Get organised and get it right with these top tips.
Plan carefully and think about what you’ll need during the flight. Priority number one: have you considered how the kids are going to amuse themselves? Check out our article on keeping them entertained, and carry on everything you’ll need, including snacks.
Here are our other top tips:
If they’re old enough, it’s a great idea to let the kids pack their own carry-on backpack – with supervision, of course. They should carry on all they’ll need to keep them amused for the flight, and a change of clothes (just in case). It’s probably a good idea to keep the snacks in your carry-on, so you can be in charge of doling them out.
Make sure their little personal backpack is small enough to stash under the seat in front, so that you don’t need to worry about finding room for it in the overhead lockers.
If you’re going on a short trip and planning to take only carry-on baggage, you’ll really need to hone those packing skills. Make sure every member of the family has a backpack or small rollie suitcase that closely fits the size limits: 56cm (height) x 36cm (width) x 23cm (depth).
Pack each person’s bag with the clothes they’ll need for the trip. If you’re only going for a long weekend you should be able to get by with just one full change of clothes, but make sure you pack layers (eg, tee-shirts and long-sleeved sweaters). If it’s winter, wear the warmest, bulkiest clothes, boots and jackets on the plane.
You’ll need to fit everything you need for the flight into your carry-on as well, like the kids’ activity books, devices, snacks etc. You may be able to fit these things into the small additional piece of baggage that each passenger is allowed to bring onboard and stow under the seat in front – but remember, both pieces of baggage together must weigh less than 7kg (if you’re travelling on an Economy Starter fare).
And remember:
Whether you’re packing checked baggage or carry-on, your own bags or the kids’, the key is being prepared, organised and neat. Follow the golden rules of packing: