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Original poster

Dreading flying with kids

46 replies

Thatlldopiggy · 18/06/2023 07:50

I’m flying soon with my 6 and 3 year old (and DH).

We’ve flown with them once last year, a 1.5 hour flight. DC1 was great, sat nicely and was no trouble.

DC2 was a nightmare! She hated being confined to a seat, wouldn’t sit still, wanted to climb all over the plane. I spent the whole journey trying to distract and contain her.

Our upcoming flight is 5 hours. I am dreading it so much. I would really appreciate any advice, what could we take with to make the journey easier?

We only have one ipad which we will be taking with. But DC fight over it so much that I am tempted to leave it at home!

OP posts:
FlounderingFruitcake · 18/06/2023 07:58

They need a screen each. With headphones. Does the plane have entertainment? If yes let the 5YO watch that as they’re more likely to find something they like and have stuff downloaded for the younger one on the ipad. If the plane doesn’t then I’d consider getting an extra tablet a priority. Doesn’t need to be an ipad, doesn’t need to be new but I don’t think you can expect a 3YO to sit still for 5 hours with a handful of toys, a few snacks and a sticker book. I’d be really bored if I was expected to do that and I’m not 3!

DustyLee123 · 18/06/2023 07:58

Tire them out at the airport, make them walk everywhere.
Sticker/colouring books for the flight, something they’ve never seen before. Can one play on your phone while the other has the iPad ?

Abouttimemum · 18/06/2023 08:00

Screen each with headphones is the only way for true peace I’m afraid. DS flew twice last year at age 3 and was totally fine by the time he’d had snacks and played on his tablet, interspersed with Water art and mess free colouring as well and I took a couple of books to read. She’ll probably be much better being a year old I’d imagine.

Abouttimemum · 18/06/2023 08:02

*year older

CatsOnTheChair · 18/06/2023 08:16

If there is seat back entertainment, leave the iPad at home.
If there are no screens in the plane, buy another screen.
There is a big difference between a 2 and 3 year old. It will likely be fine.

Thinkerbell78 · 18/06/2023 08:19

Yes, definitely a screen each with headphones, snacks, stickers & colouring books, games, etc

minipie · 18/06/2023 08:22

You can get kids headphones which plug into each other and then into the ipad - so they can share the ipad and both watch the same thing. Assuming there is something they will both like. Hang on a tic and I will find a link to the headphones.

minipie · 18/06/2023 08:25

Can’t find the ones we had but looks like lots of kids headphones now have this option - look for sharing function.

Lcb123 · 18/06/2023 08:28

If there isn’t entertainment on the flight, you need to get a tablet each, or no tablet at all

Lovetotravel123 · 18/06/2023 08:31

Definitely make them walk as much as possible before the flight. Have a pack of different things to do but take one out each half hour/ hour.

Original poster
Thatlldopiggy · 18/06/2023 08:34

Thanks for the messages! The in flight entertainment system is via your own screen on an app instead of seat back. Which is not ideal. They do have similar interests so will look into the double headphones! Otherwise will see if we can borrow a tablet off someone. I don’t think I can talk DH into buying another tablet (even a cheap one) as this holiday is costing a lot of money already!

OP posts:
Original poster
Thatlldopiggy · 18/06/2023 08:34

DD was only just 3 when we last flew, and is now 3 months away from being 4 so I hope she will be a bit more reasonable this time!!

OP posts:
tanstaafl · 18/06/2023 08:35

I’ll ask: how much parenting is DH doing on the plane?

MyFaceIsAnAONB · 18/06/2023 08:36

It’s always better than you’re imagining. 3+ is fine flying IME, screens and food and naps.

Diddykong · 18/06/2023 08:37

My 3yo won't entertain a screen, so we have to do very 'active' parenting on flights, lots of sticker books with him, not letting him just do them, we have to sit and talk about it as he does it, stories, puzzles etc. Basically it'd be five hours of constant facilitation of activities and no rest for one parent (usually me). I'd love to be that mum who gives the child a screen, reclines and relaxes!

Parker231 · 18/06/2023 08:41

Lovetotravel123 · 18/06/2023 08:31

Definitely make them walk as much as possible before the flight. Have a pack of different things to do but take one out each half hour/ hour.

We did this and we’re frequent long haul flyers. New item to play with - cheap stuff - stickers etc. Bring out something new every half an hour or as long as you can stretch it.

Baboutheocelot · 18/06/2023 08:42

Loads of snacks, mini pots of play doh a rolling pin and cutters, wireless headphones, colouring pens and paper, sticker books. And download some CBeebies apps and every episode of bluey on to your phone and the iPad. This is what got us through our flight to Australia.
Oh and a mini where’s Wally, it comes with a little magnifying piece of Perspex.

canigetfiredforthis · 18/06/2023 08:44

I wouldn't have them sharing the same laptop I think they will fight. I'd have a kid with a parent each, your DH needs to take responsibility.

If you really only have 1 screen and let them have 1/2 the time each on it. Explain to them before and have them sat apart so there is no arguing. Have stuff they really like for their 2.5 hours like favourite film downloaded or whatever.

Then for the remaining time, could you do them a little surprise bag each? Make a bit of a fuss over them having new 'presents', could have some colouring pens / crayons, sticker book, colouring book, small toy. Have plenty of snacks.

Good idea PP had earlier, make sure they are as tired as possible.

Good luck! We have flown loads with our kids, 2 is definitely the hardest age, fingers crossed they should be easier now.

Original poster
Thatlldopiggy · 18/06/2023 08:45

tanstaafl · 18/06/2023 08:35

I’ll ask: how much parenting is DH doing on the plane?

He’ll be doing his fair share.

On our last flight, I sat between the kids and DH was across the aisle. He had a nice relaxing flight.

Not making that mistake again! This time we are sitting 2 and 2 so will have a kid each.

Just realised that means they can’t share headphones 😬

OP posts:
3WildOnes · 18/06/2023 08:46

We don't have ipads so we just bring lots of reading books, sticker books and colouring books.
I'm not sure I would bother bringing just the one ipad if it will cause arguments.
One parent in charge of entertaining each child.

Athrawes · 18/06/2023 08:47

Big sticker books. So many stickers.

welshweasel · 18/06/2023 08:47

Buy/borrow another tablet. Pair of headphones each. All the snacks. Make staying in seat with seatbelt on non-negotiable unless going to the toilet. Younger one might like magic colouring too.

whoruntheworldgirls · 18/06/2023 08:50

Do you have an old mobile phone one of them can use for watching shows/playing games while the other uses the ipad?

BillyNoM8s · 18/06/2023 08:51

If DH doesn't want to buy another tablet then he can manage the child who won't have a screen.

milkysmum · 18/06/2023 08:57

I would definitely get a second screen. You can usually pick a Kindle fire up for about £60, or if you can't stretch to that just let one of them use your mobile and download things for them to watch on that.