Flying with kids can be a handful and downright stressful; here are a few handy tips for flying with kids on a budget airline.
Flying with kids at any time is always a stressful event in life, even more enduring when it’s a long-haul flight. At first, the kids are excited about going aboard a jet plane. However, excitement eventually turns into boredom as reality sets in. They are in for a long flight, and there is nowhere to go but to stare at the seat only inches before them.
Before too long, the excitement turns into the kids being fidgety, and then the annoying whinging sounds start, along with the comments of “I’m bored” and “Are we there yet,” those with kids know what I’m talking about with flight struggles. If you are truly unlucky, the embarrassing tantrums might come next (we have all seen them on flights, whether it’s your kid’s or others on board the plane), and before you know it, you’re getting evil stares from those around you who don’t have kids with the vibes of “shut those kids up.”
Flying with children becomes a minor issue if you are unprepared. Whether flying with a baby, toddler, or grown kid, you will face fresh challenges on most flights. Fortunately, many of your problems are solved if you fly with major airlines like Emirates, Qantas and Singapore Airlines, to mention a few of the big brands in the aviation world. The unfortunate reality is, what about those budget airlines like Air Asia and Scoot that don’t come with the frills offered by the significant liners?
It sounds like a little problem. You save hundreds of dollars on a cheaper flight, but in the end, it could be more stressful. However, it doesn’t have to be stressful because while budget airlines may take away the frills, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring your entertainment onboard.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I am a father of two who makes plenty of parenting mistakes, and I’m sure there are parents out there who could offer me a few handy tips for flying with kids to help solve a few personal issues. Every family is different, and each has avenues for working through life’s first-world problems, like travelling with kids on a budget airline.
Why not share some wisdom with you on what works for me when travelling with kids on a budget airline? In the meantime, I may save you a few extra dollars because you’ve adhered to these tips. Let’s get into it.
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Handy Tips for Flying with Kids on a Budget Airline.
Handy Tips for Flying with Kids on a Budget Airline
With airfares at an all-time low, there has never been a better time to take the family on vacation. But cramming into a small space for hours can be daunting for parents flying with young children. Fortunately, some handy tips can make flying with kids a breeze – even on a budget airline.
Prepare for the journey in the Air.
Travelling with kids can be challenging, particularly when flying on a budget airline. However, proper planning and preparation can make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to ensure that you and your little ones are fully prepared. Please list all the necessary items, such as nappies, wipes, food, and drinks, and don’t forget to pack your kids’ favourite toys, books, or electronic devices to keep them entertained during the flight.
Once you are on the plane, try to keep your kids engaged with simple games or activities like drawing, reading, or storytelling and bring some snacks to keep their hunger at bay. You can also download kid-friendly movies or TV shows to entertain them on your tablet or laptop.
With proper planning and preparation, flying with kids can be a breeze, and you can make memories that will last a lifetime during the flight.
Choose your seat carefully.
When booking your flight, it is always a good idea to check if the airline allows pre-selection of seats. If this feature is unavailable, arriving at the airport early is advisable so you can choose the most appropriate seats for you and your children.
If you are travelling with younger children, selecting seats that cater to their needs is essential. For example, choosing seats near the toilets can be a lifesaver when your child needs to go urgently, especially if a long queue is involved. Similarly, sitting closer to the front of the plane can save you from the hassle of lugging carry-on bags and children to the back of the aircraft.
In summary, pre-selecting your seats or arriving early to choose them can make your air travel experience smoother and more comfortable, especially when travelling with children.
Bring those Electronic Devices for travel with kids.
In this modern world, every family with kids has a Samsung tablet, iPad, or whatever device you have in the household; perhaps these items must be in the kids’ flight bag. Bring the handy electronic devices on board, download a few movies legally and include a few games appropriate for the flight, and you’re set for a couple of hours.
Be sure to download any games that don’t require internet access to play the game, or you may create further stressful problems; there are plenty of games available out there, and some aren’t half bad.
Many budget airlines provide entertainment if needed, but it does come at a price that is not cheap; it’s always better to bring your leisure to keep those travelling happy.
Another side note is to bring some kids’ headphones and plug them in. Other passengers sitting around you don’t need to listen to the games or the movie your kids are watching, flying should be a quiet experience, at least that is the hope for most passengers.
Have a Snack before flying with the kids.
Flying on a budget airline can be an economical way to travel. Still, it’s essential to know that these airlines do not provide complimentary food or drinks unless you pre-book a meal during check-in or purchase snacks during the flight. It’s wise to plan a satisfying meal before boarding your flight and ensure your children are well-fed before embarking on a long international journey.
However, you can bring your snacks on board the flight, although it’s important to note that some budget airlines prohibit outside food on the plane. In my experience, I’ve never had any issues with bringing my snacks on board, so it’s worth packing a few to enjoy during your flight.
Whether you prefer sweet or savoury snacks, bringing your food can make your flight more enjoyable and comfortable. Remember that some airlines may not allow outside food, so plan accordingly. In any case, don’t let fear hold you back from bringing your snacks onboard. The airline crew is there to make your flight a pleasant experience, not to kick passengers out mid-flight.
Bring some snacks on the plane.
Most of us have experienced that unpleasant feeling of being hungry – a state of irritability and irrationality caused by hunger. This condition can be even more pronounced in children, who have smaller stomachs and burn through energy more quickly than adults.
Therefore, your little ones must have snacks when travelling, especially during long flights. Prepackaged foods, such as granola bars and dried fruit, are ideal for this purpose, as they don’t need to be refrigerated and can be easily consumed on the go. These snacks provide a quick energy boost and help prevent your child from becoming cranky and restless during the flight.
Know your kids and their behaviour.
As I said, every kid is different, and no one knows them better than their very own parent. I know what my kids want, and you know what your kids wish; each circumstance is different according to a child’s desires and needs. Do they like to draw a picture, or do they prefer a book? Perhaps there is another noise-free activity you know your kids love bringing on the flight. Bring it on board.
Know your kids’ needs and create a stress-free flight by bringing a few games, coloured pencils, drawing paper and an excellent book to read to help entertain the kids over a long period. Aeroplane travel with a toddler to grown kids may create a few headaches, but I am sure something out there could benefit you and the kids.
After 10 pm, it’s time for a good night’s sleep.
Are you boarding a red-eye flight halfway through a long trip deep into the night? Please turn off all those electrical items; it’s time for the children and parents to get some shut-eye. The kids won’t get into any sleep patterns playing games on the phone.
That means no tablets, no phones, no books, no drawing and no distractions, and everything is switched off. The kids need to sleep in preparation for the next day, and the parents need to at least attempt to sleep; you may get lucky and sneak in a good half hour. So after ten, everything is off.
Bring a stress ball.
The stress ball is not for the kids but for you, the parent. It is better than losing my mind on a flight. Of course, this last one is a subtle joke because you know aeroplane travel with kids is not easy, but at the end of the day, you’ll always make it through and hopefully have a smooth flight throughout your journey.
Now it is over to you. I have given my two cents’ worth of air travel tips, and now you have to work out what works best for your family, remembering that every family is different. Don’t stress; however, you’ll soon arrive at your destinations, where your holiday awaits in paradise, and the long flight will quickly become a distant memory until you return home.
Good luck and happy travels to you.
Do you have Children? What works for you when flying with kids? Please reply in the comments below and let me know your secret.
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Flying with small children is common for budget airlines such as Air Asia.
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