Guide: My Tips for Air Travel With or Without Children

Introduction: Our Tips on How to Travel by Plane With Peace of Mind

Air travel can be stressful, even for adults. Here you’ll find a first section for adults and a second for families travelling with children. Our aim is to make your journey and the journey of those around you more pleasant and comfortable. If you’re travelling with a baby, you can refer to this article.

Enjoy your flight!

Air Travel Without Children: Tips for Adults

Tips for Cheap Air Travel

When you think air travel, you think expensive! And to reduce this, here are a few basic tips:

• Book your tickets in advance: they are generally the cheapest several months before departure. The same applies to points.
• Travel outside vacation or peak periods: prices are best off-season or during the week.
• To avoid spending too much at the airport, use your credit card to visit airport lounges.
• Compare non-stop and stopover flights: sometimes the shortest route is the most expensive, so it’s best to make a stopover.
• Use loyalty programs: Aeroplan is Canada’s leading loyalty program for travel. Earn points and use them!

How to Get a Good Seat on the Plane?

To get a good seat on the plane, follow these steps:

• Book early: the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting a good seat. Use Google Flights to find the best flights and fares.
• Use online tools: use sites like SeatGuru to see the best seats available on your flight.
• Opt for privileged seats: if possible, pay extra for seats with more legroom or seats near the front of the plane.

Before You Fly

Check-In Online

This will save you time and help you avoid long queues.

Before Departure, Choose the Right Seat on the Plane

Find out which aircraft you’ll be on and choose your seat. If necessary, it is sometimes possible to change again at the boarding counter. Often, the best seats are on the sides of the plane.

• Are you one of those people who prefer easy access to the bathroom or you like to be able to stand up and walk down the aisles? Take the aisle seat.
• Would you rather sleep? Noise is louder at the rear because of the engines. Choose a place towards the front of the plane, next to a window to make yourself comfortable.
• Fear of flying? Take a seat towards the middle of the plane, on the window side or in the centre, where the centre of gravity is stable and turbulence is less noticeable.
• A landscape fanatic? A window seat will give you the best experience.

Are you more comfortable flying in a particular aircraft? If you’re an air and points enthusiast, choosing the right aircraft will give you greater comfort!

Check the Baggage Policies

Airlines are getting more challenging with their baggage policies. To avoid extra charges, check the weight and size limits for cabin and checked baggage. Travelling with a carry-on suitcase is becoming easier, so you don’t have to wait for your luggage on arrival. You’ll have less risk of waiting, losing or damaging it.

Tips for Travelling Light by Plane

Use storage dividers to organize your suitcase and pack only the essentials. We often take too many things with us to reassure ourselves. Give yourself the opportunity to treat yourself at your destination with souvenirs or clothes. Travelling light makes it easier and less stressful.

Think about the outfits for your stay, and limit the number of toiletries you bring to save space. Forgot something? No problem, you’ll find it elsewhere.

In Flight: How to Pass the Time on the Plane?

We recommend that you take the time to prepare your carry on luggage properly. At the end of the article, you’ll find our complete download list so you don’t forget anything!

Entertainment Items

Bring your phone, tablet, and your favourite noise-canceling headphones for a better viewing and listening experience of your podcasts, movies, and series. Take advantage of the airline’s entertainment options.

In the absence of Wi-Fi, it’s time to rest. Otherwise, take out a Wi-Fi package to work, revise or get ahead on your tasks.

Read a book, magazine, do a crossword puzzle or other game.

Essential Items

Computers, telephones and other electronic items should always be with you to avoid loss or breakage in checked luggage. Take your chargers and portable battery to keep your devices charged during the flight. For long flights, an extra T-shirt and a toiletry kit can be helpful, including your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and some wipes.

Finally, don’t forget your medication, both for yourself and for those accompanying you. It always pays to plan ahead.

Consider taking melatonin. It can help you fall asleep and adapt more quickly to jet lag.

Health and Well-Being Tips: How to Cope With a Long Plane Journey?

• Bring items for your comfort. Travel pillows, eye masks and earplugs are essentials for blocking light and noise on medium/long-haul flights.
• Hydrate regularly with water and avoid alcohol.
• Take healthy snacks (dried fruit, nuts, protein bars), as these are permitted.
• Get moving: stand up, exercise and stretch to avoid cramps and blood stagnation.
• On the window side, enjoy the natural light.
• Dress in comfortable clothes. It’s always a little cold for some and too hot for others. Layers of clothing can help.

