7 Ways To Help Keep Your Child Occupied On A Flight
Here's How To Ensure Flying With A Child In Tow Isn't A Total Nightmare
Jennifer Barton— The Huffington Post UK
Presented by KLM
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Even when you've been counting down the days until your next family holiday, the prospect of jetting off on a five-hour plane ride with children in tow is enough to strike fear into the hearts of novice and experienced parents alike.
Flying with children doesn't have to be scary. It just requires some forward thinking and preparation. It's also not the time to stick to your no sweets, no screen time, no snacks between meals rules - in fact, when mid-air, all of your good parenting mantras should go out the window. This is about survival.
Once you've gotten organised ahead of time and packed a bag full of tricks to curb any tantrum, flying with your children can be calm, fun and - dare we say - enjoyable. We promise.
One thing to remember before booking those flights? Some airlines are child-friendlier than others.
KLM , which operates flights from airports around the UK to destinations all over Europe and the rest of the world, is all about kiddie entertainment. The airline has made a new animated film series starring Bluey, KLM's little blue mascot plane who explores the world under his Daddy's wings, to engage with children on board intercontinental flights.
In addition to seeing Bluey on his adventures (which include taking part in a Dutch flower parade and having a Christmas experience) online and on the flights, pint-sized travellers will receive a Bluey kids play set on flights and have a special Bluey in their children's meal boxes.
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Children travelling without their parents to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will also have the chance to check Bluey out in the Junior Jet Lounge, where kids are entertained with Lego and computer games while waiting for their flights.
In addition to KLM's family-friendly entertainment and cutting-edge content, in 2014, the airline was named most punctual according to Flightstats, with over 88% of flights arriving on time. That's good news when you're travelling with children since plane delays don't do parents any favours when it comes to keeping little ones happy.
Click through the slideshow below for 7 ways to help keep your child occupied on a flight. Don't worry, these tricks will ensure you're not the most-hated passengers on the plane (at least, not because of your kids).
7 Ways To Help Keep Your Child Occupied On A Flight
Play-Doh(01 of07)
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Some parents may think of Play-Doh as a scourge on their houses (especially when it has dried up and embedded itself in every carpet fibre), but the colourful sticky stuff is an absolute saviour on flights. Not only is it pint-sized and portable, it suits kids of all ages, from toddlers looking to roll balls of mush to older kids fancying themselves as future Michelangelos. Bonus: you won't actually have to hoover it up for once. (credit:john_99 via Getty Images)
In-Flight Entertainment(02 of07)
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Even if you normally don't approve of more than 20 minutes of screen time at home, in mid-air, a child glued to a TV screen means a relaxing flight for you. In-flight entertainment is a great way to keep your children occupied, whether it's flipping through SkyMall magazines and pretend buying their favourite items or tuning in to the TV, music and movies that the airline has to offer for children. KLM's animated adventures featuring Bluey, the company's baby blue plane mascot, are not to be missed. (credit:KLM)
Tablets & Phones(03 of07)
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How did parents ever travel before the advent of smartphones and tablets? We seriously want to know. With kiddie games and puzzles, movies and shows, educational tools and photos of all of their favourite people just a swipe away, tech toys can keep little ones occupied for hours. (credit:Henrik Sorensen via Getty Images)
Something New(04 of07)
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One of the secrets to keeping children busy and happy on a flight? Surprise them with a new toy. This doesn't mean giving them a huge present to lug onto the plane, but unwrapping new, small items like a sticker book or a toy car can keep children occupied and entertained for longer (taking out different toys at regular intervals also helps with this). If you're looking for a gift idea that is cheap, cheerful and can provide hours of entertainment, get your children a deck of cards or Top Trumps. (credit:PhotoAlto/Thierry Foulon via Getty Images)
Imagination Games(05 of07)
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With limited luggage space, it's great when you can think of ways to entertain your children without bringing along extra stuff. Games like I Spy offer endless opportunities to get children thinking, observing and talking, while Rory's Story Cubes are small illustrated dice you can fit in your pocket and then roll to create a story. Once upon a time, there was a well-behaved toddler on a plane... (credit:AE Pictures Inc. via Getty Images)
Colouring & Sticker Books(06 of07)
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You know how your child passionately loves to decorate themselves with every single sticker out of a sticker book? On a plane, that's actually not annoying - it means you've just bought yourself 20 minutes of peace. Plastic drinks cups, food trays and plain paper also make great canvases for sticking things onto. Colouring books are also handy to have on board; just remember a small pencil case with felt tips or coloured pencils (if you are travelling with two kids of similar ages, get two identical sets so there's no fighting over the "good" colours). (credit:JDwow via Getty Images)
Snacks(07 of07)
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Never underestimate the power of food when it comes to keeping little ones entertained on a flight. Sugar-free lollipops are especially handy for take-off and landing (the sucking action is good for relieving ear pressure) and snacks like cereal, crackers and sliced fruit and veggies are always good to have on hand. Pack more than you'll need in case of delays. (credit:Eric Audras via Getty Images)