If you’ve flown with your kids domestically, the main difference with traveling internationally is the duration of the flights. It’s only four and a half hours by plane from Chicago to Los Angeles. It takes almost twice that long to get from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany. That’s a lot of time in the air with kids who probably don’t want to sit for that long. Here are some tips for flying with kids to make your trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Toys for the Plane
To keep kids calm on plane rides, keep them occupied. One of my favorite travel hacks uses an old lunchbox. Pack it full of crayons, coloring books, and small toys like cars and dolls. For older kids, add books and tablets loaded with games and videos.
For tweens and older, make them responsible for selecting their own materials. This gives them a sense of ownership and makes them feel like they’re contributing to the trip.
Have a few surprises but don’t give them to the kids all in advance. Space them out and reveal them throughout the flight. That way there’s always something new.
Limit Screen Time
These days, planes have pretty sophisticated in-flight entertainment options. The longer the flight, the more choices you’re going to have. If you have strong feelings about TV and movie ratings, you can even ask about setting parental controls on your child’s screen to limit what he’s watching.
With all those options, the hardest part may be peeling your kids away from their screens. Manage expectations early by setting limits on how many shows they can watch. Get them to sleep and get some sleep yourself. The cabin crew dims the lights on long flights, which helps.
In-flight Meals
Check the airline website to see if they offer a child’s meal option. Two of the three major U.S. airlines (Delta and United) have special meals for children on international flights. Many foreign airlines do as well. You’ll need to order it in advance, usually at least 24 hours prior to the flight.
Put yourself in their shoes
The most challenging thing about flying with kids, especially little kids, is their sense of time is different than yours. For example, you might say, “when the plane lands, we’re going to our hotel.” But when the plane lands, what you’re actually doing is waiting to deplane, walking to customs and immigration, finding your luggage, changing currency, and getting in a cab line. When this happens, kids think you changed the plan when you just skip all those steps in your head.
For more tips on flying with kids and other travel hacks, check out Travel With Kids: How to Travel With Kids Without Losing Your Mind.