Living thousands of miles away from your home country requires some great degree of travel. For us the routine flight time is around 12-14 hours but we are lucky enough to have a direct flight within a reasonable driving distance. There are people who like to break it down into two shorter flights, I personally find it exhausting, especially with kids, until they finally fall asleep you have to wake them up, get off the plane and switch to a new plane. In the case of my kids, once woken up, they will not go back to sleep within the next 4-8 hours...
My best advice that has proved itself many times is to book a night flight. The kids go on the plane, have dinner, maybe watch a movie and then go to sleep. If you are lucky they will wake up for breakfast, just a little before landing. If not refer to the suggestions below:
1. DVD player, in case the plane is not equipped with individual screens for every seat, along with their favorite DVDs and also get some new ones that they haven't watched.
2. Headphones, in case they do have individual screens for every seat, not all flight companies provide headphones, and some sell it for unreasonable prices.
3. Books, familiar and new ones.
4. Art and crafts projects, depending on the age of the child, but crayons, stickers and coloring books are always good. Warning; don't bring projects that involve handling many items or very small items, they can fall down or scatter around and could lead to a lot of frustrations.
5. A favorite doll/stuffed animal for extra comfort
6. A blanket or snuggie and even a small pillow for a sleepy child. That can become very handy in an air conditioned plane, extra blankets are not always available and even if there are it can take quite a while to get them.
7. Water, formula and some snacks if allowed on the plane (depends on the flight company). And something to drink or chew during takeoff and landing, to ease the pressure on the little ears.
8. A change of clothes and extra diapers and wipes if using. A change of clothes for you as well, just in case.
9. Tylenol/Motrin or any other fever and pain relievers, just in case. Get some for you also.
10. A great deal of energy, patience and sense of humor.
* A secret weapon, to be used only in case you run out of ways to keep them busy and quiet and they can't or won't go to sleep; a few small presents, preferably wrapped and well hidden in your bag. Give them one at a time, this should buy you some more quiet time, and quiet time on a long flight is precious!
Enjoy your flight!
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