How to do a red-eye flight with kids?

From ensuring a comfortable journey to keeping them entertained, read on to discover the best strategies for conquering red-eye travel with your kids.
  1. Choose the Right Flight. ...
  2. Prepare the Kids. ...
  3. Plan Ahead. ...
  4. Dress for Comfort. ...
  5. Time Meals Strategically. ...
  6. Snack Smart. ...
  7. Dollar Store Delights. ...
  8. Establish a Bedtime Routine.




People Also Ask

Generally speaking, window seats are best for sleeping on red-eye flights because you'll deal with the fewest disruptions. If you're in the aisle, you not only have to contend with getting up for your seatmates, but also run the risk of getting bumped by other passengers walking around.

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Many airlines eliminated pillows and blankets in coach a couple of years back. For me, it's tough to sleep on a redeye without a blanket. I can handle no pillow (my hoodie kind of helps with that), but I still find it really helpful to have some sort of a thin blanket in order to sleep.

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Manage Expectations with Conversation and Books. Read children's books about flying and travel. Emphasize that there'll be a time at the beginning and the end of the flight where they'll have to stay in their seats with their seat belt on. Talk to them about what they can do during this time.

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If you're traveling with an infant in arms, you may want to call the airline to request a bassinet for the baby. (only available on long haul flights) These bassinets give the baby their own place to laydown flat and sleep uninterrupted on the plane.

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Red-eye flights have been linked to weakened immune systems, increased risks of depression, and risks of heart attacks. This is because night flying interferes with your natural sleep rhythms, and changes your metabolism.

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The best time to fly with kids The best times, most agree, are between three and nine months, when kids aren't yet mobile, and any time after age two or three. The idea here is to bypass the toddler phase, and, more importantly, to avoid flying with young infants. The latter is especially risky says Dr.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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Top tips for travelling with toddlers on long haul flights
  1. Don't board too early. ...
  2. Get the bassinet seats as they provide more room. ...
  3. Pack light and only have one cabin bag for the whole family. ...
  4. Pack a travel potty. ...
  5. Snacks. ...
  6. Best toys for toddlers on plane. ...
  7. Screen time. ...
  8. Aisle walking.


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If they are inconsolable, try taking your baby to the back of the plane where the hum of the engine may mask their crying. Try to remain calm – a good distraction is to gently talk to your baby – or try letting them look out the window where they may see other planes or perhaps a nice view.

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Pack lollipops, gum, or pacifiers. Bring a pacifier for them to suck on. This will help alleviate the pressure and make them more comfortable. For older children, you can bring gum or lollipops to help them “pop” their ears.

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Yes. Red eye flights are usually cheaper. Because of their obscure flight times, red eye flights are usually less in-demand. Therefore, airlines offer red eye flight tickets at a cheaper price as an incentive for passengers to book flights during these off-peak hours.

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From a crew and equipment perspective, red-eye flights are as safe as any other flight. There are some potential risks to your personal health if you fly them often, though, particularly if you don't sleep well on planes.

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