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