Air travel with children: We recommend these 8 tips
When the vacation is just around the corner, the excitement and anticipation are great. If you have decided to travel by plane, mom and dad may also be a little nervous. After all, not only the vacation itself, but also the flight is a big adventure - especially for small children. We have put together a few helpful tips for you that we would like to recommend to you from our own experience.
1. The most important documents always at hand
It is best to create a small folder in which you put together all the important documents and which you can easily take with you in your hand luggage. These documents should always be within reach:
- passports of all fellow travelers
- Travel documents (booking documents, information and tickets for arrival and departure as well as for the stay on site)
- health insurance cards of all fellow travelers
- your child's medical record (including vaccination certificate)
- for unmarried couples: a copy of the custody declaration
(Background: There are countries that check very carefully when entering the country – especially if there are different surnames. Keyword: child abduction)
2. Change of clothes in hand luggage
Be sure to put a change of clothes in your hand luggage - not just for your child, but also for you adults. It can always happen that you have to wait a long time for your suitcase. In this case, it is helpful to have spare clothes on hand.
A good rule of thumb is to be able to get through two days with fresh underwear, socks and maybe shirts. Suitcases usually turn up again after two days or you can buy things more easily at your destination. By the way: good airlines will reimburse purchases up to a certain amount if they are lost for a longer period of time. It is best to check with your airline in advance.
3. Food and snacks for the flight
What many people don't know: airlines don't offer child-friendly food. Therefore, you should always pack enough food for your little ones. Whether it's porridge or pasta with sauce - you can easily heat up the portions in the microwave on the plane. And if you're a little hungry, you can of course have a small snack. Important : It's best to transport everything in transparent containers.
4. Pillows and blankets
Because the air conditioning can make it quite chilly on the plane, you should always have a blanket with you. A pillow will make it even more comfortable. If your child is already sitting in their own seat, a pillow is useful for leaning back comfortably. If your child is still sitting on your lap (children under 2 years old travel on their parents' laps), the pillow can help prevent your legs from falling asleep.
5. Passing time with stuffed animals, films, etc.
Especially on longer flights, it is helpful to plan enough activities for the children. Cuddly toys are ideal travel companions for the little ones and help them to relax and fall asleep better. Coloring materials or small books are handy and help against boredom. Children's films or series, which you should download to your smartphone or tablet in advance, provide a special variety. This is because WiFi access on airplanes is often very expensive.
Another extra tip: It's best to always take disinfectant wipes with you and use them to clean the small fold-down tables on the front seat backs. These are real virus spreaders on the plane.
6. Help with pressure on the ears
It's unpleasant even for us adults - this feeling of pressure in the ears when the plane takes off and lands. It's even more unpleasant for small children. Earplugs can provide some relief. It's best to choose ones for children - they're easier and safer to remove from the ears.
Chewing gum is also suitable for children aged 5 and over. And it comes in many delicious flavours.
7. Book a window seat
If possible, you should book a window seat for the little ones. This is where they can look out and watch what is happening particularly well, especially during take-off and landing. And if they need some rest or sleep, they can make themselves more comfortable at the window seat.
8. Keep calm
A flight is always exciting and of course also tiring - especially for small children. So if your child gets restless or cries, worry about your little darling - and not about what the other passengers might say. Free yourself from the pressure that your child should be as quiet and well-behaved as possible. The most important thing is that he or she is well. We wish you an exciting and thrilling trip that you will always remember fondly!
