How to survive a long haul flight with kids — the ultimate guide for parents who want to arrive relaxed and ready for adventure.
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Wondering how to survive a long haul flight with kids? You are not alone. Long haul flights with children are one of the most daunting parts of family travel but with the right preparation they do not have to be a nightmare. In this complete guide we share everything we have learned from years of long haul flights with our own kids.
Table of Contents
- Before the Flight — Preparation is Everything
- At the Airport with Kids
- Entertainment for Kids on Long Haul Flights
- How to Get Kids to Sleep on Long Haul Flights
- Food and Snacks for Long Haul Flights with Kids
- Choosing the Best Seats for Families
- Essential Long Haul Flight Gear for Families
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Before the Flight — Preparation is Everything
The key to surviving a long haul flight with kids is preparation. Everything you do before you leave home determines how smoothly the flight goes.
Book the Right Seats
Seat selection is the single most important thing you can do. For babies request a bulkhead seat with a bassinet. For older kids book window and middle seats so children can look out and adults have aisle access.
Pre-download Everything
Never rely on in-flight WiFi. Before every long haul flight download movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and games onto your kids tablet. Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime all allow offline downloads.
Our Pick: Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet — pre-load it before every flight
Check Price on Amazon
Pack a Dedicated Kids Carry-On
Give older kids their own small backpack with their favourite items — a stuffed animal, colouring book, small toys, and snacks. Kids aged 5 and over love having their own bag.
Adjust Sleep Schedule Before You Travel
For long haul flights crossing multiple time zones start adjusting your children’s sleep schedule a few days before departure. Move bedtime 30-60 minutes earlier or later each day to reduce jet lag.
2. At the Airport with Kids
Arrive Early
Always arrive at least 3 hours before a long haul international flight with kids. Rushing through an airport with children is incredibly stressful — give yourself plenty of time.
Use Family Security Lanes
Most major international airports have dedicated family security lanes specifically designed for families with children and pushchairs. Look for the family lane signs at security.
Let Kids Burn Energy Before Boarding
Find a quiet area near your gate and let your kids run around before boarding. The more energy they use at the airport the more likely they are to sleep on the plane.
Our Pick: Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase — kids ride it through the airport and love it
Check Price on Amazon
3. Entertainment for Kids on Long Haul Flights
The Golden Rule — Novelty Beats Familiarity
Save new content and new toys specifically for the flight. The novelty factor of brand new entertainment is incredibly powerful at 35,000 feet and buys far more time than familiar content.
Stagger Entertainment Throughout the Flight
Start with colouring books, then snacks, then introduce the tablet, then a new small toy, then more tablet time. Spreading entertainment across the flight gives you fresh options every hour.
Kids Headphones are Non-Negotiable
Volume-limiting headphones designed for children are absolutely essential. They protect hearing and prevent disturbing other passengers.
Our Pick: PURO Kids Volume-Limiting Headphones — the best kids headphones for flights
Check Price on Amazon
4. How to Get Kids to Sleep on Long Haul Flights
Book Night Flights When Possible
Whenever possible book overnight long haul flights. Night flights align with your children’s natural sleep patterns and make it far easier to get kids to sleep.
Bring Familiar Sleep Items from Home
Pack your child’s favourite sleep items — their usual pillow, comfort toy, or blanket. Familiar smells and textures are powerful sleep triggers for children.
Recreate the Bedtime Routine
About an hour before sleep time start winding down. Dim screen brightness, switch to calm content, change into comfortable sleep clothes, and go through as much of the normal bedtime routine as possible.
Our Pick: Travel Noise Machine for Kids — helps kids sleep on planes and in hotels
Check Price on Amazon
5. Food and Snacks for Long Haul Flights with Kids
Pack More Snacks Than You Think You Need
Always pack at least twice as many snacks as you think you will need. Snacks keep hunger at bay, serve as a distraction, and work as a reward for good behaviour.
Our Pick: Bentgo Kids Snack Container — keeps snacks organised and accessible
Check Price on Amazon
Pre-Order Kids Meals
Most long haul airlines offer special kids meals that are more appealing to children than standard adult meals. Pre-order when you book — they are usually served first which is helpful for families.
Stay Hydrated
Cabin air is extremely dry and dehydration makes children irritable. Bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and encourage your children to drink regularly throughout the flight.
6. Choosing the Best Seats for Families
Bulkhead Seats for Babies and Toddlers
Request bulkhead seats for babies and toddlers. They have extra legroom and are the only seats where airline bassinets can be attached.
Window Seats for Kids
Children aged 4 and over love window seats. Book window seats for children and aisle seats for adults so you can get up easily.
Avoid Seats Near Toilets
Seats near the toilets are high traffic areas. Avoid booking these when travelling with young children as the disturbance makes it harder for them to settle.
Essential Long Haul Flight Gear for Families 2026
| Product | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet | Entertainment for the whole flight | Check Price |
| PURO Kids Volume-Limiting Headphones | Safe listening for kids | Check Price |
| Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase | Kids carry-on through the airport | Check Price |
| Bentgo Kids Snack Container | Organised snacks on the flight | Check Price |
| Travel Noise Machine for Kids | Sleep aid on the plane | Check Price |
| Johnson and Johnson First Aid Kit | Health and safety on the go | Check Price |
| Neutrogena Kids Sunscreen SPF 70 | Sun protection at your destination | Check Price |
| Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack | Parent carry-on with everything inside | Check Price |
How to Survive a Long Haul Flight with Kids – Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep kids entertained on a long haul flight?
Pre-download content onto a kids tablet, pack surprise activity bags, bring plenty of snacks, and stagger entertainment throughout the flight.
What age can kids fly long haul?
Babies can fly from as young as 2 weeks with medical clearance. The easiest ages are 3-6 months when babies sleep a lot, and 5 years and over when children can use tablets independently.
How do you get toddlers to sleep on long haul flights?
Book overnight flights, bring familiar sleep items, recreate the bedtime routine, and use a travel noise machine.
What should I pack in hand luggage for a long haul flight with kids?
A loaded kids tablet, volume-limiting headphones, plenty of snacks, a change of clothes for each child, familiar sleep items, activity packs, and a small first aid kit.
How do you deal with ear pain in kids during flights?
Encourage children to swallow, yawn, or chew snacks during takeoff and landing. For babies, breastfeeding or bottle feeding during these times helps equalise ear pressure.
Final Thoughts on How to Survive a Long Haul Flight with Kids
Surviving a long haul flight with kids is absolutely possible with the right preparation. The families who arrive relaxed and happy are the ones who planned ahead, packed the right gear, and went in with realistic expectations. The long haul flight is just the beginning of your incredible family adventure.
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- Best Family Travel Insurance 2026
- 20 Budget Family Travel Tips 2026
Have a tip for surviving a long haul flight with kids? Drop it in the comments below!
Happy travels,
Liam and the Tiny Family Travels crew
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