The thought of flying with young children (especially on a long-haul flight) can be daunting for most parents. Spending hours on end being confined to squishy and squashy airplane seats can make even the most calm and in-control parent experience a little ‘sweaty palm’ syndrome.
Yes, flying with children can be challenging; and no, it is not the most pleasant experience there is. But in reality, it’s a means to an end. A flight is something that has to be endured in order to experience the pot of gold at the end of it… that being the holiday itself! Armed with a few tips and tricks, your next flight can be bearable (at least)… maybe even enjoyable…? (Nah, let’s be honest… wouldn’t go that far!)
International Flight Attendant, Mel Seitz, has been with Qantas for more than 20 years and has both seen and experienced it all when it comes to flying with children. Her two boys (now 8 and 11) have an Irish father, so they fly to visit family most years and have been since the boys were both very young. She offers the following advice to parents, to help make air travel a little easier.