Stepping on board a plane can be a difficult thing for many – but it’s often made more difficult by the presence of children. If you’re a parent, and you’re about to fly abroad with your children, then you might not know quite what to expect – or how to deal with any problems that develop along the way.

There are a few proven strategies that can often be very helpful. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Before the flight

Minimising the stress means putting in a little bit of groundwork. If your child is old enough, then sit them down for a chat about flying and what to expect. Talk them through the process, and try to get them excited about it. You might show them a few YouTube videos, just so that the airport and the cabin don’t feel as strange an intimidating.

If possible, it’s better to book a direct flight. The more often you’re stopping, the more stress you’ll inflict on your children (and yourself). Night flights tend to be better than daytime ones, since your child will naturally be sleepy while they’re in the air. Make sure that your transfers are booked; for Londoners, a direct train service will tend to be the optimal solution.

Ideally, you’ll spend the day doing something physically and mentally draining with your children. Hopefully that way, they’ll drop off more quickly.

Every child is different, and you probably have a strong idea of what will make bedtime easier in your case. Go with what you know to be effective.

Tips for getting through the flight

Pack Lightly

The less luggage you have to carry around, the better. If you can get away with just hand luggage, then the process around the airport will be that much more straightforward.

Be Prepared

Sudden attacks of hunger can be disastrous on the plane. They can lead to serious grouchiness. Make sure that you have plenty of snacks, so that you can nip the problem in the bud. If possible, it’s a good idea to bring your own entertainment to keep everyone occupied. This is one occasion where screen time is perfectly fine. Just make sure that everything is properly charged.

Of course, there’s also the dreaded change in pressure to worry about. This can be very stressful, especially for children who don’t understand what’s happening. Feeding a baby during take-off and landing can help them to cope with the stress. For older children, bottled water and boiled sweets tend to work just as effectively.

It’s important not to let the experience in the cabin discourage you from going on holiday abroad. Once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll know what to expect, and so will your kids. You’ll be able to form strategies tailored to you and your family. Who knows – the flight might even be uncomplicated and straightforward!