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When travelling with children, it’s all about making lists and planning ahead. So we’ve gone ahead and made a few suggestions for you and your family so your next trip is a breeze.
Learn what you can (and cannot) carry onboard by familiarizing yourself with CATSA External site which may not meet accessibility guidelines and TSA External site which may not meet accessibility guidelines regulations.
The greatest thing you can take – whether at the airport or getting from A to B – is extra time. The more time you give yourself, the less worried you will be about all those toilet stops and a few tantrums. We recommend you arrive at least 90 minutes before your departure.
A fun game can keep the kids occupied and make the journey more enjoyable. Thanks to all those child-friendly apps, there’s no need to cram a toy box, 100 crayons and 200 puzzle pieces into your hand luggage. Just ensure you have your device charged up and ready to go.
Avoid foods that are sticky, messy or crumbly. We recommend packing a mixture of savoury snacks like cheese cubes, breadsticks, fruit and bagels – anything to avoid being stuck on a flight with children in the middle of a sugar rush.
Sometimes takeoff and landing can be uncomfortable for your little one’s ears. You can help with the discomfort by allowing them to suck on a sugar-free lollipop or any child-safe candy during takeoff and landing.
Whether they’re out of routine, or suffer from motion sickness, sometimes your little one can get sick. Traveller’s tummy is called a lot of different things, but fun is not one of them. It’s important to keep hydrated and keep in mind that every seat pocket in front of you is equipped with an airsickness bag, just incase.
Even if all your children are long out of diapers, don’t forget the baby wipes. Messes can still happen and are useful for quick clean ups. We also recommend bringing little bottles of hand cleansers (100ml or less) – those can be real lifesavers.
It is always best to pack an extra pair of clothing for you and your children. There are just too many reasons to list, just trust us on this one!
While you’re waiting to board, let the kids walk around and let the baby crawl. This is now the time for kids to use up some of that extra energy before they have to sit for a while. And make sure everyone uses the bathroom before boarding.
Porter offers pre-boarding for families travelling with children, so you can have early access to overhead bins, and time to get your child comfortably seated on the plane.
The best part about flying is seeing the look on your little one’s face as you take off. Flying is a big deal to them, so it’s fun to point out the small houses, the clouds, the setting sun...And if you’re desperate, get them to count how many passengers are on the flight. We kid you not, this has been known to work!
While you take all this time to ensure your little one is content, don't forget to look after your own wellbeing and comfort. Take care of yourself and the rest will take care of itself. Getting a good night's rest and planning ahead will help make you and your little ones’ trip restful, instead of stressful.
