No matter where you’re going and how old your kids are, flying with them is always an adventure. People around you may not be as happy to see children around them, but if flying is your only option, there’s nothing you can do but find ideas that will make your flight easier.
4 Strategies for Stress-Free Air Travel with Your Children
Luckily, you can explore many methods, especially when your loved ones are younger, and as soon as they grow up, everything will be much easier. So, if you and your kids are about to board a plane together, here’s what you need to know.
Talk to them first
Before heading to the airport to take a trip with your family, you must talk to your children and let them know what’s happening. This is particularly true when you’re doing this for the first time, regardless of your kids’ age, and the younger they are, the more critical it is to talk to them. Letting them know what’s going to happen and what they can expect is crucial in these situations, and that’s the only way for them not to get scared when the turbines start roaring. Ultimately, this will determine how stressful your flight will get, so minimizing and controlling your kids’ fear should be your top priority.
Depending on their age, there are several tactics you can use when talking to them. Babies and toddlers won’t understand much, but always being by their side will help them remain calm. Preschool kids will get the gist of flying and find this incredible and exciting, helping them understand that there’s nothing they should be frightened of. Older kids, though, have probably seen airplanes on TV and shouldn’t have a problem staying cool.
All their favorite things
Kids of all ages have their favorite toys, books, and other things that make them calm and help them feel like they’re at home. This is why you should take these items with you and pack them in your carry-on luggage, so they’re always with you. Once the plane starts taking off, these familiar things will soothe your loved ones and let them know they’re safe.
If you wish to take things to another level, you can get your kids their luggage and encourage them to pack their necessities. Again, it’s all about keeping things homely and relaxed, and if they know their unique rucksack and all their favorite toys are with them, they’ll feel better and might even sleep through the entire flight.
Move on quickly
Even though most parents pay close attention to how their kids will act before the flight and ensure they feel good afterward, it is also essential. Whether you’ve been flying for thirty minutes or ten hours, returning to your routine and being far from the airport as soon as possible is essential. This will help your kids forget about fear and stress while flying and encourage them to move on.
This is why some people prefer renting a car at the airport instead of relying on public transportation to take them home or to their hotel. And if you’ve just spent hours and hours on a plane – and that’s something you must do if you’re traveling to distant places like Australia, New Zealand, or Canada – packing your stuff in the trunk and driving away ASAP is always a great idea. So, if you, too, are flying to New Zealand and landing in Auckland, for instance, finding a reliable car rental in Auckland will save you and your kid tons of time, energy, and patience.
Please encourage them to sleep.
As mentioned before, creating a pleasant environment for your kids might relax them enough so that they can get some sleep. Encouraging them to do so is the best idea in the world; if you manage to do that, your flight will be enjoyable and smooth.
You need to apply the same tactics you’re using when getting them to sleep at home – talk to them, sing a lullaby, let them cuddle with their toys, or put on some soothing music. Ensure you avoid any sign of a tantrum or state of anxiety that can make your child feel restless. Other passengers might have a problem with that, but pay no attention – they’ll appreciate your kids sleeping just as much as you will! If you are a little nervous about traveling with many other passengers, hiring a private jet via websites like Jettly can be a solution. This way, you can enjoy a private flight without the concerns of tantrums or restless children.
Strategies for Stress-Free Air Travel with Your Children
Traveling with kids can never be completely stress-free, but using these ideas can minimize the stress and show them how fun flying can be!
