[Sioned]

After many long haul flights with children, I used these strategies:-

Use a stroller which folds and will accommodate your hand luggage. Check with the airline, but you should be able to gate-check it. It will help in the airport, particularly if you have to rush.

If you don't need a stroller or have someone with you to push it, use hand luggage which has wheels, and if you are letting older children carry their own hand luggage, make sure that has wheels too. You do not want to get onto the plane exhausted from lugging a heavy backpack across an airport.

Agree which child gets to sit by the window on which flight before you even leave the house. In fact, discuss in advance rules and expected behaviors with the emphasis on the goal being an enjoyable fight for everyone.

When you board, locate the airsickness bags in your seat pockets and put them where you can reach them quickly. As soon as your child starts to feel sick, give them a bag. Bring a change of clothes for younger children. I also bring a hand towel which can have a number of uses. I also bring plastic grocery bags and hook one on the seat pocket to collect our garbage in - do keep it out of reach of young children . Bring a travel pack of wipes and hand sanitizer. If your hand luggage is bulky, remove the items which you know you will need and keep in a smaller separate bag which you can stow under the seat in front of you before you take off.

Make sure you have all the blankets/pillows that you need before the plane takes off when the flight attendants have time to look for them. Be as cooperative as you can to the flight attendants. Smile and take lots of deep breaths.

Even if a meal is served, assume that your child will not eat it and bring plenty of food which you know that they do like. I always pack a bar of chocolate and share out pieces of it as it seems to be very comforting. I do however avoid all other sugar and definitely avoid fizzy drinks.

Bring a treat for yourself to eat or splurge on an expensive juice or energy drink in the airport as you need to stay cheerful and relaxed.

If you bring new toys/books hand them out gradually. I also try to teach them a new card game/ trick or puzzle. Cards keep older children happy.

Ensure that you and older children understand the safety procedures. It will make you all be and feel safer.

How often do you get to just sit and play with your children for a few hours? Enjoy!