Comments on: 34 Great Packing Tips for a Long Haul Flight with Kids

By: Gregor

Gregor — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 09:25:37 +0000

Regarding the kids, packing gets a lot more complicated. And if you find yourself in this complicated situation, these tips will be perfect for you.

By: Cynthia Mohn

Cynthia Mohn — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 05:42:05 +0000

I am going to for my first long haul flight with my two year old son and my thirteen year old daughter. And i am so glade to found your blog with lots of helpful information. I will keep following your tips. Thanks for the sharing such a helpful article.

By: Charles Kosman

Charles Kosman — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 17:58:43 +0000

In reply to Stacey Brown.

Stacey, we flew halfway around the world with Cole when he was 2 1/2 years old and when he got tired, it didn’t really matter what he was sleeping on. Long haul flights are great for giving out blankets and pillows so when it’s time to put your boy down just make sure you have a couple of them handy and the more the better. We actually made a fort once with one and that also helped settle him down since it kept the distractions down.

The biggest thing is to make sure he gets a ton of exercise before getting on the plane. That will help out for sure if he’s typically very active.

As to the sheepskin, I wouldn’t bother however if he has a particular small blanket or stuffed toy that he loves it might help to make him more comfortable. Good luck and safe travels!

By: Stacey Brown

Stacey Brown — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 02:25:59 +0000

I’m about to embark on my first long haul flight (Australia to Thailand) with my three year old son and my seventeen year old daughter. We have chosen a late night flight (10 pm depart), my daughter and I plan on putting my youngest in the middle seat between us to sleep laying with his head on my lap, feet on hers and I’m considering bringing a small sheepskin (from a baby capsule) to lay on the seat for a bit of extra comfort. Has anyone else tried this? Worth the bother? I REALLY want him to sleep!

By: Lynleigh

Lynleigh — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 07:38:44 +0000

I travel three to four times a year, all overseas, mostly all over 4 hours – usually 11-14 hour flights. I find the plane is the easier part, its the airport and customs that my kids (aged 8 and 6) find the most difficult. I also pack lots of ziploc bags (small and medium sizes). the other toy/activity I have found is nice is a small ziploc with some pipe cleaners, pom poms and stick on eyes… they are cheap so it doesn’t matter if they get lost but can be adapted to all sorts of things. I find snacks are paramount as my kids are either asleep or not hungry when the food service occurs. Never ever ever allow them to have chocolate on a plane, I usually take it out of the airplane service and hide it in my bag – maybe for later for them but more likely later for me.

I love wine but I don’t drink on a plane, it leaves you dehydrated and less able to deal with the kids at security at the other end.

Always pack a spare set of loathes for them… the two times that I didn’t, I regretted it – trust me. its expensive to buy spare kids shorts in Dubai airport at 2am…

Lastly, its only one day or two, relax the rules on electronics… it helps everyone!

By: Micki Kosman

Micki Kosman — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:40:18 +0000

In reply to Abby. Hi Abby, You're lucky to have had parents that made road trips a great time. I know a lot of folks who shudder just to think back to them :)

By: Abby

Abby — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:11:38 +0000

I don’t have children, but this brought so much nostalgia regarding the road trips my parents used to take us on. I used to dread the long drives (I was also the oldest), but they made it so fun. And here I am, a travel junkie. And I mock those who can’t read in the car lol.

By: Micki Kosman

Micki Kosman — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 06:10:34 +0000

In reply to Natalie. Hi Natalie, Until I had kids, I would have been right with you on that. I honestly find that my kiddos do better when we travel… Maybe it’s because I love to travel, or maybe they’re just so occupied that they’re not in as much mischief :)

By: Natalie

Natalie — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 02:26:54 +0000

I admire anyone who can travel with kids.The thought of even looking after them for an hour freaks me out. The responsibility is huge and even bigger when you are off your home turf

By: Micki Kosman

Micki Kosman — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 04:11:26 +0000

In reply to Jennifer.

Hi Jennifer, I couldn’t agree more. Charles and I noticed the other day that we’re the only family we know that doesn’t have an in-car DVD system for our kids. We’ve just finished a 12 hour drive with our little ones. For most of the trip, we just left them to their own devices, with some toys and snacks to help out (though they did get to play the on the Nintendo DS and iPhone for the last hour). Sure they got bored occasionally, and we had to intervene to keep WW3 from breaking out once or twice, but most of the time they were just fine. They learn how to overcome boredom, and how to amuse themselves – a skill that I think is absolutely critical (especially today, when we seem to jump from entertainment to entertainment).