How Do You Deal with Young Kids and Long Flights?

This might be too late but when I've traveled with my kids I had more trouble getting things in and out of their backpacks, so I tied pens together on a string and put velcro on the end and velcroed them to the seat in front of theirs. It helped somewhat so pens didn't keep rolling off under seats. I'm now wondering if you could find a backseat organizer (like you would use in a car) that might fit on the back of a plane seat to help with all their stuff and it might be fun to rearrange items in there for the kids. Also, finger puppets are small and can be fun to create skits. Good luck!

Create a goody bag. Use a large ziploc bag full of crafts...crayons and paper, pipe cleaners (to create anything they want), playdoh, etc. I also heard of someone who brought small boxes and tissue paper and wrapped the boxes over and over again. It doesn't have to be perfect, because they'll do it again and again.

Hi, R..

We used to live in Hong Kong and traveled to the States and New Zealand regularly. I admit that I Benadryled Andrew. He first traveled at 3 mos old. At that point, I just let him sleep as much as possible (no drugs at that young) and fed and walked him like crazy for his awake time. When he was older, we used toys, books, food, walks, looks out the window, in-seat TVs (we LOVE Singapore Airlines!) and Benadryl to make the flight bearable for everyone. We had a lot of FFMiles, too, so we upgraded to business as often as we could, and that made it easier on us--more space, and we were allowed to wander into economy, so we had more room to roam. During flight changes, we let him run as much as possible around the gate/in the hallways to tire him out. The more he slept on the flight, the better for us all, and I really didn't want to drug him all the time, just when he was hitting the wall.

Good luck with your move and flight!

As far as food goes keep it simple and as natural as possible. I would stay away from peanut butter and bananas. Kids and adults can get very constipated for several days after long flights from lack of movement - especially children. Fresh fruit (apples, orange cups, peach cups), all natural gummies (not in excess), lightly butted popcorn, trail mixes, healthy cereal in bags. Drinks need to be low sugar so the the little ones are nice and sweet not the drinks!!! You get the idea. The flight attendents are very helpful if you ask in a down time. They want to keep your children happy!!!
Jave a wonderful trip and remember to be very patient on this adventure. Treat it as such and it will be more fun for you and the kids. Laugh a lot!!!

R.:

Hello and good morning! I would gladly trade places with you! I would love to move to Australia! You must be AD Navy - if your husband is AD - thank you both for your service and sacrifices!

Start by preparing them to be on a plane. If they haven't traveled on a plane yet - they will be excited. If you are nervous, they will be nervous. I would just be excited to be moving to Australia!! :) When we were AD, I got Europe and Hawaii instead of Australia! Enjoy it!

Pick up kids books about Australia - so you can prepare them about where you are about to go and what you can do when you get there.

Prepare them for being on a plane. I was lucky when we moved from Travis AFB to Belgium, we drove across country first and that prepared my daughter for sitting for long periods of time.

The flight to Australia should be about 24 hours. I would ask if you can upgrade to business class. However, that's not going to do the trick. I wish I could tell you there was going to be a magic pill or trick to make it easy, but there's not.

Have a backpack for each child to carry with toys that they can take on a plane. Depending upon the airline you are taking, a portable DVD player will be good as well. I know the batteries will NOT last that long. But during a layover, you may be able to charge it.

I believe the flights are done "legs" as well - find out the layover times so that you can be prepared to take them out for a run. Most people on these flights understand the length and the need to get up and walk, you will see a lot of people doing it.

Also try picking up something new to surprise them with in their backpacks - something that either all of you can play together or just two at a time.

They will sleep as well. So will you. It WILL be okay! Sorry for the length of this - I'm excited for you! I hope you are able to make a lot of happy memories in Australia!

Take care!

33 hours!! Oh my goodness where are you going?? I think I would go bonkers if I had to be on a plane that long, let alone the kids. I have 2 boys myself, 5 and 2. I would say to bring along crayons and coloring books, maybe a deck of cards, a book or two, maybe their favorite matchbox car or action figure.... BENADRYL! = )

Good luck and have a great time!!

R.,
When my boys were that age, and we had to make long car trips,
I set up a schedule for myself. At the top of every hour they are awake, I would have a little something for them to unwrap.
A puzzle, a game, some big cards, a book of matching games (dollar store is a good source). Then, at the bottom of every hour(:30), a little something to unwrap that is to eat...a fruit snack, crackers, a small juice box, etc.(nothing with sugar, if possible). Then every 45 minutes or so, have them walk up and down the aisles 5 times. Blessings! L.

good morning;

depending on the time of the flight they may sleep for part of it but if they have favorite characters go online and print out things with them on it. Coloring books, activity books, snacks that they like do not depend on the airline to have something that they will like. Reading books, or books on audio that they can put the headphones on and listen to, I am unsure about portable dvd players but if you can have them make sure you have their favorite movies. I hope this helps and have a blessed move

Hi, R..

