Keys to traveling with kids by plane

Traveling with kids It’s fun and also a big challengeeven more so if the trip includes other countries, flights and airports.

The key to everything, as in many other issues, is the planning.

One has to take the time to organize the different aspects of the trip and make the necessary queries related to a family trip. From checking that the documentation is current and complete for the type of trip we want to make to whether the hotel is suitable for babies or children, depending on the age of the little travelers.

In this regard, airlines usually have a section dedicated to this topic. And some are very proactive and innovative on this issue.

“Children are more than welcome and the airline always thinks of how to make the trip a better one for them. unforgetable experience. From the moment they get on the plane until they get off, everything is designed so that the youngest members of the family can enjoy – just like the older ones – a pleasant trip,” they say at KLM, an airline based in Amsterdam.

At Emirates, whose hub is in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Spanish flight attendant Ariane Jiménez is the authorized voice offering recommendations to make the family trip a great experience. Among other things, she suggests trying combine flight schedules with the children’s routine.

A very interesting experience: since the end of last year, this airline incorporated “travel essays” at Dubai International Airport with the aim of improving the travel experience of neurodivergent passengers. This proposal allows children to practice traveling through the airport and on board the plane, for example. There is even a friendly route for these people to have priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security, etc.

Let’s see then, some keys to prepare a trip with kids.

The price is usually decisive when buying an air ticket, but when traveling with children, you must also think about comfortavoiding long waits or too many stops.

From KLM, they recommend previously explain to the kids who will take a plane, what the process will be like, and the step by step. “Talking with them also helps us older people have tools to be able to manage and organize the experience on board,” the airline says.

The seats next to the hallways They have the advantage of ease of movement and are the most recommended for trips with children.

At KLM, for example, they provide special baby cribs and toddler seats. They are requested when making the reservation.

Can the safety seat used in the car be brought on board? At KLM, yes. The airline offers the possibility that for each child with a reserved seat, a safety seat – or aviation child restraint system (CARES) – can be brought free of charge.

It is important to notify the airline and take into account the measurements since it must fit into the seat: “It has to fit between the armrests of the plane seat, which is 42 cm wide,” they explain at KLM.

“Whenever possible, reserve a bassinet for the baby or choose seats between dividers (for example, those that divide different classes: they do not have seats in front of them, no passengers recline and allow children to have more room). Another option is to evaluate the advantages of being close to bathrooms“, they say at Emirates. And adds that “the rear third of the plane tends to be less crowded on flights that are not full.”

It is key to think about having on hand toys, books or other objects such as electronic devices to entertain the kids. Own headphones It is another item to take into account.

There are airlines that usually offer activity kits and recreational proposals and also a variety of children’s films and series to enjoy on board.

On some long-haul flights, KLM offers activity kits with coloring books and puzzles.

On Emirates planes, kids can choose from more than 50 classic Disney movies and more than 130 children’s television channels.

“They will be given fun headphones designed for children and thanks to external cameras, they will be able to see the world from a bird’s eye view on their personal screen,” they say at the Dubai airline. As for the kits, they are for children up to 12 years old: fanny packs, backpacks and sports bags, blankets and more.

The airline clarifies that toys and bags are made from recycled materials.

At the time of booking or close to the date of travel, it is important to check the child’s meal options.

“They tend to be more suitable for the tastes of little ones and can include children’s menus that have a great variety. In general the options are mini hamburgers, or chicken nuggets, it also includes a mini fruit salad and a juice,” they say at KLM and clarify that during the flight kids can order snacks as many times as they want.

Emirates explains: “If you prefer to bring your own food, the cabin crew will help warm up the food and bottles. If you need it, baby milk and bottles will be available on board.”