7 Tried-and-Tested Tips for Long Haul Flights with Kids

If you’re reading this, you might be gearing up for your first amazing family adventure (or maybe your tenth!), but either way, the thought of spending 10+ hours on a plane with children can feel… intimidating.

Believe me, I get it!

Over the past few years, our kids have been lucky enough to travel with us to Thailand, Japan, Mexico, and the US, so we’ve clocked up a lot of miles (and a lot of “are we nearly there yet?” moments). Along the way, I’ve picked up a few life-saving hacks for long haul flights with kids that make the whole experience far less stressful, and sometimes, dare I say, even enjoyable! Even our flight back from Tokyo, that was an eye-watering 15 hours!

So, if you’re wondering “How do I survive a long flight with kids?”, here are my 7 tried-and-tested tips for keeping everyone happy on your long haul flight.

1. Book Flights Strategically (When Possible)

If you have any flexibility with your travel dates and times, this can make a huge difference to how smoothly your flight goes.

Things to consider:

• Night flights – If you can time your departure for the evening, your children are far more likely to sleep for a large chunk of the journey. This worked brilliantly for us on our flights back from the USA and Mexico.

• Avoid multiple connections – Direct flights are almost always worth the extra cost with kids. The fewer take-offs and landings, the less chance of tears (from them… or you). We could’ve saved money with a layover on our flight to Japan, but one straight flight with no stopping and starting, and more chances to sleep, was worth every penny.

• Check flight duration differences – Sometimes, leaving a day earlier or later can shave an hour or two off your travel time.

2. Pack a ‘Flight Survival Kit’ for Each Child

This is my number one air travel tip for parents: Give each child their own small backpack with all their in-flight essentials.

Inside, I include (and this is shared in more detail within the blog that I’ve linked above):

• Snacks – LOTS of snacks. Think small, non-messy things like breadsticks, crackers, cereal bars, and a few treats – I have 10 health airplane snack ideas here!

• Entertainment – Sticker books, colouring books, mini puzzles, and a tablet loaded with games and downloaded TV shows. There is usually great in-flight entertainment these days, but it’s good to have a backup.

• Comfort items – Their favourite soft toy or blanket.

• Headphones – Child-friendly, comfortable ones.

• A change of clothes – Because accidents will happen.

This works for two reasons: it keeps everything organised, and it gives kids a sense of independence when they can grab their own things.

3. Choose Your Seats Wisely

When you’re travelling long haul with kids, where you sit can make all the difference.

Things that have worked well for us:

• Bulkhead seats – These have extra legroom, space for little ones to stretch, and sometimes bassinets for babies.

• Aisle seats for adults – You’ll be up and down a lot for toilet breaks, stretching legs, and snack runs. I’m definitely an aisle gal, and never want a window seat!

• All in one row – Sounds obvious, but some parents don’t double-check or pay the extra to choose where they sit until it’s too late!

Some airlines let you select your seats for free if you have young children (although more and more unlikely these days), but it’s worth checking in early to snag the best spots.

4. Master the Art of In-Flight Entertainment

The novelty of the plane’s entertainment system wears off fast for kids, especially younger ones, so I always come prepared with a mix of activities.

Here’s my formula:

• Tablet with downloaded content (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube Kids offline videos).

• Low-mess crafts like Wikki Stix or water colouring pads.

• Mini surprise toys. I keep a few small wrapped toys in my bag and hand them out during the flight at intervals. This worked a treat on our 9 hour flight to Mexico.

• Audiobooks or podcasts for kids which are great for calming them down before a nap on the flight.

Some parents swear by themed activity packs based on the destination. For example, Japanese-themed activity sticker books before our Tokyo trip. It builds excitement and keeps kids busy.

5. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Snacks 

It might sound dramatic, but snacks can make or break a long haul flight with children.

Airline meals are unpredictable. They may arrive at odd times, and kids may not like them, so always bring your own.

My go-to travel snacks for kids which I’ve also listed here:

• Cereal bars

• Crackers

• Apple slices

• Cheese sticks

• Pouches of fruit purée (if allowed)

• Small packets of biscuits

The trick is to hand them out gradually (not all at once) to avoid the “I’ve eaten everything in the first hour” problem.

6. Think About Sleep Before You Fly

If you’re wondering how to get a child to sleep on a plane, here’s what works for us:

• Dress them comfortably – Forget “airport fashion”; think soft leggings, hoodies, and cosy socks.

• Bring a travel pillow – Inflatable footrest pillows are amazing for creating a flat-ish surface for kids to lie down. Check with the airline if you’re allowed these, as different airlines have different safety rules around them.

• Recreate bedtime rituals – Bring their favourite bedtime story, teddy, and maybe a small bottle of lavender pillow spray to mimic home.

• Don’t force sleep too early – Let them wind down naturally; trying to make them sleep when they’re not tired can backfire.

Night flights were so much easier when we stuck to this plan.

7. Stay Calm, Flexible, and Positive

This might be the most important tip of all.

Even with the best planning, long haul flights with kids will throw curveballs, such as turbulence, delays, unexpected meltdowns. The best thing you can do is stay calm and show your kids that flying can be a fun adventure, not something to dread.

We play “spot the landmark” when taking off, look out for different types of clouds, and make a big deal about landing somewhere new. By the time we arrived in Japan after 14 hours, our kids were just as excited as when we left (just about!).

FAQs About Long Haul Flights with Kids

1. How do I prepare my kids for a long flight?
Talk to them about the journey in advance, show them pictures of the plane, explain how long it will take, and get them excited about the destination.

2. What’s the best age to take a child on a long haul flight?
There’s no perfect age IMO. Every stage has pros and cons. Babies often sleep more, toddlers can be unpredictable, and older kids are more self-sufficient but may get bored more easily.

3. Should I bring my own food for the flight?
Yes! Always pack familiar snacks your child likes. Airline meals can be hit or miss, and food is a great distraction during the journey.

4. How can I stop my kids from getting bored on the plane?
Rotate activities every hour. Mix between movies, crafts, snacks, and walks up the aisle. Surprise toys work wonders.

5. Is it worth paying extra for better seats?
If you can afford it, yes, especially bulkhead seats or premium economy for extra space. Comfort makes a big difference on long flights.

Long haul flights with kids can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, they can actually be a really special part of your trip. Some of our favourite family travel memories come flying long haul. Playing games, watching certain films together, and looking out at the world from above the clouds.

The more you travel, the more confident you’ll get, and soon, you might even find yourself offering your own long haul flight hacks to nervous parents at the airport.

So pack your survival kits, book smart, and get ready to turn “Are we there yet?” into “Wow, that went fast!”

See some more of my family travel posts here

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.