Air Travel With Children: Airlines

Travelling by plane with children can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can make the trip enjoyable for the whole family.

In 2024, more and more airlines are offering family-friendly services. For example, Japan Airlines continues to improve its seat display service for passengers: it is now possible to view the seats occupied by passengers travelling with one or more children under two years of age.

Some will be glad to escape families with children and perhaps get a better night’s sleep.

Why Can Children on Planes Be Challenging to Manage?

These days, we travel more and over greater distances, with more or less comfort than ever before, depending on the class we’re in. It’ll be harder to look after a child when you feel crammed for space, without adequate storage, and in a noisier environment like in economy.

Today’s children grow up differently. They travel more and are, therefore, more connected and open to the world. As airplanes are confined spaces where passengers stay for hours, parents are under a particular amount of pressure.

For a child, the holidays start as soon as they arrive at the airport. Excitement or stress can quickly build.

Some children may want to sing and dance while boarding the plane. While others will want to take refuge, scream or cry in the arms of one of their parents because of their fear of change.

A child is excited about everything and quickly expresses their emotions while an adult has learned to control themselves.

Adults are almost “bored” to get on a plane! We fit into a mould, but not a child.

As the milesopedia community has mentioned, let’s not forget that you don’t have to be a child to harm other people’s space. Not all adults are disciplined, and you’ll never see them on the seat plan 🙂

They can be just as unbearable! Some adults simply do not behave well as part of a community, and will do as they please.

You have to accept travelling with children other than your own. As long as parents show they’re doing their best, you can’t blame them. Having travelled thousands of kilometres with our children by plane, cab, boat, and train, we know what it’s like, and we’ve adapted.

Every child is different and has their character and quirks, and every parent must learn to understand, anticipate, and manage their child’s needs and experience. If a child acts up, it’s up to the parent to react and not just let it happen.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling in Business Class With Children

Being in such a confined space as an airplane complicates matters. Especially as your child is discovering a new environment. They have to understand that they have THEIR seat and that they have to behave. There are many instructions you can integrate, such as:

• do not kick the front seat,
• do not shout, speak too loudly or stand up on your seat to avoid disturbing other passengers,
• stay seated and fasten your seatbelt when expected to do so by the light instructions
• etc.

In economy, there are several constraints. We must:

• Hold on to not lose our balance in the aisles or get in the way of other people.
• Be patient when going to the bathroom, which is small, dirty and can have a long wait.
• Waiting for food when you’re hungry.
• Manage the even tighter space when the person in front lowers their seat.
• Be careful not to spill your food or glass of water, which is on a tiny tray.
• Learn to sleep in an almost upright seat.

In business, these points are much easier.

• A quick boarding, with a welcome drink, and a quiet seat.
• Fewer people, less noise.
• More staff to take care of us with outstanding service and fun for the kids.
• Food arrives faster and is better. Snacks are available.
• The toilets are bigger, with less waiting and generally cleaner.
• More interesting, high-quality entertainment with larger screens, for example.
• The seat can be extended, so you can make a cabin and sleep more peacefully.
• A quicker exit from the plane to stretch your legs.

In short, everyone (children and parents alike) generally arrive a little more rested having been in business rather than in economy. We know that not everyone can afford a place in business class, but thanks to points & miles obtained with credit cards, it’s possible! Here are our guides to travelling like we do:

How Do You Prepare Your Children for Air Travel?

Each parent will be advised to arrive prepared, calm and fit for the flight. We arrive at the airport early. We go to airport lounges to wait, eat and be entertained. We head for the gate on time.

Rest assured, travelling with a baby from 1 month to 8 months of age is generally a breeze (especially if you’re breast-feeding). The preparation phase is more important for parents with children aged 1 to 6, as they have more difficulty being patient and managing their emotions. As Sophie Reis of the BBJetlag website says, children are usually need to be prepared well before the flight, when they start to walk.

Try to explain each phase of the airport to your child, rather than making them go through the whole process (check-in, security, customs), and make sure they let off a little steam before boarding the plane.

Once on board, a good look at the cabin layout and toilet facilities will also help. A parent can prepare for any eventuality, and role-playing is the best way to learn, even if sometimes you can’t see things coming!

