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

Spendless

Thanks for starting this thread OP. I am going on a long haul flight with a 3yo and a 6yo and would appreciate some ideas.

mcfisco

Somebody will have to come up with a game that only uses clear plastic bags

I was on a flight that had about 50 teenage kids returning from a skiing holiday - a few of us could well have thought of a good use for the bags

tee_pee_2

i am flying for the first time with my 18mth old. I am dreading it. Really would appreciate any advice, I quite liked the calpol idea!! Can you take on board cuddly toys ( we do not go anywhere without BERYL BUNNY - and thats just for my husband.

dmg24

if allowed a camera onboard.

Definitely not allowed to take a camera on board!

withabix

tee_pee wrote:

i am flying for the first time with my 18mth old. I am dreading it. Really would appreciate any advice, I quite liked the calpol idea!! Can you take on board cuddly toys ( we do not go anywhere without BERYL BUNNY - and thats just for my husband.

No cuddly toys allowed.

As for the 18 month-old, I suggest making sure they're tired before the flight (keep them awake on the journey to the airport for a start) and stoking them up before the flight with healthy non-junk food, but not caffeine-filled drinks or sugary stuff (or in the case of my youngest DD, nothing orange or yellow either, unless I want a hyperactive monster!). That way they might sleep...unless of course it just makes them want a poo....dirty nappies and aeroplanes go soooo well together!!

If your 18 month-old will still take a bottle, filling them up on those might work - dual purpose full tummy and sleep induction, especially if they are dummy-users.

Take a dummy on the flight with you, even if you're one of those parents who "doesn't approve" of them. The rest of the passengers will thank you for it!!

Inappropriate Calpol use could be considered to be child abuse - it's paracetomol and is meant for when they're poorly, not noisy!!! Mine only got Calpol when they asked for it, once they could talk - they soon realise what makes them feel better.

lily_the_pink

iainkirk wrote:

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.

ok - but airline could supply. I agree it is the parents responsibility - but airlines should and do lend a helping hand as much for the comfort of other passengers.

My kid has had a seat paid for (at same price as adult) and doesnt sup wine/gin and tonic/coffee/tea so it isnt as if the crayons would cost more than this. Comics cant be hollowed out - but again, just as the airline supplies newspapers/magazines then a few kids comics would not go amiss if these are not allowed on.

I am not disputing the need for security measures by the way - just pointing out that the airlines will have to provide some inflight entertainment for children who are flying if the parents are not allowed to take stuff on.

spender

Phenegan, and plenty of it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

withabix

lily_the_pink wrote:

I am not disputing the need for security measures by the way - just pointing out that the airlines will have to provide some inflight entertainment for children who are flying if the parents are not allowed to take stuff on.

But it isn't the airlines who are stopping you from taking hand luggage on the flight, so they won't HAVE to do anything, although some probably will. Excel give out kids fun packs anyway - I'm sure some others probably do too.

Most flights have in-flight movies and cartoons, so that should help. Yesterday and on Saturday they had perfectly adequate family films on the Excel flights I was on - Over The Hedge on the way out and Runaway Vacation on the way back - both only went on cinema release in the last 6-8 weeks!

It wouldn't surprise me if Ryanair are charging passengers to put their hand luggage in the hold either. Never ones to miss an opportunity!

GIRLPOWER_2

I see no problem with giving younger children calpol before the flight...I have done it may times... I would not see it child abuse as 1 bottle last years in our hosue and I have 3 children. but thats just my opinion.

Murtle

Most airlines used to have things to entertain children with, so if they don't they can think about bringing it back! I don't know about children, but 12hours for me and I'd be annoying the hell out of anyone around me.....12 hours with nothing to do......argh.......what a way to start a holiday.....yes I understand the need for security etc and that is better then not reaching the destination, but just the thought of 12 hours with no book