Even though my profile says D.C., we actually live in Japan. We took our 8 week old on his first flight from Tokyo to Bali. He is now 16 months... and we have traveled a ton with him... when I say "we"... I should say my son and I. My husband comes once and while... we have done the Dulles to Narita route more than I would really care to do... Austraila is even further... ugh.. I am so sorry, but you will get through it.

My child is younger than yours, so unfortunately, I do not have any age specific tips for you from my own experience... but my husband and I do plan to have more. In preparation, I have been keenly observing those expats and travelers who travel gracefully with 4 - 5 kids, and those who barely survive with 1 child.

I do have some general ones:

1. Do NOT overpack for carry ons - see below.

2. For your 2 year old, I would not recommend a stroller for carry on... check it.... A carrier like the Ergo will simplify your life much more... get you through the airports with your 2 year old. The ONLY exception would be if you have a really long lay over in one airport and you think your children will be able to sleep in it.

3. Bring 1 carry on pull on size - you or your husband can pull it. Put your two year old in a baby carrier like the Ergo. You and your husband can each carry a back pack size bag that will fit under the sit. Your 5 year old will have his/her own backpack. You must pack light and think about how you will move through the airport... you do want to carry extra bags... even if the airline allows it... it just bogs you down and complicates things. Before you leave the house actually practice holding all your bags (after the ones you are checking of course)... make sure that you have a free hand so that you buy a bottled water, pay for a hamburger, etc...

4. Do not carry a single toy/entertainment item for your 5 year old. Have him/her pick out a cute backpack... not small roll on... those are too cumbersome as you try to rush them through the airport. Buy one new toy with your help that they cannot play with until they board the flight. Have them pick out their other toys/books, but they must fit his/her backpack.

5. Research your airports and find out where the play area is... if one exists. U.S. airports are horrible with this... since you are flying through Asia... Narita has a FABULOUS play area in Terminal 2... other airports may also have good spots to hang out... just find out ahead of time and take advantage of the airline exec lounges if you and your husband can get in. Singapore is extremely baby friendly and Hong Kong from what I have heard... so do your reserach for lay overs.

6. Be really, really nice to ALL the airport staff and tip well. Take advantage of all porters and curbside check-in. In U.S., there is no curbside check in for international flights... but I will step to the front of the curbside domestic line and kindly ask the attendent to get a porter to help me with my baggage. For a small tip, the porter will take all your bags and take you to best line, etc... no lifting anything and you can check in there without shuffling your 2 kids and all the bags through the maze of rope.

7. Be really, really nice to all the flight attendents and the passengers around you. Do not allow your child to shout or act poorly when first boarding, before take off or early in the flight. You need to the nip the bad behavior before it escalates... and you need to demonstrate to your surrounding passengers/flight attendents that you respect them, too.

8. I said not to pack any entertainment for you and your husband. I assume that you are not flying business class... if you are, you will be set with this next item, but for us... we fly coach most of the time. Bring bottled water, fruit, snacks, sandwiches, etc... I found the only time that I can eat is when my son finally fell asleep and usually I only had 1 hand to eat... so bring sandwiches for you and lots of water...

My last trip with my son, he was 14 months old... he was more interested in the remote control with all the buttons than any toy I brought.... I know 2 is more developed... so I just don't know what to tell you there, but I do know that most people always bring too many toys.

9. Consider talking to your doctor about a seditive/medicine that will make your children sleepy. While I do NOT recommend this on a regular basis... a 33 hour trip to Austraila once a year is different. I wish that you could pop something to sleep... but those days are over since you need to maintain a clear mind... which leads me to my next point:

10. Do not bring any reading material for you... hah! When you are not entertaining your two year old or attending to the needs of your 5 year old, you will be so happy to just breathe deeply and close your eyes for a second or look at the really crazy stuff for sale in back of the seat pockets.

11. Most important: Alter your mindset. I traveled a lot for business and for pleasure before having a baby... I would have a glass of wine.. enjoy my emergency exit seat, pop a couple of melatonin or benadryl, down 2 liters of water... and sleep... Your mindset now is to pack light, pack smart, maintain your blood sugar, hydrate and keep your kids happy. Don't focus on your trip being 33 hours... break it down. There will be moments, where you just need to focus on the moment or you will break down crying... I did that once... it was awful... but with each trip it gets easier. Other times, just focus on 4 hour increments... 2 hours, 8 hours, whatever you need... but don't dwell on the number 33.

