A long-haul flight with a toddler can be a daunting prospect for many parents. However, after numerous positive experiences with our daughter, we want to encourage you today and show you that such a trip can be not only feasible but also enriching. Our passion for travel has taught us that thorough preparation, composure, and the right equipment are key to a relaxed flight. In this post, we share nine of our proven tips that will make your next long-haul flight with a toddler a breeze.
1. Child's play preparation
One of the most important lessons we have learned is the importance of preparation. Before embarking on a long-haul flight with a toddler, we take the time to prepare our daughter for the travel process. We explain to her that we will be getting on a plane and that we will be traveling for a while. By explaining the process and expectations in advance, we help her to adjust better and reduce possible uncertainties.
There are also good books to prepare your toddler for the airport and the plane. You can find our book recommendations here.
2. Pack together
Another important tip is to actively involve our child in the packing process. We let her pack her own little travel bag or children’s suitcase. She is, of course, allowed to take her favorite toys and books with her. This gives her a sense of control and helps her look forward to the trip. It also teaches her to be responsible with her own luggage. It is also helpful to choose the clothes together, especially with toddlers, otherwise there can be many emotions on vacation.
3. Less is more
An important tip that we follow is to travel with little luggage. Instead of being loaded down with heavy suitcases, we consciously decide to master the long-haul flight with a toddler and hand luggage. This allows us to check in faster at the airport and minimizes the risk of our luggage getting lost. We also have our hands free to take care of Emily.
On long-haul flights with a toddler, we take one carry-on suitcase and one backpack per person. In addition, Emily has a stroller and a child seat with her.
We have already reported on the hand luggage guidelines of the 7 most popular airlines.
4. Change of clothes for everyone
Another helpful piece of advice is to have a change of clothes handy for the whole family. Toddlers are known for having little “mishaps” – be it a leaky water bottle or a spilled meal. Parents often think of a change of clothes for the little ones, but what about yourself? By carrying spare clothes that are readily available, we can master such situations with ease, without having to worry about spending the rest of the flight in wet or dirty clothes.
5. Simple division of tasks
6. Better safe than sorry
Especially on a long-haul flight with a toddler, it is worth taking your own aircraft-suitable child seat on board. The children are familiar with the seat and can be ideally secured. For Emily, flying in her own seat is so relaxing that she likes to sleep in it for a few hours of the long flight.
We have summarized what you should consider when flying with a child seat here for you.
7. Be relaxed
8. Diverse employment
To keep Emily busy during the flight, we always pack a variety of activities and toys. Crayons and coloring books, small puzzles, storybooks and a few favorite toys are part of our standard equipment. A tablet with age-appropriate content can also be a good distraction in certain situations. Thanks to the variety of employment material, Emily is always well entertained and boredom has no chance.
Here you will find some ideas for toys for the plane.
9. Delicious snacks
Thanks to these tips, we as a hand luggage family have had many positive experiences with long-haul flights. Our daughter becomes more relaxed and open-minded with every flight and we as parents feel well prepared. It is a pleasure to see how she enjoys the flight experience and how we can discover new places together. Of course, there are always small challenges, but with the right preparation and a relaxed attitude, we can master them with ease.
We hope that our tips inspire and encourage you to take a long-haul flight with a toddler yourself. It is a wonderful way to discover the world and enjoy valuable family time. So pack your bags, be relaxed and let the adventure begin!
All the best and a pleasant journey,
your hand luggage family
