The stress that comes when travelling with kids can almost cancel out the actual benefits of taking the holiday in the first place and a few airport and travel hacks make all the difference, so it’s important parents take advantage of help where they can get it. Thankfully airport and planes are much more family-friendly places than they used to be, but there are a few extra things you can do to make travelling with kids that much easier on you as a parent…
Guide to our Top 5 Airport and Plane Hacks
Travel by Car to the Airport
Adding public transport to the mix is enough to tip you over the edge so if at all possible, make sure you get to the terminal by car. This could either mean getting a lift with a friend or family member, booking a taxi, or perhaps the most efficient way (because it means not having to rely on someone else’s timetable or timekeeping), driving your own car and booking airport car parking for the duration of your holiday. When organising this in advance with an airport parking voucher code it needn’t cost too much at all and your space will be there ready and waiting for you. Then all you have to do worry about is getting the kids to the terminal.
Save Copies of All Travel Documents on Your Phone
Of course, you must carry the original copies with you too, but if you’re responsible for your kids’ papers and passports as well as your own, getting them all out of your bag multiple times can be inconvenient to say the least. If possible, having them to glance at on your phone can save heaps of time AND stress.
Get an Extra Gate Pass if Travelling on Your Own
Yes we know, with children you are NEVER on your own but when you have to pass through airport security as a single parent, shepherding your brood without causing too much disruption can be slightly overwhelming for everyone involved. So if you’ve travelled to the airport with a friend or family member, see if you can get them a gate pass when you check in that will allow them to pass through security with you and the children to assist during this critical stage. And on the same subject, ask if they have separate child-friendly security lane that get you to the gate even quicker. Remember, it doesn’t count as queue-jumping if there are kids involved.
Extra Help on the Plane
As well as the usual entertainment options (see our post on kids’ hand luggage essentials), there are a couple of other items you can include in your carry-on to make your life that much easier: firstly, lollipops. Yes, the extra sugar might have a few side-effects, but sucking on a lollipop can help with the ear-popping as well as provide distraction. Secondly, a change of clothes for not only the kids but also you in case of a spillage, and with babies, pack a 2-piece set instead of a baby so you minimise the amount of changing you have to do if it’s only the top or bottom that’s soiled. Another incredibly useful item is an kids’ inflatable foot pillow. This is a special travel pillow that fills the gap between their chair and the one in front, meaning those with short legs can put their feet up, increasing the chances of them (and you) getting some sleep.
Order the Vegetarian Meal
Yes, even if you’re not vegetarian. Most airlines bring out the special dietary requirement meals first, so you will get yours before your children’s and perhaps most of the other people you’re sitting with. This means less juggling food items and you missing out on eating anything, because when you’re travelling with kids you need all the sustenance you can get.
We’re not going to pretend that going on holiday with young children is going to be completely stress-free if you follow these tips, but hopefully they might provide you with the tiniest bit of relief before you get to that dream destination. And after that you might FINALLY get a bit of a break, fingers crossed.