Travelling with children is a different way of travelling: slower, with more bags and the odd surprise. The good news is that almost everything can be solved with preparation and by not being in a rush. These are the tips that make the biggest difference on the day of the flight.

Before leaving home

  • Documents: children need their own ID card or passport, babies included. If a child is travelling abroad with only one parent, some countries ask for consent from the other.
  • Seats: book seats together in advance. Airlines don’t always guarantee that children will sit with their parents if you haven’t paid for it.
  • Babies: children under two usually travel on an adult’s lap with an extra seat belt. Many airlines let you take the stroller to the aircraft door free of charge.
  • Allow extra time: count on at least 30 minutes more than usual.

Tip: dress the kids in comfy clothes and shoes that are easy to take off, and pack a full change of clothes and a bag for dirty clothes in your backpack.

Security

This is the most stressful moment. Some airports have family lanes: ask when you arrive. Have a clear bag ready with the liquids and take the tablet out before you reach the belt.

Baby food, milk and jars are allowed in reasonable quantities even if they’re over 100 ml, but you may be asked to taste them or put them through a separate scanner. Children walk through the arch or are carried; the stroller goes on the belt or is checked by hand.

Waiting in the terminal

A child who’s tired of waiting is what turns a trip into an ordeal. Look for the children’s play area: many airports have one near the gates. Let them run around before boarding; after that they’ll be sitting for hours.

Bring entertainment that doesn’t depend on a battery and doesn’t make noise.

On the plane

  • Take-off and landing: pressure changes hurt little ears. Breastfeed babies or give them a bottle or dummy; give older kids something to drink or a sweet.
  • Screens: a tablet with downloaded films is a lifesaver on long flights. Kids’ headphones stop them turning the volume up too high.
  • Spare clothes: bring a change for the child and a T-shirt for yourself. Accidents happen.
  • Snacks: lots of small ones are better than one big meal.

Important: ask for the stroller to be returned at the aircraft door, not on the baggage carousel. That way you’ll have it as soon as you get off.

Collecting your bags with kids

After landing, one adult can go to the carousel while the other stays with the children somewhere quiet. If you’re travelling alone, use a luggage trolley: your child can sit on top while you wait.

What matters most

Don’t rush, accept that something won’t go to plan and celebrate the small wins. At the end of the day, what the kids will remember is the adventure, not the security queue.

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