To research this section, what parents should do on a long flight with their kids, I thought I’d so straight to the most knowledgeable source: flight attendants. I conducted a survey of 10-12 flight attendants on different airlines and asked what advice they would give to parents of children on a flight. Overwhelmingly, the first thing they said was “Bring them something to do!” I was shocked. Who would bring children on a flight for 6-10 hours without things to occupy them? Well, I guess plenty of parents come blissfully clueless about how to prepare. I know you don’t want to be one of those parents so, here are the comments from the flight attendants.
iPad, Amazon Fire, DS …. Preloaded with games, shows they like … Comfy earphones
No more coloring books on planes so bring them
Legos, something kids can make , transformers
Gift wrap toy to open every hour, 30 minutes … Jumbo Baggie … Dollar Store
Kids can pull own little carry-on bag or have own back pack, blanket, stuffed toy
Kids can get over – tired flying and not sleep – then meltdown in Customs. Make sure they are tired and rest!
Per-order kids meals, if forget, the vegetarian entree is almost always pasta
Kids don’t usually like meat selection
Ask for a pasta meal to be held as there’s more meat entrees on board than pasta
Bring your own foods, snacks, juice boxes … Healthy snacks, not just sugary
Flying dehydrates so be sure they drink lots of water … Not all sodas
Bring diapers … Don’t count on the airline having any
Bassinets – order in advance … Up to 18 lbs
They can be good for sleeping but if there’s turbulence, you have to take child down
Air travel can interrupt sleep … Good to book first row (bulkhead) in any case
Bring change of clothes
Change of clothes in case of “accident” …..
Little bit of everything in case you get stuck somewhere
Baggie of supplies such as Kleenex, children’s pain reliever, wipes, antibacterial gel
Ask pediatrician about Robitussin, medicines, allergy medication
Infants can equalize air pressure in ears by drinking bottle at takeoff and landing
Older kids can chew gum
Do not allow children to walk around in socks or barefoot …broken glass can occur
Few small garbage bags folded up in Baggie may be handy