For some, the holiday starts at the airport, but for many of us, i.e. those travelling with children, the thought of

juggling the airport chaos and a long plane journey are a real dread!
Well, dread not. By reading this article you can get some helpful tips and advice from a real mum, who travels with real

toddlers!

1.Early Flight
So, first thing’s first. When you are booking your holiday, ask if you can have a choice of flight times. In my experience

it’s far better to travel on the earliest flight possible. Why? Well, first off you can simply lift your children straight

out of bed, straight into the car. Chances are they will remain asleep until you need to get them out again. Once you’ve

checked in you can get them changed out of their PJs and into some comfortable travelling clothes. They will be a bit sleepy

so happy to stay in their pushchairs for a while. There’s also time for them to burn off a bit of energy in the departure

lounge after check-in.

Once you’ve boarded the plane the chances are it’s about time for them to have their early morning nap as they’ve been awake

for a couple of hours (remember, check in times are advised between 2 and 3 hours before flight departure).

And most importantly, I’ve found that the first flight of the day has far less chance of being delayed than one that leaves

during the day, so far less time ‘hanging about’ the airport, trying to occupy little ones!

2.Snacks
If you have got an early morning flight it’s worth bearing in mind that many of the shops, restaurants and cafes in the

airport don’t open until a little bit later. And usually you’ll find the one that is open has a queue that trails back for

miles! Therefore it’s essential to pack a good selection of snacks for your little ones. Even if you’re travelling in the

middle of the day you might not be able to find anything suitable for your children. And if they are getting restless in the

queue to check-in then we all know that a little snack does wonders to keep little ones quiet for 5 minutes!

And don’t forget, the chances are you won’t have an in-flight meal so be sure to keep some snacks by for the journey too.

Remember also that it might be a long time until you get to your hotel, or somewhere you can purchase food at the other end

of your journey, especially if you have a lengthy transfer time.

3.Take Off and Landing
Whether you’re travelling with babies, toddlers or small children this advice is the same. On take off and landing get them

to have a drink. For babies give them their milk. For older children, try a carton of juice. The sucking will make their ears

pop and should avoid any unnecessary ear discomfort. Remember, a child can’t hold their nose and blow through their ears like

an adult can! When travelling with children, airport security will allow you to take on provisions, like bottled milk and

sealed cartons of drink, onto a plane.

4.In-flight Entertainment
With airlines making drastic cuts, children’s in-flight entertainment is a thing of the past, so be sure to pack plenty to do

for your little ones on the plane. Children’s magazines are a great idea – they contain a mix of stories, colouring pages and

stickers. What’s more, many are actually quite educational, weigh nothing and are minimal cost too!

Another good idea when travelling with children is put some presents in your hand luggage. A simple sticker book, a travel

game for example. It all adds to their excitement and helps keep them entertained. If you don’t want to risk wrapping things

up, create a little ‘aeroplane party bag’ – just like you’d expect to get at a children’s party. Fill a little bag with lots

of fun bits and bobs. The kids will love it and again, a small notepad, a pencil inside will keep them amused for a good

while!

5.Travel Games
There’s a huge choice of travel games on the market now; for all ages. Check out your local toy shop, online or even

supermarket. Guess Who? and Snap will keep children (and adults) amused! And because they are small they really don’t take up

much room in your hand luggage.

6.iPods & MP3 Players
Did you know you can load films on to your iPod – take your children’s favourite DVDs and by loading them onto your PC you

can then transfer them onto your iPod. But don’t forget to take some headphones with you too! For smaller children look into

buying the headphones that have the frame that goes over the head, rather than the small ear pieces as they don’t fit!

This is also a good idea of an evening – your children can relax with some ‘quiet time’ and a movie whilst the adults are

enjoying a relaxing meal out and a glass of wine!

7.Change Bags & Medicines
Don’t just think about a change of clothes or nappies in your hand luggage. Don’t forget a pack of wipes – not exclusively

for baby’s bottoms; these handy wipes are a travel necessity, whatever the age!

Also don’t forget to pack your children’s medicine, prescription or otherwise, in your hand luggage too!

8.Comforters
If your child has a comforter, whether that’s a favourite toy or blanket, don’t forget to pack it in your hand luggage! If

they get distressed on the plane their comforter will help calm them down. Also bear in mind it can get cold on a plane so

it’s worth packing a small, soft blanket to aid them to sleep. You can ask the cabin crew for blankets but I find that a

familiar blanket, with familiar smells on it helps no end!