7 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BOOKING AND HOPPING ON A PLANE – A KID-FRIENDLY AIR TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE  

Planning to travel abroad with the family in the air for the first time? That is wonderful and exciting.

However, the sheer idea of it is probably raising the hair above your upper-lip. Thus, you’re most likely thinking about the planning and asking yourself a lot of questions. 

What documents do I need? How will be the flight? When is the best time to fly with kids? How long before the flight should I get there? What should I pack? Can I bring the car seat and stroller? And down the rabbit hole you go.

Geez girl, that’s a lot of questions!

While Google can answer them for you, it doesn’t plan for the unexpected, and that my friend is what we are here to help you do.

Most people are supportive and kind when you travel with kids on an airplane but not everyone.  Although a grumpy old lady rolling her eyes at you because your child is having a fit is out of your hands, you can’t control her reaction, there are ways to avoid the fit in the first place.

Proper planning and preparation is key to making your air travel experience a smooth one from booking your flight to passing through customs.

This article will provide stress relieving tips and advice to make your planning easy peasy.

Travel documents

A rookie mistake is to book a plane ticket and think that all that needs to be done is to pack our bags and show up to the airport.  

Not only to cross a border you need a passport, but it can’t be expired.  In fact, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country.

A passport renewal is usually pretty quick when you already have all the papers but when it’s the first passport it can take weeks or month(s).  So before booking your plane tickets, make sure that your papers are in order or at least know what kind of time frame you are working with.

Moreover, your travel destination might require a visa or special shots. While some visas can be done at the point of entry of your destination, some will require extra leg work.

As for the shots, it could get tricky if you don’t plan ahead.  When we planned our trip to Colombia, we needed a Yellow fever shot.  It turns out that in Canada, at the time, there was a shortage of it.  In order to get it we had to share a dose with two other people.   Luckily, we didn’t have to put an ad out and we were able to get our shots a month before leaving.  

If you are travelling with kids, even a baby, you’ll need passports for them as well.  You’ll need a letter of authorization to leave the country with your child if you are not travelling with your spouse.

Picking your departure time

Picking your departure time can be tricky when you are travelling with kids and depending on their age.

If you are travelling with a baby, read our Baby Travel Guide on how to pick the best time.  However, it is easier to fly with a baby than a toddler as there are more chances that he’ll sleep longer during the flight.

Morning flights

When you pick a morning flight you have a better chance to avoid delays at takeoff and landing according to a flight attendant.

Make sure your child gets a good night sleep the night before so that he doesn’t get cranky on the plane.

Bring snacks so that when you land, your child can eat something to hold him over in case you arrive at lunchtime.

Afternoon flights

Afternoon flights are good if your child is still at the age to take a nap.  If that is not the case, wear him out with some outdoor activities in the morning.  More and more airports are also providing playgrounds in which kids can stretch their legs.  Make the most of it and let them run around.  This is particularly helpful when you have a long plane ride.

Night flights

Personally, I find night flights to be better as they are easier to respect a child’s routine.

Bring the PJ and whatever else you need to recreate the bedtime routine.

If the plane leaves after midnight, always double check your dates. Do the same thing when there is a time difference with your destination (leaving-departing).

In the end, as a general rule of thumb, work around your child’ routine when they get sleepy and when they have energy.  Fly during nap time or nighttime sleep.

Layovers

Avoid flights with long or short layovers and late-night connections when you are travelling with kids.  Your child might throw a tantrum if mother nature doesn’t do it first.

With a layover you take a chance in seeing your flight cancelled or being delayed.

We had a 3h30 long layover in Miami on our way back from Costa Rica; we never made our connecting flight. To top it off, our connecting flight was at 8:40 pm, so there were no other flights that day to our final destination. You can read about our unplanned extended layover in Miami HERE.

When you have a short layover, less than 1h30, you might have to rush to your gate if your first flight arrives late.  That means that you have to gather up all your stuff, even have to go and get your checked bags and do it all over again.  If on top of that yo have to do that with kids, alone, it’s not fun.

If a layover is unavoidable, bring things that will keep the kids entertained during that time.  This will prevent them from being bored and fidgety.  Also, feeding them could help keep a potential tantrum at bay.

Picking your seats

Picking your seats on the airplane is just as important as the schedule.

A window seat is more comfortable and provides extra head rest.  Also, kids can enjoy the view and look at the sky, the ocean, coloured fields, city lights, etc.

They also won’t be disturbed as much if your neighbourgh has a small bladder.

Obviously, front row seats are the best as they provide extra leg room and are closer to the bathrooms.

If your child is prone to motion sickness try to avoid sitting toward the back of the plane where the ride is bumpier.

Christie poulton

Preparing for air travel

There isn’t too much you can do in terms of planning to prepare your child for air travel.

To start off, you can explain to your child the different steps you’ll be going though at the airport.    That way, your child knows what to expect.  Do so every time you travel by air to create good habits.  Later on, your child won’t be intimidated or afraid to travel on their own.  Also, explain to him what he should do in case he gets lost.  We always talk about a meeting spot in case that happens.

When they are of age to understand, make sure you let them know what gate you are supposed to board at in case you forget.

Toddlers might be interested by an airplane toy, or a book on airplanes.  Prior to boarding, point out the airplane parts.

Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than usual to allow yourself extra time.  There can always be an unexpected potty break or diaper change when you arrive. If you see that there is a long line to pass airport security, make sure you stop by the bathroom.

For other ideas, check out our Guide on how to prepare a child for travel.

After explaining the different steps to go through at the airport, don’t forget to mention the proper etiquette to have at the airport and on board.

Airplane Etiquette

While you can’t please everyone nor need to have to worry about disturbing the other passengers with your child, there are some things you shouldn’t do nor let your child do that would for sure cause an inconvenience.

Here is the what not to do list, DON’T:

• change your child on your seat.
• let your child kick the passenger seat.
• let your child jump on the seat.
• run around the cabin.
• let your child pull a passenger’s hair.

Finally, minimise the toilet trips and noise level and respect each other’s private space.

Immigration

When having to pass through immigration and customs, you might have to wait in line for a long time.

Go to the bathroom when you get off the plane before doing anything else.  This might also be an appropriate time to do a quick change, get all your papers organized before getting in line.

If you are lucky, there might be a priority line for families, just ask a customs worker.

Pack only carry-ons, if you can, so that you won’t have to wait for your luggage and head on straight out from the airport.  Need ideas on how and what to pack, read our Carry on packing guide for ideas.

Finally, once you have arrived, plan a recovery day after your long flight to get over jet lag. Take it slow and enjoy your well deserved vacation!