Travelling with Children

Travelling with my two children is stressful, tiring and adventurous.  I have accepted the fact that I will be doing a fair bit of flying in the next twelve months as the kids and I fly between Perth (where we are based with my husband's work) and Brisbane (where our family is).

I have completed two return trips so far on my own with the kids and I am becoming a little more wiser about how to plan, survive and enjoy the plane ride.  I have compiled a list of hints that I use when traversing the 5 hour trip across the Nullabor!

Ang's Hints:

1.  Do not buy yourself a magazine or book to enjoy on the plane.  I focus all my attention and energy on the kids as I have found that as soon as I open a book, tantrums and attention seeking behaviour unfolds.......
2.  Spend the extra money (if you can spare it) for any children under two.  In Australia, you don't need to buy a ticket for infants under two years of age as they can sit on your lap!  I have found that a five hour plane trip with a baby on my lap is not enjoyable for anyone involved.
3.  As we now buy a ticket for Ellie (now 10 months old), I can take her baby car seat onboard.  I have to contact the airline in advance but as long as it meets Australian regulations, it can be fitted onboard.  Ellie loves to sleep in her car seat and it makes meal time at 30,000 feet a breeze.
4.  Do not assume that you will be given a bassinet seat even though you have requested one.  I have requested a bassinet for Ellie on most of my flights and not once have I been given one. 
5.  Pack plenty of books, snacks, sticker activity books and drinks for the kids

Justin and I bought a portable DVD player for Alex to use when flying.  Last week his DVD player broke and I immediately thought that I would have to buy another one.  But, thinking about my new year's resolutions i.e. to minimise my spending, I decided that reading/playing/singing with Alex on the plane is cheaper and more rewarding than a DVD player.

I have found that some, but not all flight attendants are able and willing to help with the kids.  We had two wonderful flight attendants on our last flight and they made the journey exciting and memorable for the kids.  Alex even got to meet the Captain and sit in the cockpit once we had landed in Perth. 

Enjoy your flight!