First time flyers

[merryandbrightdelight]

Hi All

At the end of June we are going on holiday and it will be dd5 and dd3's first time on a plane, for a 4 hour flight.

Looking for ideas of what to take to entertain them! Drinks (after security) and snacks are sorted, and so far I've got on the list:-

Colouring book and pens/pencil case
Books
Tablet and wireless headphones
Barbie dolls
Small suction toys

They each have a biggish bag which we can fit plenty in, and they both play lovely together if this helps

Thanks!

Mine never took dolls. Not enough entertainment value. We always took puzzle books and a couple of books. Always colouring and I think your tablet games will help. Make sure at least one parent sits with them. Or you have one each. DH might sit on his own and do nothing unless you organise seating. You and DH take a ruck sack. Don't bother with anything held or pulled along by DC.

Sticker books?
Card game like happy families, maybe better for when waiting at the airport and you have a table

Not entertainment but I'd consider a change of clothing; including for the adults. A friend of mine's DD was sick all over both of them early into a long flight with no change. Hopefully of course that won't happen, but drinks spill etc. Also helps should luggage go astray. I always stick shorts and a t shirt in my hand luggage. No longer have children but people around me often do!

However many snacks you think you need, triple it. There's something about planes which makes small children inhale snacks. Sticker books are good. Also Playdoh. Those shapes that you lace are great as well.

I refused to take anything with little bits in as they just get everywhere and you spend half the flight scrabbling around to pick them up. I like those magic colouring sheets or wipe clean books (eg dot to dot). My 4 year old loves mazes so I'll get him an activity book for our next flight I think. Sticker books also good for slightly younger children

Remember that they will also find their surroundings entertaining, at least intermittently. That could be an argument for taking more or less stuff to distract them with, depending on their personalities.

I'm not sure about pencils/crayons, given the limited size of tray tables. They will get dropped and someone will have to be enlisted to pick them up. That might be you or Dad down on all fours, or the passenger in the seat behind for the 5th time in the last half hour.

Also think about the seating configuration. If you're on a 737 or A320 then the plane will be 3+3, and you will presumably either have 3+1 or 2+2. Who will sit next to whom? Will you allow them to swap seats at will, or at fixed times, or not at all?

Thank you for all of these, some great suggestions, hadn't thought of playdoh, excellent shout!