Last-minute tips re: keeping kids happy during flight...

[DrippingLizzie]

Going to SW France tomorrow for much needed holiday with DH, DS (4), DD (1) and stepson (10). Flying to Perpignan at 6am this morning - really looking forward to rousing kids at 3am (!). Anyone got any useful last-minute tips re: kids and planes? Been told that giving them ibuprofen 30 mins before flight can help prevent earache, for example. Any suggestions gladly received. I'm now off to cram more baby regalia into bulging holdall...20kg baggage limit my arse

bumpety bump

You could do a backpack per child and fill it with interesting books, toys, puzzles, sucking sweets etc

Then they will have things to amuse them whilst you are hanging around at the airport, gate and on the plane.

I never bother dosing up my dds but then have never had too much problem with ears. Make sure they suck sweets on landing and take-off (or chew gum if they're old enough).

have you got 1 of those etchasketch type drawing things? And you need drinks close to hand...plenty of books...that's about it really. Encourage them to have a drink at take-off & landing to help their ears, and hopefully they'll be so interested in everything that's going on the flight will pass quickly.

Have a fantastic time!

Btw, I'd also recommend taking a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage if you can. Just in case anyone's travel sick. You don't want to have to do the rest of your journey in soiled clothes. I say this because my next-door-neighbour's son threw up all over her and himself last time she flew and it was not a very pleasant trip after that.

Be prepared, wipes, tissues and bottled water - which you can buy once you've gone through security.

Yes good idea to have a change of top at least for yourself also.

Surprise toys and things are good and wrapping them up can add to the interest and slow them down (a bit).