Introduction
Traveling is one of the best experiences in the world. We have all experienced the rush in our heartbeat as soon as the departure day comes closer. And no matter whether you are an experienced traveler or taking the flight for the first time, the feeling of happiness and high expectations before boarding the plane are always there. However, sometimes we have to go on vacations with kids and it requires extra attention not only on the safety of the kids, but also their comfortability. If you are one of those parents who is getting ready for the trip with kids and feel uncomfortable or uncertain how to go through all this hassle, don’t worry. There are some tips for flying with kids which will help you and your kids to give yourself (and other passengers too) maximum comfortability and reduce the negative outcomes.
5 Best Tips to Fly with Kids Stress-Free
You might have captured the uncomfortable gazes of people in the plane once someone with a little kid enters the plane. While no one wants to listen to crying and screaming of the kids, no parent wants to see themselves in this awkward situation either. Kids are kids and we shouldn’t expect from them the same level of patience at airport security, passport control or the plane as we would expect from adults. However, proper planning and preparations can reduce these impacts and provide you with stress-free travel experience even with the kids.
Here are some of the best tips that can help you in achieving this goal:
Always Try to Book Early Morning Flights
Most of the airlines use the same plane on different routes non-stop. This means that if you are flying from Madrid to Berlin, you will most likely get boarded in the plane that just landed in Madrid from, let’s say, Paris. However, if the delay happens on the first route, you will most likely get delays on your flight too. This is not the best-case scenario even when traveling solo, not to mention traveling with kids.
In order to avoid such developments, always try to book early morning flights. Yes, we know, waking up at 5 in the morning takes a lot of effort, but, hey, the perks are imminent. The chances that your flight will get delayed in the morning is very little. This is because most of the European airlines start operating around 5 in the morning and most likely your early morning flight will be the first for the crew that day. Besides, you get far less people at security and border controls in the morning than in the afternoon. This way you will avoid standing in the huge line of security control with your boots, laptop and other gadgets in your hand, while trying to comfort your kids.
Dress the Kids Comfortably, Skip the Laces, Buttons etc.
As mentioned already you shouldn’t expect from the kids that they will sit in their designated seats for the entire flight. As soon as they feel uncomfortable, they will make sure that you and people around you are aware of the fact. That’s why it’s always better to dress them in comfy clothes and shoes, ideally in layers. You can also opt out for shoes with zippers so you can take them on and off easily, without spending too much time.
Have Some New Toys with You as a Surprise
Who doesn’t love getting new items? Well, I do. And so do the kids. They love getting presents, especially in the situations where they don’t feel comfortable. Always have two or three new toys wrapped in confetti, that they can unwrap. New toys will most likely grab their attention, so you can be chilled and worry-free.
Always Have Air Plugs for the Kids
While we recommend having air plugs for yourself too, it is detrimental to have those little items for the kids. You might have experienced how plugged your ears get once the plane takes off and maintains high elevation. While you don’t necessarily cry out of your body to reduce the impact, you know it’s not the best thing that can happen to a person. Now, imagine how does it feel for the kids. In order to relieve their pain and possible outcomes of this pain, always have several pairs of air plugs with you.
Get a Window Seats for the Kids
Do you remember your first flight? How hard you have tried to get a window seat so you can take one of those super-cool pictures of the plane wing and the clouds? Well, I do. It took me more than 10 flights to finally give up on this trend. The same applies to kids as well. They will love every second of flight if they get window seats and have a chance to look outside and count the clouds. While it might cost you extra 25$ per seats (depends on the airlines, really), it is totally worth it.
Conclusion
Flying with kids is a challenging experience, but with proper planning it is very much possible. Once you know every step of your travel, it is easier to plan how to entertain your kids, so they don’t get too tired and uncomfortable. If you are flying from the US to Europe you might need to apply some other tips as well, like considering getting the kids new game, or downloading several cartoons for them to watch. Alternatively, you can get them sweets and chocolate. Also, in case you are traveling to Europe from Non-EU country make sure to know the latest updates about ETIAS System and Visa waiver program.