12. Prepare your children by explaining what will happen and practice talking in a quiet voice. Explain to them that the trip can be fun, but it will be tough at times and they must listen to you. My 16 month old gets it. He understands that suitcases mean travel and when he is in large crowds, at airports... he listens more attentively and watches my reaction to gauge what he should do and how he should act.

If you need more advice about what to actually put in your carry on, let me know.

Best of luck to you! You will get through this!

E.T.

Oh your going to LOVE LOVE LOVE Australia:) So my twins (4 years old) and I have been flying around the world since they were born. I have flown with them by myself (hubby is in the Navy) all around the US, to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, and many other places. I think my 4 year olds have travelled more than most adults. So let me start with the actually flight. Call the airlines and try to get bulkhead seats, so no one is sitting in front of you. I would say one of the most frustrating parts of flying with kids is trying not to annoy other passengers (and the kids kicking the seat in front of them is the biggest headache). And also request kids meals for the flight (they serve the kids first and usually have fun kid appropriate meals). So you can feed the kids and get they trays taken away before your meal comes (then you can actually eat too). Now for stuff to bring. . . Let each child bring a special backpack with their own pillow (there are fun animal shaped neck pillows you can get for kids) and blanket - they will be sleeping a lot on the flight and having their own stuff helps. Make sure they wear comfortable clothes and bring a change of clothes for everyone (including yourself). I always hit the dollar shop before a big flight and stock up on new, cheap toys to keep them busy. Some fun stuff - flashlights, flashcards, crayons, books, little dolls, litte cars, etc. For $20 you can have 10 new toys for each child. I wrapped each new toy and let them open a toy on the plane when they are getting bored. Avoid anything that makes noise:) I also bring a bag of their favorite snacks (in indivdual ziplock bags). Avoid candy and anything new! that is what I can think of for now, but if I think of more I will write again. Good luck and have fun!

Hi R. - I always bring new toys, books, and games that my kids have never seen before. That way they will have something new that will keep their interest. I also bring lollipops to help with their ears popping. The COlor Wonder products are great on flights because they are not messy!

If they like to color or draw you could take along a lot of paper and coloring pages with crayons or pencils. I bought clipboards so they could keep them altogether. At walmart you can get ones that open up so they can store there pictures in it. YOu could also buy a couple of new toys even ones from dollar store would work or books to read to them. One time on air trip I bought a small notebook and a strip of stickers and my son who was then 4 enjoyed just sticking them on to the pages.

Can't say it is easy with a three year old. I fly twice a year from Baltimore to Saudi Arabia - for the past 6 years. When he was three I usually had his little backpack filled with his favorite snacks in little ziplocs that would not upset his stomach, and a drink (they allow sippy cups full maybe one now), some little toys like matchbox cars - especially the airplane sets so he can pretend play what is going on around him and outside the window, a pencil or crayons and paper, a book or two to read - paperback and small, especially if you read before bedtime at home, his favorite teddy bear, etc., small, and his small pillow and blanket. Some kind of saline water spray for nose congestion so his ears would not hurt for all the takeoffs and landings - all natural and harmless. And Advil for me. Thanks God for television on the airplane and kiddie meals with toys they give you. My son is a great traveller and always has been, but he never slept much when he was younger. I didn't carry much for myself, all that baggage can get heavy. An umbrella stroller, maybe. And the child and bags went on it on layovers. When my son was older I skipped the stroller. Boy it's hard to carry a sleeping 4 year old while in line at London security which can take awhile. No car seat, check it. Play singing games, card games - flash cards - go fish. And I didn't carry so much, so as to have room so that he could get one new toy in duty free he could pick out -or a book and he loved it. It gives them something to look forward to between flights and then they can't wait to get on the next leg and play with a new toy. Best of luck - and it's only one day out of the whole year. I was a flight attendant for 8 years travelling all the military routes internationally and other scheduled international flights - as far as Africa, Asia, etc...And I most always travel without my husband. You will figure out what is best for your children based on their personalities and how they behave at home. It's like a long car ride, but easier in my opinion. Sleep when you can, and dont be shy to ask for help if you need it, flight attendants do know tricks to keep kids entertained and not disruptive. If they see you are having trouble, a good flight attendant will come by and chit chat with you and the kids, as will other passengers. Only those without children wouldn't understand and even those have sympathy for you. I can be fun and an adventure, believe it or not.