For example, when our daughter threw up on our flight to San Francisco, I didn’t have the reflex to take out the vomit bag with my son asleep in my arms. Who would have had that immidiate reflex? In these situations, few passengers will come to the parent’s rescue; everyone will look the other way rather than help the parent in trouble.

But as a passenger, you could, for example, tell the stewardess and ask for some paper towels for the parent and a bag of coffee to stop the smell. The flight attendants are used to this type of situation.

On the Montreal-San Francisco route, the hostess confessed to me that she had a sick person EVERY time because of the turbulence. The seat cushion can even be changed, check with the crew. There’s generally always an extra one.

A bag that you keep close will need to be prepared, ideally at least the day before departure. If you have several consecutive trips planned, for a voyage around the world for example, try to always restock according to this list (snacks, games, clothes).

Think of a baby carrier, very useful for travelling around the airport in order to have your hands free (you will have to untie your baby and remove the safety harness when going through security) as well as on the plane in order to rock your baby and manage to put them to sleep.

Survival Backpack for Parents

This general list is of course is to be adapted according to each family, the age of the children, and each particular trip. For me this is enough, maybe others will want to take more. Always ask the crew if they have a little something for your child. It could be a stuffed plane, pencils, decals. In general, they are equipped.

Finally, we advise you not to overload yourself. There are also companies like BabyQuip that can help you rent the equipment you need for your destination.

List for Mom and Dad:

For the little ones, don’t forget:

• Bibs
• pacifiers
• toy attachment/pacifiers
• bottles of milk or water for depressurization

A little idea: our son loved toothbrushes. When he was little, we gave him one to chew, it occupied him for a while…

• Inflatable pillow if necessary, blanket / soft. Sometimes mom’s soft scarf can turn into a makeshift blankie!
• Diapers and disinfectant wipes.
• Snacks: fruit compotes (watch out for spills, of course), easy-to-eat savory or sweet cookies (avoid chocolate cookies, which crumble or stick, for example), sweets (lollipops for pressure), cheese sticks, etc.
• Water bottle or Milk bottle: plan the heating time by the crew if your child takes it hot, otherwise heat it up beforehand in a coffee shop prior to boarding
• Change of clothes for children AND parents
• Easily accessible paper towels / tissues (external pocket)
• Vomit bag and small garbage bag for soiled clothes just in case
• Medication kit

Toy bag

• Small box that will serve as a support to avoid dropping games on the floor, containing:
• • LEGO, Playmobil,
  • polly pocket, Disney or super hero figurines
  • Toy cars

Pencils and coloring book. Draw animals for them or a car circuit for example that they can color in.

• “Small Rewards” for good behaviour, some “surprise” bags to unpack in case of impatience or surprise envelopes with drawings.
• One or two books with photos and several stories for the bedtime ritual, for example, or a “search and find” game.
• Stickers, decals of different kinds. Don’t take out everything, you can even make surprises in envelopes/small bags to make the suspense last.
• Tablet, phone or other electronic device with child-friendly headphones: download offline applications before departure to avoid any connection problems, such as Netflix or Duolingo. Airlines such as Air France and Lufthansa have also introduced new policies and services for families travelling with young children.

Game Ideas

Invent a game, make your child laugh, make funny faces!

• As a child, our son used to laugh his head off when we imagined a character with our 2 fingers climbing to the top of the seats and falling into the void, imitating a cry while falling and a resulting boo-boo. It’s sillyness, but it’s prevented many a meltdown.
• Our daughter loved playing Rock-Paper-Scissors, imagining a story or even Knock! Knock! Who’s there?
• Play “If you were an animal, you’d be…”
• Take a look at your old travel photos on your cell phone.
• Show them your next destination on a map and the animals they will see or activities they will do there.
• Create a video with them: they will happily participate in the creative process and watch the video several times.
• Play with your child to make funny photos with applications (Mickey, make-up, rainbows or monsters will amuse them).

Save Our Travel List

Here’s our complete checklist for you to find the significant items that can help you save and make sure you don’t forget anything before you go on vacation.

You’ll find all our tips for families and ideas for keeping your kids busy on the road at the end of this list.

