Get the bassinet seats as they provide more room The baby/toddler can then play on the seat, while one parent glamorously sits on the floor. Suggested games include:seat-buckle game (locking and unlocking seat belt), the window shutter game (Up and down. Up and down.

Survival on an ultra-long-haul flight in 2026 comes down to "strategic novelty" and lowering your standards. First, pack a "surprise bag" filled with small, cheap toys wrapped like gifts; give one to your toddler every 60–90 minutes to keep the dopamine hits coming. A supportive peer "gear" recommendation: invest in an inflatable footrest (like the Fly Tot) that turns the airplane seat into a flat bed, allowing them to actually sleep. In 2026, many airlines are "screen-time friendly," so load a tablet with offline games and movies—and don't feel guilty about letting them watch more than usual. Also, bring a massive supply of "slow" snacks (like Cheerios or raisins) that take time to eat. Finally, don't board during "priority" family boarding; instead, let your toddler run around the gate area until the very last minute to burn off energy. The goal is to keep them contained and fed until they eventually succumb to the white noise of the engines.