Ah, fellow traveler. I've had many plane flights w/my now 2.5 y.o., and a long flight to New Zealand. Our answer was a portable DVD player, new toys to unwrap, and snacks. I did reasearch on the net for traveling w/toddlers. If he likes his car seat, take it as it leaves him secure if you need to move around. But, you don't have to take it if he needs the room, (or likes to use the tray-table)as my son did. A doodle pro worked for us, and nothing small that can get lost under the seats (it's so hard to bend down to get anything!) One suggestion I used is to attach treasured toys to an elastic cord (like those in sewing notions) and attach the free end w/a safty pin to something so you can retrieve it easily. It helped for us to get him a window seat. When the toys and favorite snacks failed, we turned on the DVD player with his favorite and also a new DVD. All kids are different and many do better than you think! We got ours excited about the trip by talking and reading books on plane rides and vacations so he knew what to expect: airport, waiting, take off, full days ride including nap(or whatever- bring his blanket), vacation-cars (rentals) and motel rooms. It's a challenge, but with preparation, you and they will do FINE! Have a good trip.

I have wrapped little presents like a box of candy or coloring book, etc, and every couple of hours let the kids open one. Also I always bring a portable DVD player with some new movies. Hope this helps and good luck!

R. I am a seasoned flyer with kids I myself have four kids ranging in age from 5 years old to 2 months old and we just got back from California to Virginia. We flew Southwest and they were so nice to let our 5 and three year old hand out snacks pick up trash they even let the 20 month old help out. if you let the flight attendants know that you have helpers they might let them help. My other trick is buy new stuff. If they have not seen it before it will be interesting and exciting. Pack pllenty of snacks. I also take a blanket that they can curl up with. It sounds like a lot of stuff but if each child has their own bag and blanket that they are responsible for it really is not that much especially for that long of a flight. Good luck on your flight and move.

R.,
Wow, Australia! What a ride.
OK, I've only taken 8-9 hr flights with my 3 year old (about to turn 4) and my 20 month old. Here's what worked for me:
Children's audio books (bring along a portable CD player or load them into an iPOD and use a headset) get something they really like.
New activity books (ones they don't see until your in the air) the novelty of a new sticker book or coloring book is good for at least 2 hours.
Playing cards - Go Fish and concentration (where they find matching pairs of cards) can be a good time killer too.
DVDs: you may need to check with the airline your flying on to see if they have good in flight entertainment or if a portable DVD player is needed. My friend's husband (a submariner for the Navy) bought one for his long deployments and his daughters took it over for their long flights to visit grandparents--it worked great.
The moving map: We generally fly British Airways and they have the in-flight entertainment that includes the moving map--it shows you where you are on the globe. This might be of interest to your 5 year old (maybe not so much the 3 year old) if your airline offers it.
The only other thing I can tell you to do is to walk them around the plane frequently--like when ever they start getting that 'ants in pants' wiggle. I found my fellow passengers were amicable to the kids when they were quietly walking up and down the asile with mom. This helps stretch their legs a little and they can see everyone and gives them something new to look at.
Good Luck,
Camilla

Break the trip up into 3 if you can and include an overnight stay somewhere. Take snacks, coloring items, a doodle board, a comfort item for resting w/. Try to travel overnight if you can. Good luck. I am still trying to figure out how we are going to drive 24hrs this summer w/ my 2 and 3 yr old who cant even make a 3hr trip w/ out wiggin out.

Hi R.,

I think that the children may be crying from their ears hurting more than jumping out of their seats. Take a stuffed animal for each. Take something for them to chew or drink to keep their ear drums opened.
Hope this helps. Good luck. D.

If they like to watch movies, one option is to rent or buy a DVD portable player so that they can watch movies during the flight. We flew to California and that kept my 3 children quiet the entire time! Also, we recently went on a 13 hour drive to Florida and we brought a backpack full of travel games, coloring books and notebooks for the kids to write in. It was a pain having to bring the extra stuff but it was a great way to keep the kids busy so that they weren't asking us every 5 minutes, "Are we there yet?". Good luck with the long flight! I hope it goes well.

LOTS of activities to keep them super busy! Some ideas:

Flap books
puppets
paper and stickers
color wonder markers are great because they don't get on stuff
small light up toys that are quiet like a fan(disney store)
lollipops(for take off and landing)
books with magnetic characters

These are a few ideas off the top of my head...hope this helps!

I highly recommend that you get a portable DVD player, if you don't already have. For a flight to Austrailia, see if you can get some extra recharagable batteries, that you can have charged up, because they run out quickly. Of course having a bag of other activites is useful too (coloring books and portable Doodle Pros--I have one for each of my kids). Trail Mixes are always fun for the kids as far as snacks go.

