I am in the midst of my third trip back to the USA with kids. Along with questions about jet lag and reverse culture shock, one of the questions I always get is about taking kids – particularly a baby – on a long-haul flight.
And it is a flight. I live in Berlin with roots back in Washington State. That means my flight “home” is usually through London, Copenhagen, or Amsterdam, then onward another 9+ hours to Seattle.
Before kids, I almost found this flight enjoyable. It was time to put up feet (figuratively), watch a movie or three, indulge in a beverage, and truly just relax. Now…it is different.
This is the Porter Family after a full day of flying PHOTO: Erin Porter
With my 4-year-old daughter and 2-month-old son it is all hands on deck between my husband and I. But luckily, we still find it completely manageable with our little travelers. We are far from experts, but here are some tips I can recommend if you find yourself traveling long-distance with children to Germany, from Germany, or anywhere else in this big ‘ole world.
1. Don’t Be Afraid
Everyone remembers hearing about the mom (always the mom, not the dad) who handed out gift bags to all the other passengers on the plane in an advance apology. I cringed when I heard this, even before having kids.
Kids are people too and deserve to fly just as much as the next person. Are they truly any more annoying than the immediate throw-their-seat-back person? Do my children have any less right to travel, to see their family back in the USA? You don’t need to be sorry you are taking your children on a plane, just be sorry if you haven’t taught them how to behave.
People seem surprised that I have flown with both my kids at a very young age (just under 2 months), but I’ve found this is the easiest age to travel. They sleep most of the time anyways, and since I breastfeed I can just offer a snack whenever they get peckish. The true toddler years of 1.5 to three are the toughest fight for survival as they desperately want to move and don’t have the ability to concentrate on anything for long. Around four gets easier again as they are able to employ more logic and reason and understand there is a goal at the end of this. They are also into screen time (there will be more on this later).
Flying with a Baby PHOTO: Erin Porter
2. Pick the Right Flight and Seats
If you can pick a flight that echoes when kids sleep and has minimal transfers and layovers – all the better. These things make life much easier for everyone if you can swing it. If not, back to rule number 1. It will be ok.
If you can afford a roomier seat -do it! We can really only afford to fly at a truly basic level and we’ve survived, but what I wouldn’t give for those roomy bulkhead seats or – swoon – first-class. That would be amazing. The space will greatly increase your comfort, thus the ability for you kid(s) to also relax. Note that children cannot be in the emergency row and economy bulkhead seats do not have baggage storage. I can’t imagine a downside to first class.
3. Pack a Bag Just for Them
You should have a kid(s)’ carry-on bag at the ready, and the cuter the better. My daughter has a Frozen bag I would have never purchased, but she loves it so much she is happy to proudly pull it through the airport and take ownership of her travel.
3. Bring Snacks
In this bag, there should be snacks. Lots of them. This is not the time to be a prude about your kid(s)’ goodies. For your sanity and theirs, pack the big guns. Things you usually say “no” to, say “yes”.
At the same time, watch how much sugar you pack. There is nothing fun about dealing with a sugar-high child on a plane. On the same note, no one wants to deal with a toddler with an upset stomach.
4. ..and Toys
Think activities like coloring books or those brilliant reusable wipe away books. Places like the dollar store are your friend, but be mindful of lots of little parts. I like the Danish chain store Flying Tiger with lots of cute games and toys for under 5 euro.
Also, I think screen time limits are off for plane travel. I was happy to watch movie after movie in my pre-child days. If that is what makes them happy and keeps everyone occupied – great.
However, you are rarely that lucky that even the most TV-addicted child would watch a show the entire time. Before the flight try downloading some game apps, coloring programs etc. Worst case, letting them take pictures can occupy some time.
5. Wrap Everything Up Tight
Unwrapping is an activity. Wrap up the snacks and new little toys in colorful wrapping paper with ribbons and everything. It makes each offering seem like a gift and it takes longer for them to reveal. We are chasing down the clock here.
6. Bring Spare clothes. Several.
Spare clothes and diapers and wipes are a must. Think Murphy’s law. Your potty-trained toddler will revert and your even-keel newborn will have explosive vomits. All of this bathroom drama will end up affecting you – often on your shirt. So spare clothes for them, for you, and then another spare just in case.
7. Board as Late as you Can
I know this goes against some conventional wisdom and many other mommy-blogger list, but this is a guideline I stand by. Why would you spend more time on the plane then necessary? I get bathroom breaks done, load up water bottles, and hustle us all on last-second.
This comes at the risk of not having enough cabin space for your stuff, but I am happy to have some bags stowed away (besides the vital child’s bag). You are often checking the stroller at the end anyways and already have to wait at the other end for your car seat/etc.
8. If you have a Layover, Use it
Many airports today have fantastic kids’ areas. Run them, use the bathroom (again), and buy any refills on food you may need.
9. Talk with your Kids
Our pro kid traveler PHOTO: Erin Porter
Kids have different comprehension levels at different ages, but I have always told my daughter where we are going, why we are going there, and what I expect from her. Even though her understanding has varied (and I have had to say it over and over), I think it soothes her to know the plans and what I expect.
One thing I still struggle with is jet lag with the kids, so if anyone has a top tip please leave it in the comments (please!). It is only 5 more weeks til my next long-haul flight back to Germany.
Hi, and thanks for your informative post, always good to share tips with other people how you managed to travel with kids. I don’t know if anyone has the golden rule for jet-lag. Our experience is that the little ones snap into a new routine quicker than older kids, and I think key to managing their jet-lag is to manage yours, because they always wake up before you do and need your attention, so the issue is adult sleep, not kid sleep. Bring them into your bed if necessary, that can work with young children who can often be lulled back to sleep. If you can keep to their general daily routine (in number of sleeps and feeds), if they have one, then it makes it easier to transition to the same thing in a new environment. Try to grab night flights where you can and put them into tracksuits or pyjamas in recognition of the fact that it may be a flight, but it’s still sleeping time. A kid-sized mask may help with older kids, and also a muslin tucked between the seats to create a privacy wall. We fly between Australia and Germany and can often break the flight to have a night on the way and we like Singapore best for this. I don’t know if you also have the possibility of a break on the way but it does help. Lots of luck, it does get better!