Travelling with children on a long-haul flight can be challenging. Limited movement, unfamiliar surroundings, and changes to their usual routine can quickly lead to boredom or frustration.
The good news is that a little preparation can make a big difference. These five simple ideas will help keep your child entertained, make the journey feel easier, and give you a better chance of enjoying a calmer, more relaxed flight.
What to do before you even start the flight
Getting children involved before the trip can make the journey feel more familiar and less overwhelming. When they understand where they are going, how long the flight will take, and what to expect, they are often more relaxed and cooperative on the day of travel.
- Show them your destination on a map so they can picture where they are going.
- Explain how long the flight will be and what the journey will involve.
- Talk about the fun activities, places, or people they will enjoy when they arrive.
- Pack a themed goodie bag
A themed goodie bag can make a long flight feel more fun and manageable. Choose a theme linked to your destination and fill it with a few small activities your child can enjoy at their own pace. For example, if you are travelling to Africa, you might include a storybook about the Big Five, a wildlife colouring book, and a simple travel game.
If you have space in your hand luggage, compact magnetic games are another great option. They are easy to carry and less likely to end up scattered around your seat area. Good choices include:
- Magnetic chess or draughts
- Travel-sized Connect 4
- Ludo or Snakes and Ladders
These items are lightweight, easy to pack, and useful when your child needs a change of activity. Having a few different options on hand can help prevent boredom and make the flight feel much shorter.
- Prepare your devices before you fly
Make sure your devices are fully charged before you leave for the airport and pack a charged power bank so you can top them up during delays or on arrival.
A tablet is often the most useful option for travel because it is better suited to games and films than a phone, which you may want to save for navigation, tickets, or emergency calls. Before you travel, download a mix of entertainment your child can use offline, such as:
- Offline games and apps
- Downloaded films or TV episodes
- A few familiar favourites for delays or quiet time
Downloaded content is especially helpful while you are waiting at the gate or dealing with delays. It is also worth remembering that streaming libraries can change by country, so shows available at home may not appear once you are abroad.
- Staying Protected Online
If you are using airport or hotel WiFi, some extra protection is worth considering.
Public networks can expose more of your browsing activity than you might expect, and they can be easier for other people on the same network to interfere with than your home connection.
You need to make sure you and your children are protected from this, so you may ask what you need? And what is a VPN vs Proxy?
A proxy can make it look as though you are connecting from another location, which may help with certain websites or apps. However, it usually only covers one app or browser session and does not encrypt everything leaving your device, so it offers limited protection on public WiFi.
A VPN also changes your virtual location, but it goes further by encrypting your internet traffic across the device. That means it is generally the better choice if you need more consistent protection while checking travel details, signing in to apps, or using unfamiliar networks on the move.
- Comfort and Sleep
A familiar pillow or blanket can help children feel secure in an unfamiliar setting and stay comfortable if the cabin gets cool. These simple items can reduce stress and make it easier for them to rest during the flight.
Before the trip, let your child choose a favourite blanket, pillow, or soft toy to bring on board. Familiar items can make flying feel less unsettling and help children settle more easily. If space is tight, a lightweight travel blanket is a practical option that adds comfort without taking up much room. A neck pillow or a pillow from home is a must, getting comfortable on a flight and having a place they can rest their head comfortably is important. With all these combined they may get some much needs naps in over the course of the flight.
- Encourage Movement Before Boarding
It may sound a little unconventional, but encouraging travellers to walk as much as possible around the airport can make a noticeable difference to their comfort in the air. Taking the long route between gates, exploring terminal areas, or simply avoiding sitting for long stretches helps build up a gentle, natural level of tiredness. This kind of low-impact activity gradually wears them out without being exhausting, making it far easier to drift off once they are seated on the plane.
Why It Makes a Difference
This approach works because it taps into the body’s natural rhythms. After moving around for an extended period, especially in the often busy and stimulating airport environment, the body is more ready to rest. Paired with the hum of the aircraft and a more sedentary setting, that light fatigue can quickly turn into proper sleep rather than restless dozing.
Final Thoughts
Long-haul flights with children do not have to feel overwhelming. With the right balance of preparation, entertainment, comfort, and movement, you can turn what might seem like a challenging journey into a far more manageable and even enjoyable experience. Small details such as a thoughtfully packed bag, pre-downloaded content, familiar comforts, and a bit of pre-flight activity all work together to keep children engaged and relaxed.
Every child is different, so it helps to stay flexible and adapt as you go. By planning ahead and giving yourself a variety of options, you will be better equipped to handle changes in mood or energy levels. Ultimately, a calm and prepared approach not only keeps your child happier but also allows you to enjoy the journey a little more, setting the tone for a positive start to your trip.
Please note this is a collaboration.
