Traveling with kids on a long-haul flight can be daunting, to say the least,, but with the right preparation and mindset, and plenty of practice, it can become less disastrous :) My two sets of twins have been on over 200 flights and have flown from Boston to Vietnam over 15 times. Here’s a few things I’ve learned along the way that can help you on your next long haul adventure.

Before the Flight

1. Booking Tips

Choose flight times that align with your children’s sleep schedules. We prefer, for a flight over 8 hours, to leave later in the evening.
If you have a connection between two long flights, we like to have at least 3 hours so we can run around and re-adjust before the next flight.
Select seats strategically: with 4 kids, we’ve tried every configuration. We prefer to sit front to back vs. across. We find that by sitting one row in front of the other, it’s less distracting for the kids. If you are a family of 4, book the aisle and window in each row; you can always switch with the middle seat, but sometimes you get lucky and get an extra seat.
If you have to pay to pick seats, I always pay – seat selection is important, IMO
Don’t forget to order kids meal or note your dietary restrictions.

2. Packing Essentials

Carry-on luggage should include snacks, a change of clothes, necessary medications, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket. DON’T OVERPACK. The worst feeling is having too much stuff and not being able to move around the airport or board. Less is more and often we don’t even go into our bags.
Do put the snacks in a separate tote that can be thrown away if it gets messy. Do bring throw away cups to put snacks in. Do bring wipes to clean up all the messes and a small trash bag to stay organized.
Skip the travel pillow, earplugs, and eye masks; most long hauls with provide. Too much stuff will weigh you down.

3. Prepare Your Kids

Discuss the trip: Explain the journey, the duration, and what to expect.
Make it an exciting adventure and get them excited, as well as “involved” in the process, as much as possible.

During the Flight

1. Entertainment

Load up a tablet with movies, games, and apps. Don't forget headphones – preferably child-sized for comfort. Don’t forget an extra charger.
Bring books, coloring materials, and small toys to diversify entertainment options, but don’t overdo it.

2. Comfort and Health

Dress your kids in comfortable layers.
Do give your kids water and liquids so they don’t get dehydrated, but not too much that they have to pee, because taking kids to the bathroom on airplanes is the worst, but inevitable.

3. Snacks and Meals

Pack a variety of healthy snacks. Familiar foods can comfort kids amidst the unfamiliarity of flying.
Order kid-friendly meals when available or bring your own.

4. Stay Active

Take regular walks down the aisle with your child to stretch and prevent restlessness.

After the Flight

1. My fool proof tips for combatting jetlag!

No matter what time you arrive, DO NOT NAP, make it your goal to stay up until at least 8PM local time.
Get outside and stay active. DO NOT, under any circumstance, sit on a couch or bed. Avoid long car rides where they can fall asleep.
Fresh air is the best, as well as feet on the ground. Even taking off your shoes and walking on the ground is great, as weird as that sounds.
Take a shower and get back outside.
Eat well and hydrate. Try and eat on the local time schedule.
Can bribe kids with extra sweets or snacks, but stay active.
If you’re open to it, Melatonin can help kids to fall asleep and get on the right schedule.
Be prepared for early bedtime / early wake up for at least the first 3 days.
Repeat the suggestions above.

2. Post-Flight Recovery

Be easy on your kids and yourself!

Conclusion

Less stressed parents make for more adaptable kids. Be prepared but be ready to pivot at any time. Flexibility and adaptability is key. Don’t let fear hold you back. You can do it!

Happy Travels

xoxo,

Marissa

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Ultimate Guide to “Stress-Free” Long-Haul Flights with Kids