Tips for Long-Haul Flights with Little Kids

It used to take at least three months to travel from Europe to Australia; now it takes around 24 hours. My grandfather’s grandparents immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s, travelling by ship and having to supply their own “victuals” (such a great word that I learnt from my Pop-Pop when he’d tell this story). Luckily food is now included in the price of the flight ticket; however, flying isn’t always as easy as it sounds, especially with small children. So here are a few tips to make it all go more smoothly.

Send luggage ahead: The flight might “only” be 15 or more hours, but the journey before and after the flight could involve taxis, trains and buses, extending the journey by a few hours on either side. Make life easier by checking yourself and your luggage in at a nearby Swiss train station the day before flying. This works for many, but not all, airlines and stations, so find out more here.

Alternatively, drop off your luggage at selected train stations the day before the trip. Luggage is then sent to the airport, where you pick it up at the SBB/CFF/FFS counter, then proceed to a normal check-in. This costs SFr. 22 per piece of luggage and ensures a relaxed journey to the airport the next day. Upon return to Switzerland, your luggage can be sent to a train station near you. The information is in English here.

Label your small child: As parents, we always have our radar attuned to where our kids are, but with all that is going on at the airport with luggage and check-in, your child may wander off. At least if he’s labelled with a wristband and your mobile number, it’ll be easier for him to be returned to you soon.

Stroller or baby carrier (or both)? The stroller can be used right up to when you board the aircraft. It’s then stowed, rather than checked in, and can be used for airport transit. Beware about bringing your favourite stroller, because in my experience, they sometimes get scratched or slightly bent. A baby carrier is light and frees up your hands for reaching tickets and passports and can be taken onto the plane. If you are travelling with two small children, you’ll probably need both. Once, in desperation while in transit at midnight, I had to use a luggage trolley to transport my baby and two-year-old through the airport. Not the best option, but our stroller had accidentally been checked in. Some airports have strollers to borrow while in transit, so check the airport’s website for information.

Bring food and drinks: Although you will have ordered a child meal for the flight, bring extra food in case the plane is delayed and you’re sitting in the departure lounge or waiting on the aircraft for ages. In any case, the meal service won’t commence immediately, so it’s best to be prepared with something for your child to eat. Full water bottles can’t be taken through security, so in countries where you trust the water supply, fill your empty bottles in the bathroom after the security check. Or buy drinks at the shops in the departure lounge.

Entertainment: Bring some toys without small parts, as these inevitably get dropped under the seats. Something new might keep your child amused for longer. Sticker books, Aquadoodle and other activity-based items are often popular with toddlers and pre-schoolers. On long hauls, the airline will give toys or colouring books to the kids (bring a small shopping bag to fit in the extra items!). The in-flight entertainment on long-haul flights is extensive, with an excellent range of games, audio, films and TV programmes suitable for kids of varying ages (and adults). If you travel Singapore Airlines, for example, you can look online before flying to plan what films and programmes you’ll watch. Games that you play in the car, such as “I Spy,” are also useful in the departure lounge or aeroplane. Here are some great suggestions.

Nappy bag: The changing table in the toilet is very compact. Ensure that your nappy bag is efficiently packed for locating necessary items easily, as there is no room to spread out in the tiny restroom. Bring more nappies than you think you’ll need, in case of delays. Airlines sometimes have a few on hand, although they may not be in your child’s size.

Clothing in transit: Parents of babies would bring extra clothing for their child but a clean t-shirt for the parent is also useful in case of spit-up or spilled food. When flying north to south, or vice versa, the seasons will change, so cooler or warmer clothes are also needed. The family rooms in the Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Changi airports are excellent for changing children’s clothes, feeding babies and repacking the nappy bag. Check the website of the airport where you’ll be in transit to see if there are family rooms, and where those are located. The indoor playgrounds should also be listed.

Takeoff and landing: To ease the pressure on little ones’ ears, breastfeeding, drinking from a bottle, or sucking on a dummy (pacifier) is helpful. Toddlers and older children can chew gum or a sweet to help clear their ears. If you don’t have anything to chew, ask the flight attendant.

The “high-value” bribe! In case of tantrum, unwillingness, or general lack of motivation, a high value treat or bribe is of use. I know we don’t want our kids to have too much unhealthy food, but it can be very useful in averting a meltdown. My kids, who are now aged 9 and 11, just need to hear the magic words “Chupa Chup” and all is well. It’s amazing how a small ball of sugar on a stick can save a traumatic situation.

Alas, there were no Chupa Chups to save the day for my great-great grandmother, travelling for three months with her family from the Old World to the New World. But I’d love to see her reaction if I could tell her that the trip can now be done in around 24 hours. She’d most likely wonder why we would even need to have tips on how to travel for such a “short” journey.

Useful travel info:

• Health Essentials for Your Family Holiday
• Flying with Babies
• Flying When Pregnant
• Travel Snacks to Make

By Andrea Snashall

Andrea grew up in Australia and now lives in Switzerland. She and her family have been flying back and forth between the two countries for the last 12 years. Andrea is very grateful for the convenience of modern travel, whereby travelling so far can be done so quickly.

Illustration is a collaboration by mother and son, Albina Nogueira and Robert, aged 9

Albina Nogueira has been a primary school teacher since 1992, and a writer and illustrator since 2006. She currently lives in Switzerland, but her homeland is Portugal. She is also the author of Letters to Grandparents  and Hairdresser. To find out more, like her on Facebook or see her books in Amazon.