eat a child’s meal than an adults.
8. Bulkhead seats may not be the best choice
These seats are great for extra space and legroom and some have spaces in front for cots. However, the arms of the seats rarely lift up, meaning your children may get uncomfortable not being able to stretch out onto your lap.
9. Take some home comforts
The best way to settle a child is to give them some things they are familiar with. We recommend a blanket from home that they are familiar with. If you can fit it in, a small pillow too.
10. Remind them who is in charge
Kids will be kids. People understand they need to be entertained and can be a little noisy. What they will not sympathize with are children kicking the backs of seats or running around the aisles screaming.
Before a flight, remind them what is going to be happening and what is to be expected of them. Remind them that they will need to be seated for a while and that they will need to put their belt on if the light comes on.
11. And before you get off…
Now, this is important. Depending on where you are going, the queue for the passport check can be long. Before landing, make sure you take your children to the toilet. They may say they don’t want to go but try. You do not want them to tell you they need to go all of a sudden during that queue!
Once you hop off that flight, landing at your destination it will all be but a distant memory. We hope you have a wonderful time!
If you or your children have a fear of flying, try taking a read of our tips for help calm those nerves here.
Related Articles
Travel Insurance
Do I Buy Travel Insurance Before Or After Booking?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers you against potential losses associated with travel, such as medical expenses, lost or delayed luggage, trip cancellation…
Read More
Travel Insurance
What is a Pre-Existing Condition? Does It Affect My Travel Insurance Premium?
Whether or not a pre-existing condition will affect your travel insurance premium depends on the insurer and the policy.
Read More
Travel Insurance
Tips on Getting a Suitable Travel Insurance To Cover Car Rental
When looking for a travel insurance policy to cover your car rental, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Read More
Travel Insurance
What to do in a medical emergency
When you are traveling, it is important to know what to do in a medical emergency. Here are some tips to handle them.
Read More
Travel Insurance
Single Trip Vs Annual Plan. Which Is More Suitable For You?
Many travellers choose to buy travel insurance. We look into whether a yearly travel policy or a single trip policy is more suitable for you in this post.
Read More
Destination
Phuket vs Bali: Which Island Paradise Should You Visit?
Both Phuket and Bali are popular beach holiday destinations among Singaporeans. Decide which is best for you, in this Allianz Travel insurance blog.
Read More
Travel Insurance
8 Reasons for a Weekend Getaway in Bali
White sandy beaches, tranquil rice paddies, yoga and partying - there are many reasons to visit Bali. Here are 8 benefits of a weekend on this unique Indonesian island.
Read More
Destination
Moving to Singapore? 7 Tips for Expat Living in the Lion City
Moving to Singapore? Learn about accommodation, schools, International Health Insurance - and places to explore here and across Southeast Asia.
Read More
Travel Insurance
Key Things You Need To Know About Family Travel Insurance
When it comes to travelling with your family, you want to make sure that everyone is covered in case of an emergency. That is where family travel insurance comes in. Here are key things you need to know about family travel insurance
Read More
Travel Insurance
7 Facts About Lost Baggage - And How To Prevent Losing Yours
Here we will cover some key pointers that you need to know about baggage loss - and tips of preventing that.
Read More
Travel Insurance
6 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for a Schengen Visa
Schengen visa holders can visit 26 European countries for a period of up to 90 days within a 180 day period, but applying for a Schengen visa requires planning and preparation.
Here are six things you should know before applying for a Schengen visa.
Read More
Travel Insurance
First Time Cruise Holiday? 10 Tips You Need To Know
From booking the right cabin to taking out travel insurance, there are many things to consider. Here are ten tips to help make your sea-bound adventures as hassle-free and fun as possible.
Read More
Travel Insurance
What Do I Need To Prepare - To Travel To Thailand
Thailand is readying for a return to normalcy by relaxing some travel restrictions and allowing free tourists to enter the country after months of strict travel bans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some tips to prepare to travel to Thailand.
Read More
Tips
3 Places you Need to Visit Now that Singapore has Opened Up
All travellers vaccinated against Covid-19 and children aged 12 and below would be able to enter Singapore with just a pre-departure Covid-19 test. Unsure where to visit? We’ve got a list of 3 popular travel destinations for you to explore!
Read More
Travel Insurance
Difference Between International Health Insurance and Travel Insurance
Although international health insurance and travel insurance appear to provide the similar benefits, they serve two distinct functions.
Read More
All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The content of this blog neither makes representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site, nor is construed as Allianz Travel's offering of travel insurance, unless explicitly stated. Details of benefits, limits, policy exclusions, terms and conditions of Allianz Travel insurance can be found under Allianz Travel Policy Wording.