You’ve made it to the flight!  Whether long haul or short haul, flying with kids can seem a stressful prospect, follow our tips to making the flight itself a pain free one.

Keep them entertained!

Have a couple of favourite books with you and sticker books are always a winner with my children too.  I sometimes pack colouring books and crayons (not pens though).  We also have a selection of small toys that I store in a zipped bag but are great for use in restaurants and even on the flight.  I know some parents also wrap up a few new toys for the flight and then when their children appear to be reaching the boredom threshold they whip out a new toy to keep them occupied.

I’ve found that once children reach pre-school age and beyond, a portable DVD player can be a great distraction on the plane and a useful tool along with reading books in calming excited children down for a rest or sleep on a long flight.

Older kids and teenagers will no doubt be more interested in their own books, computer games or the in-flight entertainment.