Travelling with children
Whether you're travelling by plane, train or bus or car, travelling long distances with small children can have its fair share of challenges.
It can be tedious for them and nerve-testing for you but it doesn't have to be fraught with stress – some careful planning can make your journey as enjoyable as the rest of your holiday.
Flying with children
- Babies and young children need passports for international flight.
- Many airports provide 'meet and assist' services. Single parents with more than one child are given priority.
- Restrictions on hand luggage – you currently can't carry any more than 100ml of liquids with you on flights. Exceptions include medical supplies and food/supplies for children under 2.
- Some countries will confiscate fresh produce like milk and fruit so bring alternatives just in case.
- Most airlines will let you check-in online. You'll be able to book preferred seats ahead of time too.
- Why not check-in your luggage in advance. You can sometimes do this the day before your flight. You'll have something less to think about when you arrive at the airport and you'll be relatively hands-free.
- Remember dummies and bottles for young children. These will help with ear ache from changes in cabin pressure.
A bit of forward planning will ease the stress of flying with small children. Talk to your children about the trip before it happens. Let them know what to expect and make an adventure of it.
