| To some parents flying with children seems like an | | | | time to get to the airport. Aim to leave half an hour |
| everyday flight has turned into a major expedition. But, | | | | before you need to, plan for unexpected delays, and |
| it doesn't need to be that way. The secret to | | | | don't forget about parking. If you're stressed because |
| successful flying with children is to be prepared. Start | | | | you are running late, your children will get stressed too. |
| by checking out the children's facilities offered by your | | | | 7.It's advisable to take your buggy / stroller to the gate |
| airport and airline, and follow the advice below which | | | | - most airlines will let you take your buggy to the |
| offers suggestions for travel preparation and for | | | | plane's door and will then put it in to the hold. It's a good |
| keeping children occupied during their time at the airport | | | | idea to take an inexpensive, umbrella type buggy as |
| and on the flight. | | | | they do get thrown about in the hold. |
| 1.When booking flights try to book the seats at the | | | | 8.Another great tip is to book ukmeet and greet airport |
| same time. I've found it better to book two seats of | | | | parking ( meet and greet airport parking. This is a |
| two with two window seats, allowing the children to | | | | stress free, time saving, ultra-convenient method of |
| have a window seat each. It helps to keep them | | | | airport parking, especially when travelling with children. |
| occupied while waiting to take off. Most children, | | | | All that's involved is driving directly to the airport |
| especially the younger ones, are fascinated by | | | | terminal where a driver is waiting to collect your car, |
| watching the other planes, the luggage being loaded | | | | get your kids and cases out of the car, hand over the |
| and refuelling. | | | | keys and walk in to the terminal. The driver parks your |
| 2.Try to avoid changing planes and book a direct flight. | | | | car in their secure car park and when you return he |
| If a stop over is unavoidable, allow plenty of time to | | | | brings your car back to the terminal for you - just walk |
| change planes, allowing for delays and time for the | | | | out of the terminal building, load up your luggage, and |
| kids to run about and let off steam between flights. | | | | kids, and away you go! It really is that simple. |
| 3.When organising hand baggage, give each child a | | | | 9.Draw your child's attention to everyday life in the |
| small bag with a selection of things to keep them | | | | airport. Chat to them about what is happening |
| occupied during the flight. A small cuddly toy, playing | | | | throughout the journey, even the very young find things |
| cards and coloured pencils are good and, sorry, but | | | | we take for granted, such as checking in hold baggage |
| you can't beat an electronic game or portable DVD | | | | and passing through airport security, fascinating. |
| player. If your children love reading, allow them to buy a | | | | 10.Dress your children in loose, comfortable clothing - |
| book at the airport, the excitement and novelty of a | | | | they are more likely to get irritable and complain if they |
| new book can keep them engrossed for ages. | | | | are wearing tight, restrictive clothing. |
| 4.Take snacks for the airport and water (bought after | | | | By following these tips you should minimise the strain |
| security), include chewy sweets for take off and | | | | on you and your children. Remember a holiday is for |
| landing. | | | | relaxing so focus on the destination not the journey |
| 5.Make sure you pack enough supplies for the flight. If | | | | and above all enjoy your holiday. |
| you have a baby or young toddler, pack plenty of | | | | Paula Garrett is an experienced traveller and mother |
| nappies and a change of clothes. Don't forget to | | | | of two keen to pass on her travel tips for flying with |
| change the baby's nappy before boarding. If you are | | | | children. Check out the Manchester Information |
| trying to toilet train your child - give up on the flight and | | | | website for more hints and tips about flying with |
| use 'pull-ups' - it's just not worth the hassle! | | | | children. |
| 6.Try to arrive at the airport early allowing plenty of | | | | |