How to Survive a Long Flight With the Kids

by Northstar Travel - 27 days ago - Anywhere - 1 person likes this.

Taking a trip with kids in tow is like the olympics of travelling. There's much to plan and prepare and patience to be had.

Parents recently have been getting a lot of flak for flying with their kids - some airlines going so far as to outright ban children all together. This isn't exactly fair, and fellow passengers should cut parents some slack when dealing with a crying baby or a tempermental toddler.

That said, there are steps parents can take to minimize or eliminate these types of issues.

Some are pretty basic and most parents probably already know: making sure to bring plenty of snacks (especially favorite treats) and allowing your kids to run around before boarding the train (gets rid of excess energy). Distractions are good too, so be sure to pack books, toys, or any other materials that will keep your kids content.

Debbie Durrow of CNTraveler.com had some good tips too. One in particular I liked:

"Worry about jet lag on arrival

You’ll see lots of expert advice on how to best avoid jet lag at your destination. Most of it involves getting your child onto local time before you leave. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that you should ignore it. Who wants a grumpy, sleep-deprived child on a plane? Instead, focus on making sure your child is either calm and well-rested for a morning flight or drowsy for a nighttime flight. For an afternoon departure, try to get lots of daytime exercise, and get your child ready to nap on the plane. With any luck, the soothing engine noise will ensure an extra-long nap. Here are some tips for helping your child sleep on a plane."