Boarding a plane when I was a little younger was always exciting. Anticipation bubbling for the journey ahead and eagerness to arrive and discover the destination which had been carefully planned for many months.  There was also a ball of nervousness and suspense while walking up to my seat as to who would be sitting next to me. As we all have done, praying that we are not near any whiny, energetic kid who cries or makes so much of a sound louder than a whisper. Wow, haven’t timed changed. Now that person with the kids is me and instead of praying to not be by any children I pray I am not near anyone who was just like me when I was younger.

I do love flying with children though, and over the years I have learnt several tips to make it even better. Because of what I have learnt over the years about travelling with children I get excited about jumping on a plane, rather than worried. It can be a smooth ride. You cannot plan for everything, but you can plan for the unexpected to a certain extent. Here are a few packing tips which I hope help you out as much as they have helped me.

Suitcase full of treats

I often go to the $2 store before a trip and buy a few toys for the children for the flight. They are going to break, I know that but quite often they last through a long flight at least, and they are a new toy which always goes down well. Add an extra surprise by wrapping them in gift wrap. Children love opening presents. With a carefully wrapped bag of treats, another layer of expectation is added to the trip. Even I get excited as I watch them unwrap them, even if they only cost me $1. 

Neck Support

This can be a big deal if travelling on a long-haul flight. It can be quite uncomfortable as you are in the same seat for hours. Recently I invested in child support pillows. You can get them with gorgeous designs, or like the ones I bought in the shape of an animal, with a semi-circle for a body of course. They are great fun for the children and also a great help with keeping them comfortable. 

Head Phones

I cannot recommend these enough! I tried once, using the headphones on the plane for my boys and they are quite useless to make it plain as they are too big. I have children’s headphones which not only fit them but also have a volume limit meaning when their favourite song starts on the movie they are watching they are not going to hurt their precious eardrums by turning the volume up to the limit. 

Snacks

Yes, pack snacks. You can ask for snacks st anytime while on the plane, which are usually pretty good. But having something familiar when the tummy’s start rumbling at stupid o clock it is always good to have something you can whip out if your bag. 

The Favourite Toy

This may seem obvious but don’t go packing their favourite toy in your suitcase, place it in your hand luggage! I have seen many tornados start with children on flights when they realise Mr favourite I can’t sleep without him bunny hasn’t come on board. Don make the mistake and pack him in your carry on first. 

A bottle

If you have young ones which still have s bottle before bed make sure you have one, even if it is empty. The flight attendants always have fresh milk, and you can take more than 100 mls through customs if it is for your baby. Milk powder also wins. Take note to give the flight attendants plenty of notice when needing it heated though, they do not use a microwave but instead steep it in a cup of hot water, so it can take 15 to 20 minutes. Give them notice before the met down approaches. 

Colouring books and pencils

Perfect for something extra to do with your time. It can be also nice to purchase an activity book from a bookstore at the airport which your child gets to choose before boarding. They are often filled with stickers and other games to keep them occupied, and they are new! Something new, once again, is always a winner.

Clothes

Some flights are cold, some are hot, sometimes a drink spills and sometimes a child just wants to take their top off and put another one on for a reason I do not have the answer for!? Take a change of clothes..it may save some embarrassment if an accident happens.