KIDS
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Travel Tips
'Getting there' is often the hard part, so to make life easier here are some OK travel tips to help make the journey that bit smoother:
- Pre-book a valet parking service where you just drop off your car at Departures, they park it for you and then it's waiting at Arrivals on your return
- Buy Packits.
The 'Hers' version contains reusable and comprehensive packing lists
for every eventuality, including Hot Holidays, Ski trips and for taking
Babies and/or Toddlers away. You'll never forget that baby monitor again
- Consider a luggage delivery service
who send your bags on ahead so you only travel with children and hand
luggage. It may seem an expensive luxury, but it can revolutionise the
whole 'travelling with children' conundrum
- If possible, check in online the day before travel but if you
can't, try to check in early for long-haul flights and pack plenty of
toys and books in your hand luggage to keep the little ones
entertained. The contents of the OK rucksack should help
- Consider paying a bit extra for lounge access so you can avoid the madding crowds that afflict most UK airport terminals
Love being there, hate getting there? Creating airport angels instead of mini terrorists (believe me, little strikes fear into fellow passengers than the sight of young children about to invade their air space) isn't as hard as you think. Just follow a simple mantra: prepare, pack wisely and don't panic. You'll be there in no time.
Pick them up. Check in advance with the airline, and if you're lucky you'll be able to take your child's car seat on board. If they've outgrown the bassinet cot (and most do by six months or so) but are too small to fit a regular seat, the car seat will be a familiar and safe environment for them to sleep in. And it's one less thing to worry about when you arrive.
- Fast food. Tupperware filled with cornflakes or Shreddies, raisins and the occasional Smartie (avoid too much sugar or you'll make them hyperactive) for younger children; cereal bars, mini pretzels and carrot sticks for older ones. When they're snacking they won't be bored. And consider more substantial food, because you never know when you'll be stranded in an airport in the middle of the night with no open restaurants.
It's a wrap. Gift-wrap new toys to hand over when energy levels flag. These don't need to be expensive (and shouldn't be -you'll end up losing most of them under the airplane seat anyway). New crayons and a notebook, comics, packs of Top Trumps football or kitten stickers, can make the difference between a happy and a frazzled journey.
What a carry on. When travelling with babies, don't forget a sling carrier so that you can lug them easily around the airport. And if you can still cram your child into a buggy, do it - even if they object and scream the place down it will make getting to immigration and baggage collection much quicker. They also won't be able to run off while you're waiting for your transfer.
Nappy head. Most children aged 2 ½ and older find in-flight TVs a huge treat. However, getting the headphones to fit can be a problem. Take your own, or (and they won't thank you for the photographic evidence when they hit their teens) stick a clean nappy on their head. They'll look ridiculous, but the headphones will be just the right fit for their tiny toddler heads.
Are we there yet...? Consider taking a DVD player (and back-up batteries). Yes, you want them to see the world rather than a TV screen, but if there's nothing they want to watch on the plane, or you get stranded in an airport, you'll feel smug about your forward planning. Just don't forget the DVDs.
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Let them wait. Priority boarding because you've got children with you sounds a good idea. However, it can also mean an extra half hour on the plane. If the plane is packed, get on board so you don't miss out on locker space. If not, leave getting on board till the last minute and use the time to play something energetic like catch. Hopefully you'll have worn the little treasures out so they'll sleep like, well, babies.
Cushion the blow. Consider taking a small pillow for each child. If you have to spend a night in the airport, children can sleep on the floor under your seat. Something squidgy to cuddle up to will also make them more comfortable during the flight.
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Liquid assets. If in doubt about restrictions on liquid (and who isn't?) take sachets of formula instead of ready made up cartons. Airline staff are usually helpful when it comes to making up bottles, and just in case, stock up on bottled water once you get airside.
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Meet and greet. If you'd like to be met at check-in and when getting off the plane and helped with the children and bags, ask your airline in advance. There's no guarantee it will happen, but if you're travelling as a solo parent, you'll get priority.
Set up camp. When you get to the airport, set up base camp and establish a meeting area. If the children get lost, older ones will know how to find you. For younger ones, consider popping an identity band on their wrist (from identifyme.co.uk) and write your phone number on the back.
And finally... No one is noticing your child's behaviour as much as you are. Really. On the plane, everyone else will have earplugs in or be getting stuck into the latest film. On the ground, well, who cares, you'll never see them again.
- Organise the valet parking service
- Organise the lounge access
- Organise the luggage delivery service
- Advise you which airlines offer the best child-friendly perks
- Advise if there are specific children's play areas at the airports you are travelling through
- Pre-order children's meals
- Check whether the pushchair can go to the boarding gate or aircraft door and where you'll collect it when you land
- Where available, request the bulkhead seats where the bassinets baby seats are fitted
- Request car seats and check that the right vehicle is there to collect you and your luggage
Original Travel © 2008 |