10 Tips for Flying With Kids
The challenges of flying with kids shouldn’t put you off enjoying a sunny holiday abroad. With a little planning, your trip should go off without a hitch.
Here are 10 essential flying-with-kids tips...
1. Allow extra time
Give yourself plenty of time to reach the airport, since few things are more stressful than travelling with kids in a rush.
By arriving early you'll have enough time to find your gate, get through security, and deal with any last-minute nappy changes and toilet breaks.
2. Bring a lightweight car seat
Invest in a lightweight car seat to keep toddlers in position during the flight. It will help them stop fidgeting and will prevent any escapes into the aisle. Many kids will already be used to sitting in car seats.
Carry it in a lightweight fabric backpack that can be folded under the seat in front.
You might get some strange looks from the flight attendant, but they'll understand after a quick explanation.
Some airlines might insist that the car seat is fitted to a window seat. Ensure the car seat is airline approved.
Does it cost extra?
With British Airways, for example, you're allowed to bring a fully collapsible pushchair, car or booster seat, even with hand-luggage only fares.
3. Make use of family-friendly airport services
Do a little research on your departure airport and find out what family-friendly services are available.
Heathrow, for example, offers a Reserve & Collect baby milk service, which allows you to pick up baby milk or baby food ‘airside’, in preference to taking it through security. They will have it ready after security.
Also take note of play areas to help keep your little one occupied before the flight.
And look out for family-friendly deals. For example, under-16s travel free on the Heathrow Express when accompanied by an adult, and Heathrow restaurants have a 'Kids eat free' deal when an adult buys an item from the main menu.
And of course, take note of baby changing facilities (which are often both before and after security).
4. Choose your airplane seats wisely
If you're travelling with a budget airline, it may be worth paying a little extra to choose your seats.
This means you can make sure you sit together, and you're positioned near those all-important toilets!
5. Ensure your carry-on bag has everything you need
Bring essential items like nappies, wipes, snacks, a change of clothes, toys, books, and any required medication.
Don’t forget that liquid containers of under 100ml are not permitted wen travelling via most UK airports.
6. Prepare your child for the flight
If your child is old enough to understand, talk to them about the forthcoming flight. Get them excited about the journey and the destination, so that "everyone is onboard" with the holiday.
You might also consider an evening flight so there's a higher chance of them sleeping while in the air.
And if they are a little energetic before the trip, find the airport play area and try to tire them out with plenty of running and jumping! With luck they'll nod off soon after takeoff.
If your child does have excess energy after takeoff, walk up them and down the aisle a few times (once the Fasten Seatbelt sign has been turned off, naturally).
7. Protect your child's ears
The change in air pressure can cause your child's ear to hurt (just as with adults).
Bring along a bottle or toddler cup for them to drink from, as well as some healthy snacks. The act of swallowing should help equalise the air pressure.
You might also pack some paracetamol to help ease any pain. These are available in 5ml sachets which can be added to drinks.
And if your child cries, remember this can actually help equalise ear pressure!
8. Bring a blanket to keep them warm
Flights can get quite chilly. Because planes have less oxygen than ground air, hypoxia-related fainting can occur in some passengers. To prevent this, cabins are kept cooler.
The downside is your child might feel the cold - so bring along a blanket or comforter to keep them warm.
9. Bring plenty of in-flight entertainment
Load a choice of TV shows and movies onto your tablet to keep your child happy through the flight.
Consider bringing a USB charging dongle in case you run out of juice. Your child won’t be happy if Peppa Pig stops just before the climax!
And take comfy headphones and a headphone splitter, so you can watch the same show together!
Other airplane activities for kids include games and puzzles. If your child enjoys drawing, consider an LCD/electronic drawing tablet that can be wiped clean after each drawing. If you want to save your offspring’s masterpieces, there are lots of kid-friendly drawing apps for tablets.
10. Don't forget kids have their own baggage allowance
As a travelling parent, you need to bring all kinds of items to make your trip easier. Don't forget that children aged over 2 years have their own baggage allowance - so make use of this!
Flying with kids FAQs
Do kids have to be vaccinated to fly?
In terms of Covid-19 vaccinations, requirements have eased a great deal in the months since the peak of the pandemic. For the vast majority of destinations, you won’t be asked about the vaccination status of your child (or yourself).
Note that some countries may ask for vaccination proof in relation to other diseases, such as yellow fever and rubella. But for your annual beach holiday to Greece or Spain, the check-in desk attendant won't ask about vaccinations.
In relation to Spain, for example, as the Gov.uk website states, "Spain does not require any proof of vaccination, a negative test result, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate to enter the country, regardless of your vaccination status."
Do kids fly free?
Generally speaking, UK airlines do not offer free flights for children. However, under-2s who can sit on their parent's lap may be charged a reduced fare. Check with the airline for any available discounts.
Get a Quote