Essential Advice For Surviving A Long Flight With Kids

I am super excited to share that we embarked on a family adventure to Oahu, Hawaii!

It was our very first trip to this breathtaking destination as a family of five, and we were all buzzing with anticipation.

We took on the challenge head-on, just the five of us—my husband, our three kiddos (a 7-year-old and 4-year-old twins), and me.

Flying with young children can be both an exciting and challenging experience.

While we were eager to embark on a new adventure with our little ones, the thought of keeping them content and occupied during a long flight did cause some pre-flight jitters.

But this time we did our research, and we came prepared! I’m here to share the tips and tricks that worked like magic during our long flight to Oahu, Hawaii.

So if you’re gearing up for a long flight with kids, stay tuned because these nuggets of wisdom might save your sanity!

Tips and Tricks for Surviving a Long Flight with Kids

1. Plan Ahead

The key to a successful long flight with kids starts with careful planning. From booking your seats strategically to packing essential items, every detail counts.

Request seats with extra legroom or those close to the restrooms, as these can come in handy during the flight.

Additionally, consider the time of the flight; if possible, schedule it during your child’s regular naptime or when they are naturally more relaxed.

2. Pack a Carry-On Bag for Each Child

Encourage your kids to pack their own carry-on bags (with some guidance, of course) to include their favorite toys, books, and comfort items.

Don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks to curb hunger pangs and keep them occupied.

Keep reading to see our list of best activities to keep kids entertained on a plane.

3. Utilize Technology Wisely

While it’s always great to minimize screen time, long flights can be an exception.

Load up tablets or smartphones with age-appropriate apps, games, and movies that your kids enjoy.

Remember to bring child-friendly headphones to avoid disturbing other passengers.

Many airlines also offer in-flight entertainment for children, so make sure to explore those options as well.

4. Surprise Treats

Surprise your kids with little treats or toys throughout the flight.

Small surprises can add a burst of excitement and help manage restlessness.

Consider wrapping the treats to add an element of surprise and prolong the excitement.

5. Stretch and Move

Encourage your kids to move and stretch their legs during the flight.

Take occasional walks down the aisle, visit the restroom together, or do some simple stretching exercises.

This will help prevent restlessness and keep their energy levels in check.

6. Be Mindful of Ear Pressure

Children might experience discomfort during takeoff and landing due to changes in air pressure.

Offer them something to suck on, such as chewing gum or a lollipop.

The swallowing action helps equalize ear pressure, reducing discomfort.

7. Bedtime Preparations

If you have a red-eye or overnight flight, attempt to maintain bedtime rituals as closely as possible.

Bring along pajamas, a small blanket, and their favorite stuffed animal to create a sense of comfort and familiarity, promoting better sleep during the flight.

8. Stay Calm and Patient

Children can be unpredictable, and even with all the planning and preparation, they might have moments of restlessness or tantrums.

It’s essential to stay calm and patient throughout the journey.

Remember, kids can pick up on their parents’ stress, so staying composed will help them feel more at ease.

9. Embrace the Adventure

Flying with young children is a unique experience that can create lasting memories.

Embrace the adventure, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned.

Be flexible and adapt to the situation as needed, and most importantly, enjoy the journey with your kids.

Related: Essential Advice for Flying With an Autistic Child

Best Activities to Keep Kids Entertained on a Plane

1. Amazon Fire Tablet 

The Amazon Fire Tablet for kids is a game-changer!

Load it up with your kids’ favorite shows, games, and books before the flight.

It keeps them entertained with endless content, and the parental controls let you manage what they can access, so it’s worry-free.

Plus, it’s durable enough to survive a few drops.

2. Headphones 

Headphones are must-have for any flight!

Kid-sized headphones mean they can watch their shows and play their games without disturbing everyone else on the plane.

Look for ones with volume limits to protect their hearing, and choose fun colors or designs to make them more appealing.

3. Fidget Toys 

Fidget toys are perfect for little hands that need to stay busy!

From simple spinners to intricate cubes, fidget toys can help kids focus, reduce anxiety, and keep them occupied without making noise or creating a mess.

4. Color Wonderful Coloring Books 

Color Wonderful Coloring books are endless fun with colors!

These books are filled with intricate designs and plenty of pages to color, providing hours of creative fun.

They’re great for flights because they’re quiet and mess-free.

5. Drawing Toys 

Drawing toys like doodle pads or magnetic sketch boards are no mess, all fun!

No need for paper or crayons. Kids can draw and erase over and over, keeping them entertained while sparing you the hassle of cleaning up scattered supplies.

