I’ve Completed 14 Transatlantic Flights With Kids, And You Can Too

Traveling with kids on long-haul flights can be quite the adventure. Buckle up for a wild ride filled with unexpected surprises!

When my two-year-old daughter unexpectedly decorated the passenger in front of us with a colorful array of snacks during a 10-hour transatlantic journey, my partner and I found ourselves scrambling for wipes and profuse apologies. At that moment, we even offered to send the man some money via Venmo. This is just a glimpse of what international travel with little ones can be like—you may find yourself dealing with some pretty messy situations! Thankfully, the man politely declined our offer. While it might be tempting to focus on the chaos, the real highlight of the experience was the kindness of strangers.

Traveling with children is one of the best ways to foster empathy and understanding. Exposing them to different cultures, foods, and experiences opens their minds to the world beyond their own. But first, you have to make it through the flight, which can be a whirlwind of excitement and noise until finally, a sweet little head finds comfort on your arm just as the seatbelt sign dings and your bladder starts to protest.

So far, I’ve tackled 14 transatlantic flights with children aged from 10 weeks to 6 years, all while trying to maintain connections with my partner’s family overseas. We gladly embrace the challenges of air travel, feeling grateful each time we land safely on the other side of the ocean. There have been moments of joy, like watching my child gaze in awe at a sunrise over the ocean from our airplane window. Yet, there have also been tough times, such as when my youngest developed a double ear infection mid-flight and insisted on roaming the aisles for what felt like an eternity.

Through these experiences, I’ve gathered some valuable tips to help you navigate long flights with kids. Don’t worry, I won’t just tell you to bring your sense of humor—though it certainly helps!

1. Board Last

It may feel counterintuitive, but waiting to board can save you time and sanity. If you’re anxious, have your partner board early to reserve overhead space, but let the kids stretch their legs until the last moment. By allowing the whole flight to board before you, you can avoid sitting in a cramped, warm plane for longer than necessary. More than one gate agent has praised this strategy!

2. Request Extra Blankets

Flight attendants are usually happy to provide additional blankets. Lay one on the floor at your feet to catch snacks and toys that inevitably drop. I also recommend sanitizing your area upon sitting down—armrests, tray tables, and window shades can all be targets for tiny hands.

3. Maintain Your Bedtime Routine

On overnight flights, stick to your usual bedtime rituals. Once the kids have eaten and are tired but not too early, change them into pajamas, brush their teeth, read them a story, and snuggle their favorite toys into their seats.

4. Surprise Them with New Toys

Bring along toys they haven’t seen before. Great options include WaterWow, magnetic puzzles, and sticker books. For an extra layer of excitement, consider wrapping them like gifts. Unwrapping can be an activity in itself, prolonging entertainment for as long as possible.

5. Pack Plenty of Snacks

Bring a mountain of snacks—ten times what you think you’ll need! Don’t forget to include treats they don’t usually get. A giant lollipop can keep them occupied for ages. Just make sure you have one for each child. The time they spend enjoying it gives you a precious moment to breathe.

Traveling with children is no small feat, but with a little planning and a lot of patience, you can make the journey enjoyable. Remember, you’ve got this!

Summary

Traveling with kids on transatlantic flights can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By employing strategies such as boarding last, maintaining bedtime routines, and packing plenty of snacks and new toys, you can make your journey smoother. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the moments of joy that come with exploring the world together.

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