Flight attendant reveals her best tips for travelling with kids – and what NOT to do
A FLIGHT attendant has revealed the best ways to make travelling with kids as stress-free as possible.
Laura Hannah, who has worked for Emirates for six years, also explained some of the biggest mistakes parents make.
Her top tip was booking flights to match the routine set out with kids.
She explained: "Don't opt for a late-night departure or overnight flight thinking your kids will sleep through.
"They may not with all the excitement and noise, and you’ll be doubly exhausted.
"Try to plan a flight departure to fit in between mealtimes or naps as this can help reduce the chance of public tantrums.
"And try to make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep for morning flights, to avoid sleep-deprived meltdowns occurring."
She also suggested always choosing the bulkhead seats - so you can put babies in the bassinettes, as well as having one nearer the bathroom for any quick dashes needed.
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Choosing when to board can also depend on the kids, Laura said.
Boarding first - which many airlines offer for families - can help reduce the stress of having to get into the seat before the plane gets full, but boarding last can prevent kids from being on the plane longer than they need to.
One thing she says to always do? Make the most of the cabin crew.
Laura said: "The cabin crew are on hand to make your flight as enjoyable as possible.
"They can help with warming bottles, keeping baby food refrigerated, offering kids activities, holding meals until a convenient time and maybe even sneaking a glass of wine to you after your child/ren finally fall asleep."
And after landing, don't rush to get off the plane - not only is it much easier to check you have packed everything when the plane is empty, but most airports have family lanes, so you will be able to whizz through security anyway.
Don't want to travel with kids? Thankfully there is an airline for that, which bans babies in parts of the plane.