A Few Principles to Try to Respect

• A child who is tired or hungry will be more likely to have temper tantrums. Don’t wait until the last moment, plan ahead: hold them if you can, go for a walk with them or offer them a snack they like.
• Depending on their age, recreate the evening ritual to make it easier to fall asleep. For some long flights where our children have to sleep on the plane, after meals, we put on their pyjamas or a more casual outfit, take them to brush their teeth and turn off the screens to read a story before trying to get them to sleep. Falling asleep is generally easier for them.
• Seperate the children as much as possible: one parent for one child if you have two or more, and do it according to preference. It will be easier to calm any temper tantrums should one flare up. When we see empty seats, we don’t hesitate to move further back to avoid over-excitement.
• Avoid noisy, over-sized games or small, hard-to-find parts. I recommend putting all the games in a small canvas bag that you or the children can carry. This bag will become heavier if you buy other games during the trip, so don’t overload it from the outset.
• Avoid jealousy if you have two or more children: having experienced it many times, I’ve learned to take the same thing for both: for snacks, meals and juice, or crayons. Also, plan an electronic device for everyone! A crisis can quickly occur because of the desire for what one kid has and the other does not.
• Just like your baggage, compartmentalize your backpack well to find your way around easily and especially quickly!
• Finally, you’re already doing everything right, but the situation is difficult. Take heart! Accept not having an answer to every crisis and learn from your mistakes for the next time! If passengers see that you’re doing your best, that’s the main thing. Walk around with your child, take a bathroom break, take a breather and take turns if possible. Most people will understand, and you’ll soon forget all about it once you’re off the plane.

Survival List for Passengers Who Do Not Like or Would Rather Avoid Children

It’s no secret: you’ll have to excersice patience!

And between us, parents also “resent” their children at times when they don’t listen. When a child is having a meltdown, the task is difficult for the parent. A parent already gives 24 hours a day to their child. Strong emotions can happen, and sometimes… It`s on the plane because of the accumulated exhaustion!

Be understanding.

Try to distract yourself to pass the time. The crisis may not last long, we’re all hoping it doesn’t!

• Choose seats away from the first rows where the little ones are usually located because of the crib
• The indispensable Earplugs and Eye Mask Kit
• Noise-reducing headphones such as the Bose QC35 for playing or listening to music/film
• Go to the bathroom
• Chat with the crew
• Go get a snack in the kitchen
• Make the crying baby next to you laugh 🙂

Bottom Line

Finally, the BB Jetlag website created by Sophie Reis is packed with information for travellers with children, including air travel. Don’t hesitate to join the Facebook group to have an exchange with other parents.

Sophie has also published “Le Guide des parents voyageurs: s’inspirer, s’informer, s’équiper, 0-12 ans. An entire chapter is devoted to air travel with children: At the airport and on the plane. You’ll find a number of practical checklists and memory aids at the end of the book. We presented it in this article.

The new edition has been available since March 27 in print, digital and even audio format, with enhanced and 100% up-to-date content. The book was Amazon’s #1 bestseller in the ‘Family Travel Guide’ category!

Finally, Sophie Reis also organizes regular workshops to answer all the questions of travelling parents.

In October 2019, Sophie and I hosted a Facebook Live on the BB Jetlag page on the theme: Travelling with the family for free (or almost…!).

Reminder, you can save 15% on your purchases from BB Jetlag thanks to the exclusive promotional code: MILESOPEDIA.

The Milesopedia Community

Would you like to travel for free (or almost…) with your points? For more family travel tips, subscribe to our newsletter and join our community on Facebook!

Frequently Asked Questions

Sophie Reis answers this question in her book and on her website. There are now many compact strollers that are approved to fit in the cabin of an airplane. If your child is tired and you have layovers, it’s a good idea to take one stroller with you and use it at the gate.

There may be times when you have to travel alone with your child without your spouse (or even when your child has to travel alone). You will then need to print and complete the “consent letter” document. Your spouse who is absent during this trip will have to give their consent so that you can leave alone with your child. This document is important to have with you so that you don’t have any problems during departure.

No, it is forbidden to have the responsibility of more than one infant, i.e. under the age of two! You must be two parents or be accompanied by another passenger of at least 16 years old.

In your carry-on baggage, it is allowed to take more than 100 ml of breast milk, food, formula, medicines, milk, water and baby juice, as well as gels and ice packs to keep the products fresh.

A baby is allowed to travel to Canada as soon as it is 7 days old. You will need to call the company to add them to your seat. However, it is recommended to wait a few weeks, or until the first vaccines have been administered. Changes in altitude can be painful for your baby’s ears. Choose short flights and make sure they don’t have a stuffy nose before the trip.