How to keep the kids happy on flights - now almost everything is banned.

[Deleted User]

I don't have kids but really feel for those of you who are about to go on flights, especially long haul - with children in tow.

It's going to be boring enough for the adults for whom even a book or magazine is now banned - but I imagine the children will be affected the most with boredom.

I'm presuming even pens and paper are disallowed, so no noughts/crosses etc.. - so any games will be limited to things like I-Spy.

Or will it?

chatta

I am sure that after the trolley dollies have one long haul flight with loads of kids running up and down the aisles through boredom and ratty stressed out parents, they will be supplying pens and books pretty quick. (You hope)

completely_lost

I think we should be greatful for the increased security!! My aunty and family were due to fly to LA today. Imagine what could have happened if the attacks hadnt been foiled.

I'm going to New York next week with kids and more concerned about safety than boredom!

lily_the_pink

Having just done a 3.5 hour flight with a 3 year old, the thought of doing this without toys, comics, various edible treats/bribes is not a very nice thought (3.5 hours even with all the above is not a good experience either).

BA are supposed to supply an activity pack on long-haul flights according to their website. They may need to look at doing this short haul too.

For the benefit of all passengers they will have to do something to keep the younger ones amused.

lily_the_pink

completely_lost wrote:

I think we should be greatful for the increased security!! My aunty and family were due to fly to LA today. Imagine what could have happened if the attacks hadnt been foiled.

I'm going to New York next week with kids and more concerned about safety than boredom!

Me too but a few comics and crayons are not a security risk.

MrSmartprice

Perhaps the airlines should supply Industrial Strength Calpol for all kids:j

richardw

Calpol isn't for boredom.

Lavender13

How about playing the three word game, that everyone adds to(if children are old enough to talk). The idea of the game is to make up a story, each person playing is allowed three words each ,taking turns, for example 1st person may say " Early one day" 2nd person says three words that follow on " my dog awoke" , 3rd person may say "and sniffed a "etc, it can become really funny if someone has a sense of humour. At times it can be difficult to say only three words.All you need is imagination.

Donnie

There are no problems with pens and books on board. The main problem is related to binary concoctions.
i.e. One person brings on an innocuous liquid, which on it's own is harmless. another bring's on another, which again is harmless on it's own. But together, the combine to make a explosive mixture.
That is the reason for the very high level of scrutiny at the airports at the moment.
Most decent long haul airlines with have play kits for children onboard.

withabix

Buty there COULD be a problem with pens and crayons. The innocuous looking crayon could be made from a dangerous substance - it is possible.

That book could be hollowed out and full of plastic explosive. The crayon could be plastic explosive. The pen could contain a detonator.

I'd rather have a plane load of screaming kids than die over the Atlantic thankyou.

It's the parent's responsibility to keep their kids quiet/amused, not the airline's by the way.

sallysaver

Hi,
Totally agree with completely lost and Ian Kirk. There are badly behaved kids on flights who have more toys/games/pens/books than Toys R Us so these things are not always the answer. Sally