Baby on Board: Top Tips for Travelling With Young Children
Essential Advice For Travelling With Young Children!
Do you remember your first flight? Whether it was a quick hop to the UK, a summer holiday to Spain, or a long-haul trip to the U.S.A, you can probably recall the engine, the sight of the ground below — and the treat of watching the latest movies for hours at a time.
Our parents’ memories might be a little different, though, as travelling with kids can be a challenging experience. Not with Aer Lingus though, as we’re proud to be a family-friendly airline that goes the extra mile for our littlest passengers.
Want to learn how we make flying a fun experience for everybody? Dive in to discover our experts’ top tips for travelling with young children.
1. Choose your flights strategically: Think about what flights might work best for your child’s nap times. Night flights might be a good idea if you’re flying long-haul, as they could sleep through, which takes the pressure off parents. If you’re connecting, try to opt for shorter layovers to reduce overall travel time — but be careful to leave yourself plenty of time if you need to move terminals or even airports. Everything takes longer with tiny kids in tow!
2. Pack a carry-on bag of essentials: If you have a baby or toddler, you’ll need to bring extra nappies, wipes, and at least one change of clothes. Baby changing facilities are available on all of our aircraft and we’re always happy to heat up a bottle or baby food — you only need to ask a member of our cabin crew, who’d be delighted to help you and your little one.
3. Prepare favourite snacks: Who wants to hear “I’m hungry” at 35,000 feet? Take a small bag of crackers, fruit, granola bars, or a homemade sandwich to keep tiny bellies full. Be careful with treats, though, as too much sugar might keep children awake (and wear you out running after them in the aisles!). If you don’t have time, don’t worry — you can still find plenty of options on our Bia menu of in-flight food and snacks.
4. Opt for travel-friendly gear: At Aer Lingus, we don’t believe in charging families more, so one fully collapsible buggy/stroller is allowed free of charge for an infant or child booking, plus either a car seat, booster seat, or travel cot. Choosing lightweight, easily collapsible equipment can make your life easier, but make sure it meets international standards before you travel. Also consider ride-on suitcases for older kids who might need a helping hand when their legs get tired.
5. Dress for comfort: Whether you’re taking a quick hour-long flight or an overnight transatlantic trip, layers will be your friend. Dress your kids in clothes that can easily come on or off — try to avoid fiddly buttons or sticky zips. For the adults, large scarves and soft wraps can double as blankets when needed — or help to cover up stains, which is a common challenge for every parent!
6. Replicate routine where possible: An airplane cabin is never going to feel like your child’s bedroom, no matter how comfortable it is. But following a bedtime routine as much as possible will give kids comfort, especially when they’re tired. That might mean packing a favourite book,cuddly toy, or even a small pillow or cosy blanket. It’ll also help if you can pull down the window shade when permitted.
7. Bring age-appropriate entertainment: Depending on your flight and whether your child is travelling on your lap or in their own seat, you might want to bring toys, games, or an iPad to keep them busy. While we do have Wi-Fi on most Aer Lingus flights, it might be easier to download your child’s favourite shows in advance. Younger children often prefer puzzles, sticker packs, fidget spinners, and the like.
8. Stay hydrated throughout: It can be challenging, but it’s vital to keep up your child’s water intake while travelling. A spill-proof bottle or sippy-cup will help, but if they’re refusing, try bringing snacks with high water content like sliced cucumber or melon. Children like to mimic adults, so model drinking water regularly to show them how easy it is.
At Aer Lingus, we believe that every family deserves the best value, which is why we have a “Family First” plan. On European flights, that means half price bags and seat selection for children, as well as lots of other perks like pre-boarding for babies and buggies. If you’re travelling from Cork or Dublin, you can even check in the day before, so you can arrive relaxed and luggage-free on your day of travel .
For transatlantic flights to and from the USA, we offer very low cost fares for children under two, as well a discount for passengers between the ages of two and eleven travelling in economy class. Don’t forget, you’ll also be able to enjoy tasty on-board dining, top-class in-flight entertainment, and spacious seats for cuddling up in.
The most important tip we can give to parents travelling with small children? Talk to our cabin crew. Whether they’re mums, dads, aunts, uncles, or big kids themselves, they’ll know how to make your flight more comfortable for you and your little ones. As Ireland’s national carrier, Aer Lingus has been bringing families home and abroad for generations, offering exceptional care, a warm welcome, and sometimes even a sneak peak behind the scenes.
Whatever your age, we’re your ally in the sky, helping you and your family start your holiday with a flight to remember — for all the right reasons!
