Traveling with your kids can be a fun and exciting experience for the whole family, but flight delays and long airport layovers can make getting to your destination an experience that you’d rather forget. Airport layovers can be a drag at the best of times; factor in bored kids and delayed flights and most people would agree that you have a recipe for disaster. But, don’t worry! If your flight has been delayed and you’ve got a long airport layover to look forward to with your little ones in tow, it doesn’t have to be as bad as you might be expecting. Here are some of the best ways to deal with a long layover when flying with kids.
Tip #1. Have a Movie Marathon:
Although most families make the sensible decision to avoid spending too much time in front of a screen, making an exception can definitely be worth it if it’s to help make the travel experience a little easier for your family. Most airports now offer free Wi-fi, and once you’re connected, streaming sites are perfect for finding all their favorite movies and kids’ TV shows. Don’t forget to take along your iPad or tablet, headphone splitters, and a charger!
Tip #2. Have a Day Out:
If you’ve got an airport layover that’s going to be longer than a few hours, then it might be worth getting out of the airport and having a fun day out in another country. For example, if you are traveling to Dubai and want to connect in India, you can book Pune to Dubai ticket at low cost here and then spend your layover in Pune exploring attractions such as the Aga Khan Palace, Hindu temples, and Shaniwar Wada, an 18th-century fort with huge gates.
Tip #3. Choose a Kid-Friendly Airport:
If you have a choice of airports when it comes to where you’re getting on your connecting flight, then it’s worth looking into your options and doing some research to find out which is the child-friendliest option. For example, some airports will offer a crèche or supervised child’s play area where you can leave your little ones to enjoy having fun and spending some time with other young travelers.
Tip #4. Nap Time:
Even if you’re not traveling during the night, airline travel can be exhausting, so a layover can be the perfect opportunity to get your little ones down for a nap. Ideally, your little one will sleep on the plane, but don’t be too surprised if this doesn’t happen thanks to the cramped environment and noisy atmosphere that comes with flying. If you have a couple of hours to spare, it might be worth thinking about packing a couple of sleeping bags or blankets. Find a quiet part of the airport with a row of seats and let your child catch some z’s.
Traveling long-distance with kids can be a very rewarding and hugely memorable experience, but long layovers can make getting there exhausting for the whole family. If these tips helped, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Great tips which is why I always fly either Singapore Airlines or Emirates so I have change and Dubai airport at my finger tips. So much to do, all that shopping and to to mention eating….
Yes,we too spend time for shopping and eating.. 🙂
I did not expect some airports to have some playground actually! Once I incurred delay too even if it’s only domestic (here in the Philippines), the kid in me was so jealous of the kids who get to play and forget that their flight’s delayed. Sadly, some of the airports offer only an hour of free internet versus the number of hours of the delay. However, it’s nice to have another destination to visit during the layover. A time to relax, explore and just be free! This is really a wonderful read!
Oh I can imagine how you felt after delayed the flight! 🙂
Good tips. Some airports do cater to entertain kids.
I found Bangkok airport kid friendly. They have quite a big space with toys.
Wow, this written very concise, but very helpful and informative. I may didn’t able to relate on this thing, but personally I find it very interesting and helpful for other parents traveling with kids. I will surely share this to my friends. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
It was the first time we travel with a toddler last year and I really chose going to Singapore eventhough it was my 3rd visit already to the country simply because I love Changi. Our toddler just got so many things to keep himself happily busy. Also, the Singapore Airlines has always been the best for us whenever we travel.
I’ve read that Singapore airport is one of the best airport in the world. As much as all those tips helps, I think it still depends on which airport you are in. Sad to say, the experiences I had with the airport here in our country was not really good. Can’t even access wifi. Better pick a kid-friendly airport.
Yes,sometimes we cant plan all these.But,travelling with kids always need some planning.Moms know that,I am sure you too 🙂
Great suggestions. Movie marathon and naptime go hand in hand. For smaller children you could reward them with a movie after their nap!
Great tips! I don’t have kids yet, but I’ll definitely share this to my relatives who do. My brother will be traveling with his child soon too, so this is a must-read!
Yes,anyone who travel with kids need to be prepared 🙂
Wow. These are pretty amazing and cool ideas. Movie marathon seems to work for me even now 😉
You’ve given great suggestions here. Ive experienced travelling with a toddler and it can be real challenge. I like the movie marathon and the Play area. Though kids sometimes can easily be bored so we’ve got to have many options.
I travel with the kid when he was just 2 months.Most of the trips,we had to be prepared to keep him entertained.Otherwise,it will be a total nightmare! 🙂
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I will be going on a long-hour trip to Hong Kong with my kids for a whole week next month. They’re both really hyper. During our flight back, we will have a longer transit time of 4 hours and I worry about my children getting bored or something.