Practical tips when travelling with your family!

Dare we mention the C word yet!!

Of course, with demand so high at Christmas, it always pays to book early. Whether you are escaping for some winter sun, or heading to the slopes, one thing’s for sure: the sooner you book, the cheaper it will be.  Once you have secured your flights, be sure to book your airport parking, that way, you guarantee a space, and you more than likely book it at a cheaper rate, as the closer to Christmas we get, the higher prices go to keep up with the extra demand.

If you are travelling with family and or children, here are a few practical tips to make that journey a little easier.

Start the planning before you fly.

1. Booking with children in mind. Choose flights that align with nap or bedtime where possible and pay attention to journey time; perhaps choose destinations with a shorter journey.

Direct flights are worth the extra cost — fewer transfers = fewer headaches.

2. Seat planning.

If you choose early check-in, you can reserve your seats; don’t rely on the airline, as they may separate you due to availability.  Bulkhead or aisle seats can give little ones more space.

Pack strategically

Luggage is a tricky thing at the airport as all airlines have different rules around size and weight allowances.  Be sure to arm yourself with the correct information as to avoid packing too heavy or taking the wrong size bags; this is a costly mistake!
Travelling with children means that there are going to be times when you might need something for entertainment, perhaps food and drink and comfy items for snoozes.  Packing a “family survival bag” is the sure-fire way to ensure you have all you need to keep the little ones engaged.

Think about snacks (avoid messy or high-sugar ones), water, wet wipes, tissues and spare clothes, and perhaps something comfortable like a blanket or child’s favourite toy.  For busy hands, consider small toys, colouring books, or a tablet with downloaded viewing.

At the Airport

4. Arrive early — but not too early
Give yourself enough time for check-in, bathroom breaks, and security, but remember that waiting at the gate can be hard on restless children.

If you choose our convenient Meet and Greet Airport Parking, you will be met by your driver right outside the terminal, leaving you free to make your way to departures without the stress of having to park your car…we will park it on your behalf.
Simply hand over your keys, grab your bags and head to the departure terminal.

5. Use pre-boarding
Airlines often let families board early — take advantage of that extra time to get settled and store bags.

6. Let them move
If possible, let the children walk, stretch, or play a bit before boarding — it helps burn some of the excitement and energy.

In Flight

7. Little ones can really suffer from ear pressure pains. Give babies a bottle or dummy during takeoff and landing and older children can chew gum or suck on a boiled sweet.  This allows the air pressure to equalise and avoid any pain and discomfort.

8. Keep children entertained.  Think about traditional games like “eye spy” and rock, paper, scissors!  Bring books and toys along to keep little ones busy.

9. It isn’t always easy, but staying calm and flexible really helps the family feel settled and allows you to adapt to the feeling.
Children may become tetchy or struggle with boredom, and that is okay. Most passengers understand, be sure to ask for help if necessary.

After Landing

10. it is often best to hang back a little upon your landing, especially with little ones, bags, toys, and rubbish. Letting others depart first reduces the pressure to gather belongings and allows you a little more time to ensure nothing’s left behind.

11. Plan before you land.
It can be a little stressful landing in a foreign country without the support of plans in place.  Be sure to pre-book hire cars or transfers, and if car seats or assistance is required, always ask as many airports have family pickup zones or car seat rental options with staff that can help.