Making Long Haul Flights with Kids a Breeze!

If the idea of being trapped in a metal tube high above the ground with children for hours brings anxious thoughts, check out my tips for making long-haul flights with kids much more manageable.

Always pack a travel pillow and blanket in your carry-on.

The ideal scenario during a long flight is to have your child sleep for as much of it as possible. Ensure their comfort by giving each child their own travel pillow and blanket to keep warm and cozy.

You might also consider various gadgets like kid-friendly plane seat hammocks that support their feet, helping them feel more relaxed and encouraging sleep onboard.

Teach them about airplane ear.

To ease the journey, discuss important air travel tips with your children, including understanding airplane ear. This condition occurs when the Eustachian tubes can’t adjust to changing air pressure, causing discomfort and sometimes temporary hearing loss.

Educating your child about this can prevent panic if they experience it while flying. Offer coping strategies such as yawning or sucking on candy during takeoff and landing to help equalize ear pressure.

Bring plenty of plane-safe activities.

Long-haul flights are lengthy, meaning you’ll have to find numerous ways to keep your child entertained. Pack a variety of plane-safe activities like coloring books, stickers, and reading materials. (Avoid pens due to the risk of leaking from pressure changes.)

Invest in quality headphones.

For any flight with kids, especially long hauls, quality over-ear headphones are a wise investment. They are generally more comfortable for extended use and often offer noise-canceling features that help keep children calm and focused.

Consider curating a mix of their favorite music, white noise, and audiobooks for them to listen to. Don’t forget to charge all devices and keep them in your hand luggage when going through security!