Wow, you have some great advice already.
The only things I would add:
- airline lounges - these have been a huge help for us in the past. When I used to travel for work, the lounges were always relatively quiet places full of business folks - the last few times I've used it, it's been at least half full of people with kids (maybe I just picked the right times of day/months of the year!) You'll have a relatively limited space so the kids have a larger 'safe' space to be in (no large concourses to disappear down), and drinks, snacks and nicer bathrooms on hand. You'll also be able to do the recharging on whatever electronics you have with you - usually the front desk will have the plug converters as well for you to use.
- airlines - different airlines are good at different things. Some have really managed to work out what makes traveling with kids easier (or harder, it seems, with some airlines!) Research what they do from their websites - make sure they routinely bring kids meals ahead of the main food rush (others might do that if you ask, but no guarantee), have separate video programming for children (and check what that is... not just tween/teen boy content, but little kid content), gift travel bags for the kids with toys, snacks, etc. (I remember one of my kids having a heated discussion with a flight attendant once because we only got one in one direction, we thought it was both and hadn't brought anything.... he wanted his goodies!)
- airports - do you have a choice in airports? Some are definitely easier than others to get in and around with kids. I'd probably forgo the ones with the coolest kid play areas, if I could pick one with fewer passengers and lines.
- check the car seat and get the "infant" seat from the airline. Depends on the airline, since they don't all provide an infant seat, but that can be great especially for when they sleep. (Virgin has an EXCELLENT seat - and they won't let you put it in.... one more thing you don't have to do). Lugging your own car seat and installing it with your kids around is a major pain - if you have another grown-up with you, it's a little easier, but with everything else, I've given up on that. If you think the 3yo will be too big, there's also a harness called CARES that helps to really secure them better than the regular lap belt, so will also help keep them sort of upright while sleeping.

We've usually kept our stroller and gate-checked it, just so I can control a kid or two ;-> and as much as possible, have the kids carry their own things. Special/new toys and snacks, a notebook for journalling the whole trip (or just for doodling), spare clothes and regular bathroom breaks to avoid accidents.

Have a great trip, and good luck on the move!

You have gotten such great advice! My daughter is younger than your kids, but I would just stress to bring as little as possible as carry-ons. I limit myself to just the diaper bag and if my husband is with me then he will bring a bag also. The less you have the better! That being said, it is also important to have some (small) new toys/games to help keep them occupied.

And I really like using my stroller and checking it right at the gate when we get on the plane. It was easier for me to have my daughter in her stroller while I eat/use restroom/etc. before getting on the plane. But again, she is not walking, so that might not the the case for you.

Good luck!

Five and three are awsome ages. I have two children ages 5.5 and 3.5 and when we never leave home without our activity bag. What I did was take an old diaper bag and packed it with a zip lock bag with about 10 cars,2 small pop-up playsets (one for each they are the most drop-dead, awsome toy on the planet), dry erase boards complete with markers and erasers, crayons, 3 or 4 small coloring books, sticker books and sticker. Don't forget a deck of cards and who can live without balloons, small chalk boards and chalk (from the dollar store). Since you are taking such a long flight you might want to have a separate bag for each of them that also includes some snacks and juice boxes.

For additional ideas on traveling with kids you might also want to check out momsminivan.com they have great ideas on entertaining the little ones for long trips.

Hope this helps. Have a nice flight.

L. S.

WOW - and I thought our flight to Korea to adopt our son was long. Ok well what I do when flying anywhere with our children - now 12 and 4 - is to bring a protable DVD player or ipod that you can download movies on and bring headphones so they can listen to it without allowing distraction from other noises -(this is my sons favorite). We also use a portable CD player that they can listen to music, and often my son will sing along which is really cute. I also do ziploc bags with different things in them that are a "surprise" and when I see them "in need" I pull one out. Some may have a treat in them, a toy, a book that they can look at or I can read to them, a coloring book with crayons or wonder paper and pens. The dollar store is a good place for these things. Small plastic animals (my son like dinosaurs), matchbox cars/trucks. A small photo album (brag book) with family members, friends, events, etc that can occupy time with talking about the picture and people in them. With our experience on our flights to/from Korea, the flight attendants were extremely understanding, patient and helpful with our kids. They allowed us to stand when needed and walk up and down the isles. So that the kids didn't have to stay confined in their chair the entire time.
Good luck to you and your new adventure. Hopefully some of this may be helpful to you.
A.