Plus, they can create without worrying about running out of paper.

6. Plus Plus Tube 

Plus Plus Tubes are compact construction fun!

A tube full of small, puzzle-like pieces that can be connected in countless ways.

They’re perfect for sparking creativity and keeping kids engaged as they build shapes, figures, and even little scenes.

7. WikkiStix 

WikkiStixs are bendable, moldable fun!

These wax-coated sticks can be bent, twisted, and shaped into all sorts of fun creations.

They’re quiet and don’t require any glue or scissors, making them perfect for flights.

Kids can create pictures, shapes, or even little 3D sculptures.

8. Activity Book 

These activity books are jam-packed with puzzles, mazes, games, word searches, and more!

They’re great for keeping kids’ minds active and engaged.

Activity books cater to a variety of interests and skill levels, so there’s always something new to try.

9. Spot It! Classic Mini Card Game 

Spot It! Classic Mini Card Game is quick and fun!

This fast-paced card game is all about spotting matching symbols.

It’s easy to learn and quick to play, making it perfect for short bursts of fun.

It’s also small and portable, fitting easily into a carry-on.

10. Scratch Art 

Scratch Art magical art reveal!

These kits let kids scratch off a black coating to reveal vibrant colors or patterns underneath. It’s like magic!

They’re mess-free and very engaging, making them perfect for quiet, creative play on a plane.

11. Spiral Art 

So fun making mesmerizing Spiral Art designs!

With a few gears and pens, kids can create beautiful spiral designs.

It’s a fun and relaxing way to pass the time, and the results are always impressive.

Spiral art kits are compact and easy to use, perfect for travel.

12. Search and Find Books 

Search and find books are a treasure hunt in a book!

Kids love hunting for hidden objects in these detailed, colorful scenes.

It’s like a treasure hunt on every page, keeping them entertained and boosting their observation skills.

13. Metal Blox Go! 

Metal Blox Go! are tiny building wonders!

These tiny metal building blocks let kids create intricate, sturdy structures.

They’re great for developing fine motor skills and creativity, and the compact size makes them easy to pack for a flight.

14. Melissa & Doug Magnetic Jigsaw Puzzle 

The Melissa & Doug magnetic jigsaw puzzle offers puzzle fun without losing pieces!

These puzzles have magnetic pieces that stick to the board, so you don’t have to worry about losing pieces mid-flight.

They’re engaging and fun, providing a satisfying challenge for kids.

15. Mind Puzzle

Maze ball is a mind-puzzle challenge!

This 3D puzzle ball is like a maze that you solve by tilting and turning it to guide a small ball through the tracks.

It’s a fun, hands-on challenge that can keep kids captivated for a long time.

16. Bendon Reusable Sticker Book 

Bendon reusable sticker books are stickers without the waste!

Kids can place stickers over and over, creating different scenes and stories each time.

It’s a great way to encourage imagination and storytelling, and the reusable stickers mean less waste and more fun.

17. Dot Sticker Art 

Dot sticker art is easy and fun creativity!

These kits let kids create colorful pictures using dot stickers.

It’s a simple but satisfying activity that’s perfect for flights because it’s quiet, mess-free, and keeps kids focused.

18. Skillmatic Search & Find

The Skillmatic search and find activities are engaging and educational!

These books are full of fun challenges where kids have to find specific objects in busy scenes.

They’re great for improving observation skills and keeping kids entertained.

19. Crayola Activity Pad 

Crayola’s Activity Pads are all-in-one fun!

These pads are packed with a variety of activities like coloring pages, puzzles, and games.

They’re a one-stop shop for keeping kids busy, and Crayola’s name means quality materials that are fun and easy to use.

20. Your Kid’s Favorite Toys

Letting your kid have a few of their favorite toys during a long flight can be incredibly beneficial.

Familiar toys provide a sense of comfort and security in an unfamiliar environment, helping to reduce anxiety and keep them at ease during the journey.

Additionally, these toys can act as a form of emotional support, serving as a distraction and helping kids cope with any potential travel-related challenges, making the overall flying experience more enjoyable for both kids and parents.

Final Thoughts

Surviving a long flight with kids requires careful planning, creative entertainment strategies, and a positive attitude.

By following these tips, you can make your flight a fun and stress-free experience for the whole family.

So, buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with your little travelers! Bon voyage!

Recommended

• Essential Advice for Flying With an Autistic Child
• 15 Fun Family Adventure Ideas To Do With Young Kids
• 16 Great Games For The Best Family Game Night Ever!