Ryan
09-16-2005, 10:30 AM
One of the most common questions I get on my website 'thailand4kids.com' relates to flying long-haul with children, it is obviously something that concerns parents, so I've added this in the hope that it will be of help.
We've flown long-haul with our children (Bangkok London return) many times over the past ten years. The following are my main tips for making long haul flights with kids as comfortable and safe as possible; some of these items you will have to discuss with the airline.
**My first tip is get the right seats, ask for Bulkhead seating, BA/Quantas will normally assign you to Bulkhead Seats, but its worth checking, Bulkhead seats offer much more space.
**Check in early and contact the boarding desk in the lounge to ensure you are allowed to board first, airlines let families with small children board early but they need to know you are their, so do hover near the boarding desk.
** Prepare an in-flight travel bag:
--*Warm clothes for everyone (pull over or similar) the flight cabin can get cold.
--*A Simple change of clothes for each of you in case anyone is ill during the flight
--*A 500ml water bottle each (the type with the drinking nozzle) so much easier to use than the cups the airline will give you, a lot less chance of spills.
--*Any medicines you or your children might need (if they are prescription medicines take copies of the prescriptions with you) - In addition to the normal medicine pack we always carry antihistamines in case of an allergic reaction to food.
--*Something to play with, read or draw with, story book etc.
--*Baby wipes, moisturising cream, toothbrushes and toothpaste
--* A pen for completion of immigration paperwork during the flight
You should also carry all valuables in your in-flight travel bag but be careful not to make it too heavy.
Food Onboard.
Book children's meals, but if you children are fussy eaters consider taking packed lunches in your in-flight travel bag.
Stay away from foods with sugar, colorants or flavourings as these can make your children restless.
**Sleeping onboard.
We change our children into their pyjamas so that they get as close a regime as possible to home (Pyjamas might be that change of clothes I mentioned above).
We never give our children anything to make them sleep: remember an adverse reaction to some sleeping potion (Chemical or Herbal) might happen 10,000meters up and several hours from a hospital.
**Day or Night Flight?
We have always found the night flight to be better as it is the nearest to normal sleep time.
**Safety on Board
Watch out for heavy things in overhead compartments; watch out for serving trolleys and little fingers hanging over the edge of seats.
**Pushchairs?
You will be able to take completely folding (umbrella type) pushchairs with you, right through to the aircraft, at which time they will be taken off you to be placed in the hold. These are a great place to rest your children while in the waiting lounge before the flight.
We've flown long-haul with our children (Bangkok London return) many times over the past ten years. The following are my main tips for making long haul flights with kids as comfortable and safe as possible; some of these items you will have to discuss with the airline.
**My first tip is get the right seats, ask for Bulkhead seating, BA/Quantas will normally assign you to Bulkhead Seats, but its worth checking, Bulkhead seats offer much more space.
**Check in early and contact the boarding desk in the lounge to ensure you are allowed to board first, airlines let families with small children board early but they need to know you are their, so do hover near the boarding desk.
** Prepare an in-flight travel bag:
--*Warm clothes for everyone (pull over or similar) the flight cabin can get cold.
--*A Simple change of clothes for each of you in case anyone is ill during the flight
--*A 500ml water bottle each (the type with the drinking nozzle) so much easier to use than the cups the airline will give you, a lot less chance of spills.
--*Any medicines you or your children might need (if they are prescription medicines take copies of the prescriptions with you) - In addition to the normal medicine pack we always carry antihistamines in case of an allergic reaction to food.
--*Something to play with, read or draw with, story book etc.
--*Baby wipes, moisturising cream, toothbrushes and toothpaste
--* A pen for completion of immigration paperwork during the flight
You should also carry all valuables in your in-flight travel bag but be careful not to make it too heavy.
Food Onboard.
Book children's meals, but if you children are fussy eaters consider taking packed lunches in your in-flight travel bag.
Stay away from foods with sugar, colorants or flavourings as these can make your children restless.
**Sleeping onboard.
We change our children into their pyjamas so that they get as close a regime as possible to home (Pyjamas might be that change of clothes I mentioned above).
We never give our children anything to make them sleep: remember an adverse reaction to some sleeping potion (Chemical or Herbal) might happen 10,000meters up and several hours from a hospital.
**Day or Night Flight?
We have always found the night flight to be better as it is the nearest to normal sleep time.
**Safety on Board
Watch out for heavy things in overhead compartments; watch out for serving trolleys and little fingers hanging over the edge of seats.
**Pushchairs?
You will be able to take completely folding (umbrella type) pushchairs with you, right through to the aircraft, at which time they will be taken off you to be placed in the hold. These are a great place to rest your children while in the waiting lounge before the flight.