How to Fly Long Haul with a Preschooler: Top Tips for Sky High Success

"You're doing what?" friends asked me, goggle-eyed, when I told them about our plan to take our somewhat anxious four-year-old on a plane for the first time ever. A twelve hour flight in economy may seem like a baptism of fire, but it could be easier than you might think. Follow my top tips to avoid mile-high misery...

Preparation

1. Fly at night

Book a flight that's close to your child's usual bedtime. You'll get a few hours of peace where you don't need to worry about boredom or restlessness, and they have a good chance of arriving at the destination fairly well refreshed.

2. Let them bond with their luggage

A ride-on suitcase is a great way to get tired legs across a vast airport concourse, and if it can develop a personality in the days before you go, your child will have a friend with them at all times.

3. Preparation is everything

If your preschooler is new to air travel, an airport and all its unfamiliar ways can be intimidating. A great way to prepare them is to find a few helpful videos online before you go. Whilst most are unable to show all aspects of security, it will give your small one some idea of what to expect. You can also role-play baggage drops and security checks to ensure they aren't caught off-guard.

4. Book a window seat

The view can be a source or fascination and diversion. The goings-on at the airport, looking down on clouds, or watching the workings of the wing will be a great way to help keep a young child amazed and entertained.

On the Day

5. Snacks, snacks and more snacks

A hungry child is an unhappy child; keep them topped-up for the best possible outcomes.

6. Don't forget the drinks

Bring their favourite reusable bottle and look for the free water filling points after security. As with food, keeping a preschooler hydrated is key to getting the best out of them.

7. Buy Calpol after security

You probably won't need it, but do you want to endure the best part of a day crammed into a small space full of strangers with a child who's inexplicably developed a fever since you boarded? Head to the pharmacy to pick up any supplies that could come in handy.

After Boarding

8. Keep the bedtime routine

Keep the nighttime routine as similar as possible to home. Bathtime may be out, but you can take a child to clean their teeth and change into their pajamas before returning to your seats for a bedtime story and a snuggle with their favourite teddy. Don't be embarrassed about singing a lullaby, either: no one but your small person will hear your out-of-tune crooning over the sounds of the cabin.

9. Pillow talk

Most preschoolers are too small to be able to reach the head rest, so try an inflatable pillow, or use a rolled up blanket or jumper as a pillow. If you're lucky, the aircrew might offer you a spare pillow from first class.

10. Beat nappy leaks

If your child still wears pull-ups at night or occasionally wets the bed, bring along a disposable absorbent mattress protector or puppy pad. Simply spread this out on the seat before they go to sleep to avoid any disturbance or embarrassment.

11. Swap food from your trays

Many preschoolers are picky eaters, so if there's anything at all from the aeroplane tray that they'll eat, let them have it from your tray as well. If they end up eating only fruit salad and crackers, it could be worse.

12. Snacks from home

If there's nothing to tempt them from a plastic pot or a foil tray, then bring snacks from home for the flight too. There's nothing like the familiar to keep them happy.

13. Cut out the noise

If your little one is sensitive to sound, bring along some noise-cancelling headphones so that they can get a little peace from the relentless aircraft drone.

14. Keep them occupied

Bring along several activities to help occupy the long hours where there's nothing else going on. Colouring books and crayons, activity books or sticker books are all great resources that are easy to pack. If your child likes to be creative, try pipe cleaners for no-mess modeling.

15. Bring a change of clothes or two

Make room in your hand luggage for a spare set of threads; you never know when a bit of turbulence or overexcited preschooler arm is going to send a full cup of orange juice flying.

On Arrival

16. Baggage claim can be fun

The excitement of arrival can easily be tarnished by the somewhat miserable experience of waiting by the baggage carousel. Engage your small person in a game of suitcase I Spy, or take guesses on whose luggage will appear first.

17. Have your transfers organised in advance

There's nothing worse than trying to find a taxi or having to wait for a bus that never arrives after a long flight, so have your onward journey organised and booked in advance. If you're staying with family, call in a favour and ask someone to come and meet you. An extra pair of hands is always useful when there's an exhausted, overexcited child around.

18. Make jet lag work for you

Instead of battling a small child with jet lag, roll with it.

If you're flying East, make the most of lazy mornings, then enjoy taking your child to restaurants in the evening, followed by stargazing or seeing the city lights.

If you're flying West, enjoy dawn hikes or a sunrise at the beach. Make a few excursions where traveling time requires an early start.

So that's it...

That's everything you need to know for a fuss-free flight with kids. Time to take your small sidekicks to a dream destination. Bon voyage!

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