Surviving Long-Haul Flights with Kids: An Essential Guide

Many long-haul destinations have visa requirements for children with UK passports.

It’s essential to get an approved visa for each member of your family before you travel. Here are some popular online entry permits for family travel from the United Kingdom:

Finding the right airline can drastically improve your long-haul journey. Most airlines with departure routes from the UK offer extras for families, like a carry-on baby equipment allowance.

Family-friendly flights from the UK are big business for airlines – searches from UK parents bringing little ones aboard rank 9th in the top 10 worldwide. Brits also come in 9th place for the nation most likely to travel to a different continent with kids.

To draw in family bookings, some airlines go the extra mile, offering perks designed to keep both parents and kids happy. British Airways scooped the title of World’s Most Family Friendly Airline in 2024.

Here’s a selection of some other top-recommended airlines by parents:

How to book the best long-haul family flight

The best flight for your trip depends on your kids' age and the length of the journey. Whether you choose a direct flight or a stopover comes down to what works best for your brood.

For many, speed is the priority. 52% opt for the fastest route possible, while the budget is more important for others, with 34% of families focusing on finding the lowest cost.

Striking the right balance between convenience and budget can make all the difference when flying with kids.

Direct flights have obvious pros – they usually result in a faster journey from door to door and are the best option for toddlers and babies who might settle into a nap once the plane is in the air.

For older kids, however, a short layover can be a great way to break up the monotony, giving everyone the chance to stretch their legs before jetting off on the next leg of the journey.

The best plane seats for kids

Bulkhead seats (those located just after the partitions between each section of the plane) are often the best choice for extra legroom. They’re a great choice for toddlers, who’ll have a bit of space to wiggle and stretch without having to go into the aisle.

If your kids are particularly excited about going on the plane, window seats are the clear choice. With views of the clouds, the landscape below, or even the excitement of takeoff and landing, there’s plenty to see.

Older kids often prefer aisle seats for easier access to the bathroom or a little extra independence during the flight.

Essential packing tips for long flights with children

A well-packed bag is your best friend on a long-haul journey.

Organising your carry-on so everything is easy to find at a moment's notice is key. Packing cubes or zip lock bags can be a great way to separate different bits and bobs.

Here’s a list of essential things to pack when travelling long-haul with kids:

Comfort items:

Entertainment:

Snacks:

Other essentials:

Top travel hacks for kids from fellow parents

We’ve scoured Reddit forums packed with travel ideas for parents to bring you the best tried-and-tested tips.

From airport prep to in-flight survival, here’s everything you need to know to make long-haul travel with kids a breeze (or at least manageable).

Master the airport hustle

Preparing for a long-haul flight with kids starts at the airport, where a little strategy goes a long way.

Airports are a treasure trove of distractions. Use the gate numbers to practice counting, play “I Spy” with colourful suitcases, or turn an empty gate into a makeshift stage for musical chairs.

As one parent on the Reddit forum r/unitedairlines suggests: “I recommend totally exhausting the kids out prior to boarding. No naps and lots of playtime before the flight.”

Though pre-boarding is tempting, consider waiting until the last possible moment to get on the plane. If you’re travelling with two parents, have one board early with the bags while the other lets the kids burn off energy until the final call.

In-flight survival 101

Once you’ve got through take-off, it’s all about keeping the kids comfortable and entertained. If they’re still full of beans, a parent on Reddit thread r/TravelHacks has a great tip:

"Bring a deck of office yoga cards. Each one has a posture that can be performed while seated. When the kids got antsy, we’d run through some seated yoga postures to calm their bodies and minds."

Walking the aisles and chatting with airline staff can also help. Hang onto snack wrappers and use trips to the back of the plane to dispose of them.

Jet-set entertainment

Bring along firm favourites like colouring and sticker books. Pack one for you and one for the kids, as they’re far more likely to stick at an activity if you join in too. Bonus points for breaking out special stationery, like gel pens or stackable crayons.

Unlimited screen time can be a lifesaver, but save it for when all else fails. A poster on r/Travelwithkids suggests: “If you're concerned [about them sticking with it], cut back on screen time leading up to the flight, and then let them go nuts.”

Don’t forget to test headphones and other tech beforehand to avoid surprises at 30,000 feet.

Plane-friendly sleep solutions for kids

If you’ve opted for a night flight, the plane’s white noise and dimmed lights might help your little ones drift off for a few hours. Stick to usual bedtime routines by packing pyjamas and their favourite bedtime story.

Here’s another top tip from the r/Travelwithkids Reddit thread: "Bring a neck pillow for you, and some sort of squishy soft toy that can double as an extra pillow for kiddo, since they will likely fall asleep on you."

If you’ve chosen a red-eye flight, keep in mind that lights may be low and not suitable for colouring or reading activities.

Snacks save the day

A parent on the r/unitedairlines thread shared the following insight: “Assume that no matter how good the inflight meals are, they'll turn it all down, so bring some snacks and food they're familiar with.”

When it comes to feeding kids mid-flight, overpacking is your best friend. Bring familiar snacks, high-value treats (think things they’re rarely allowed), and spill-proof snack containers.

Little plastic organiser trays filled with their favourites can turn snacking into a fun activity and keep them occupied for a while.

Try to make it fun

Perhaps the most important thing to pack when travelling long haul with kids is your sense of humour. Be prepared to adapt your game plan if needed, and remember that most passengers will be sympathetic to noisy kids if they see you’re doing your best.

As one parent on the r/toddlers thread put it: "Don’t stress it! As long as other passengers see you trying to keep the kids happy, even if they throw a tantrum, they will likely cut you slack."

And, of course, don’t forget the magic solution for takeoffs, landings, and mid-flight meltdowns: r/unitedairlines: “For the love of everything that’s good in the world, please bring some lollipops.”

You’re now ready to travel with kids!

Ready to check off that bucket-list trip with the kids? Trust OnTrailVisa to secure the right travel permits for all the family.

With your documents for travel sorted, all you need to worry about is surviving the flight — and maybe finding that missing sock.