We're planning our first international flight experience with our 3 and 5 year old kids. I've done plenty of domestic flight memories with them, but this will be a 9 hour overnight flight.
Looking for advice on family flight memories that went well (or horribly wrong). What are your best tips for keeping kids entertained? How do you handle meal times and sleep? Any airline food reviews for kids meals would be super helpful too.
Also, any airport layover stories with young kids? We have a 2 hour connection and I'm already stressed about it.
Family flight memories can be challenging but also really rewarding. For international flights with kids, timing is everything. Overnight flights can work well if your kids sleep on planes.
My top tips: bring twice as many snacks as you think you'll need. Tablets with downloaded shows are a lifesaver. Extra clothes for everyone in carry on. And those inflatable footrest things that turn economy seats into beds for kids are worth their weight in gold.
For airport layover stories with kids, look for play areas in the airport. Many international airports have them. Also, don't be shy about asking for early boarding with young children most airlines offer it.
The airline food reviews for kids meals are usually pretty accurate they're basic but edible. Consider bringing some familiar snacks from home too.
I don't have kids but I've been on flights with families and watched what works. The parents who seemed most successful had little surprise bags with new small toys or activities that came out every hour or so.
Also, walking the aisles with restless kids seems to help. Just be mindful of the flight attendants and other passengers. And for meal times, bringing familiar foods from home can prevent picky eating issues with airline food.
For your 2 hour connection, that should be fine as long as your first flight isn't delayed. International flight experiences usually have longer minimum connection times anyway. Just follow the signs for connections and ask airport staff if you're unsure.
I've seen families do this trick: they book the window and aisle seats in a row of three, leaving the middle empty. Often no one books the middle seat, so they get extra space. If someone does book it, they offer to switch so the family can sit together.
For entertainment, dollar store toys and coloring books work wonders. Also, those magnetic drawing boards are great no mess. For food, definitely bring your own. Airline food reviews for regular meals are mixed, but kids meals are usually worse.
Airport layover stories with kids: find the family bathrooms they're bigger and have changing tables. Some airports even have nursing rooms or play areas. A 2 hour connection is actually pretty good gives you time to use the bathroom and maybe get a snack without rushing.
If your budget allows, consider premium economy for international flights with kids. The extra legroom and recline make a huge difference. Some airlines have bassinets for infants in certain rows ask when you book.
For overnight flights, bring pajamas for the kids to change into. It helps signal bedtime. Also, those travel pillows designed for kids can help them sleep better.
Regarding airline food reviews: I've found that ordering special meals (like vegetarian or fruit plates) often results in better quality food, even for kids. You usually have to request these 24-48 hours before the flight.
A 2 hour connection is standard for international flights. Just follow the transit signs and you'll be fine. Most airports are designed to handle connecting passengers efficiently.