As expats, travel is more than just a rare vacation—it’s a regular part of life. Whether visiting family back home or exploring nearby countries, frequent flights are the norm for many expat families. Traveling with young children, however, adds its own set of challenges. Having crossed the globe multiple times flying with kids in tow, I’ve learned that being prepared is essential for making these journeys smoother.
With proper planning, traveling as an expat parent can even be enjoyable. Here are my tried-and-true tips for flying with toddlers and small children.
Essential Packing for Flying with Kids:
Snacks They Love: Forget about healthy food for the flight. The goal is to keep them content, and snacks they love will keep them happy.
Water Bottle/Sippy Cup: Bring one that they can easily use on their own. It’s a simple way to avoid spills from flimsy airplane cups.
Comfort Items: Pack their favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or lovie, especially for overnight flights. A few small toys can help keep them occupied.
Entertainment: That iPad you rarely let them use at home? Bring it out with kid-sized headphones. Having their own entertainment on long-haul flights is a lifesaver. Plus, your fellow passengers will appreciate the quiet.
Novel Toys: Something new can be a great distraction. Simple items like sticky notes or finger puppets work wonders.
Change of Clothes (x3): Accidents happen, and being prepared with extra clothes will save you from mid-flight messes.
Milk or Formula: Planes don’t stock milk, so if your child needs it, pack shelf-stable cartons. And if you’re breastfeeding, you’re the sole supplier onboard!
Tips for Overnight Flights:
Pajamas & Routine: Dressing your little one in pajamas before or after dinner service helps signal it’s time for sleep. Stick to your normal routine as much as possible.
Sleep Accessories: If you’re in economy, consider the Stokke bed box or an inflatable foot cushion to keep their feet from dangling. Comfort is key to avoiding a restless child.
Behavior Management on the Plane:
Be Prepared: Normal kid noises are expected, but if a meltdown happens, get up and move around. Distraction is your best friend here.
Teach Empathy: If your child’s behavior is disruptive, acknowledge it, and use it as a teaching moment for them to understand their impact on others.
Stay Engaged: Flying with children means active parenting the whole way. Don’t tune out with in-flight entertainment. Make it an adventure for both of you!
Why Preparation Is Key for Expat Families
For expat families, travel is a constant, and mastering the art of flying with kids is a skill worth developing. Unlike the average family who might fly once or twice a year, expats often find themselves on long-haul flights to visit family or explore new destinations regularly. This makes preparation even more critical to ensuring smooth travel experiences. With careful planning, each flight becomes less stressful, and frequent trips become opportunities for bonding and adventure.
Seat Selection: Don’t skimp on this. Always pay to select your seats so that you’re sitting together and in a more convenient spot.
In conclusion, flying with young children might not always be easy, but with the right tools and mindset, it’s manageable—and even enjoyable. As expats, traveling frequently becomes second nature, and with each journey, your confidence grows. So pack wisely, keep your expectations realistic, and make the most of the adventure. If you need more tips or advice, feel free to reach out!
Happy travels!
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