Family Air Travel: Top Tips, Clever Hacks, and Game-Changing Accessories

Mastering Family Air Travel: Top Tips, Clever Hacks, and Game-Changing Accessories

Traveling with children can be a thrilling adventure, but it often comes with unique challenges, especially when flying. However, with the right strategies, creative hacks, and innovative accessories like the Wick Air airplane bed, you can transform your family's flying experience from stressful to enjoyable. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best tips and tricks for flying with children, with a special focus on revolutionary solutions like the Wick Air.

Section 1: Pre-Flight Preparations

Before you even step foot on the plane, effective pre-flight preparations are crucial to ensuring a smooth journey.

1.1 Plan Ahead

• Choose Suitable Flights: Opt for flights that align with your child's routine whenever possible. Red-eye flights may disrupt sleep schedules, so consider daytime departures. 

  Choose direct flights when they fit and you want to save yourself the hassle of a (long) layover and related stress. 

  Or do it the other way around: take your time and enjoy the layover by staying at an airport hotel. See an example in my other post here.
  

• Documents in Order: Ensure all passports, visas, and necessary travel documents are up-to-date. Keep copies in a separate folder for peace of mind.

Packing Essentials

• Snack Arsenal: Pack an assortment of your child's favorite snacks, considering any dietary restrictions. Hungry children can quickly become irritable during flights.

• Entertainment Kit: Assemble an entertainment kit with books, coloring books, puzzles, and electronic devices loaded with games and movies.

• Comfort Items: Don't forget comfort items like a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier to soothe your child during moments of anxiety.

 

Section 2: Navigating the Airport

Airport Hacks

• Early Arrival: Arrive at the airport with ample time to spare. This allows your child to acclimate to the airport environment and helps prevent last-minute rushes.

• Family Lanes: Take advantage of family security lanes, typically available at most airports. These lanes offer a streamlined security screening process for families with young children.

• Gate-Check Stroller: If you're traveling with a stroller, most airlines allow gate-checking. You can use it right up to the aircraft door and have it ready for you upon arrival.

   

Introduction to Wick Air Airplane Bed

Introducing the "Wick Air Airplane Bed": The Wick Air Airplane Bed is a revolutionary accessory designed to transform your child's flying experience. This inflatable, child-friendly bed provides a comfortable and secure space for your child to rest, sleep, or play during long flights.

Benefits of Wick Air Airplane Bed:

• Comfortable Rest: Your child can stretch out and rest comfortably on the Wick Air Airplane Bed, reducing fatigue and irritability.

• Safety: The bed attaches securely to the airplane seat, ensuring your child remains in place, even during turbulence.

• Play Space: When not in use for sleeping, the Wick Air Airplane Bed doubles as a spacious play area to keep your child entertained.

   

   

   source: Business Insider
  

Section 3: Flying

Tips for a Smooth Flight

• Seat Selection: Choose seats in advance to ensure your family sits together. Some airlines offer bassinets for infants and bulkhead seats with extra legroom.

• Take-off: As kids often do not know how to adjust for the difference in air pressure during take-off and landing it's good to have food or drinks handy. For the smallest ones we made sure we had warm milk before take-off. This meant we'd take sachets with powder, a bottle and requested some hot water as soon as we would be seated and settled. For the bigger kids: sultana's (dried raisins) work pretty good, next to having water at hand.
  

• Wick Air Airplane Bed in Action: Often only window seats are allowed for Air Wick and similar inflatables. And most of the times they cannot be in place during take-off and landing procedure. Check with the flight attendants as soon as you arrive at your seat.

• Toys: As one carry-on bag is stuffed with all the food, nappies and spare clothes, my advice is to stuff another one with (new) toys! A new car, digger, or doll will be something they can spend a lot of time with!
  

• In flight entertainment: Even when your child is still young and screen time is (normally) limited, it is a must. Whether you use the planes screen (when present!), or bring your own iPad/Tablet. Make sure you check what is available with the airline company on your plane, or make sure you download lots of episodes, for example with NetFlix, to have them entertained for a while. Peppa pig is a hit for the younger ones and Bluey is also a very responsible choice.
  

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones can help reduce the impact of engine noise, making it easier for your child to relax or sleep.

• Pack Spare Clothes: Accidents happen. Pack spare clothing for both your child and yourself to deal with spills or unforeseen mishaps.

 

Jet Lag Hacks

• Hydration is Key: Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of jet lag. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight.

• Adapt to Local Time: As soon as you arrive at your destination, try to adapt to the local time zone by adjusting meal and sleep schedules accordingly.

 

Post-Flight Tranquility

• Involve Your Child: Include your child in the unpacking process, encouraging them to share their experiences and favorite moments from the trip.

• Celebrate the Journey: Reflect on the highlights of the trip and create anticipation for future family adventures. This positive reflection reinforces the joys of travel.

Summary

Traveling with children can be a rewarding experience with the right strategies and accessories like the Wick Air Airplane Bed. By planning ahead, ensuring a smooth airport experience, mastering in-flight strategies, coping with jet lag, and savoring post-flight moments, you can create unforgettable family memories while exploring the world. So, prepare for your next family adventure, equip yourself with these valuable tips, and make flying with children an enjoyable journey. Bon voyage!