Flying to India with young children can be a daunting experience, whether you’re travelling on your own or sharing a cabin with others. Unfamiliar surroundings, ear discomfort, limited space, and new food can trigger anxiety for little ones not used to long-haul travel. If they become upset, it’s completely understandable—but it can also be challenging for fellow passengers, especially on overnight flights when rest is a priority. While no one can fully predict how children will react, there are several ways to prepare for the journey and help them feel more comfortable along the way.
Pick the right flight time and seats
As with so many things ln life, the better prepared you are in advance, the easier it can be to avoid or weather any problems that may crop up further down the line. This starts when booking tickets to India or other long-haul destinations. Choose travel times that fit in with your children’s expected sleep or mealtime schedules wherever possible. Book seats that will be easier to manage – aim to have the whole family sit together so that the parents or carers can support each other and take turns looking after the children. Good places to choose include near the back of the plane, as this is closest to the bathroom and cabin crew if you need any assistance during the flight.
Get ready for airport security
Passing through airport security can be unsettling for even the most seasoned of travellers. For older children, talk them through what is going to happen. For example, they will have to go through the metal detector gate and possibly remove jackets, shoes, belts and metal jewellery. They will need to stand still while their passports are checked and won’t be allowed to run around. When you are flying to india, arrive in plenty of time so that you can deal with all the associated admin and procedures without having to rush. Factor in extra time for unexpected bathroom visits and slower walking times with little legs. Encourage children to look after their carry-on luggage.
Keep essential items in your carry-on luggage
Hopefully, you won’t lose any luggage when you are flying to India; however, mishaps have been known to happen. Always carry important things with you on the plane. For children, this can include special stuffed toys or comforters, game consoles and other entertainment, medications, a change of clothes and a wash kit. It is sensible to allocate each child a backpack or wheely case to make it easier for them (or you, if necessary!) to carry it through the airport. When you are flying to India, pack enough nappies for very young children for that day and the following day, as well as snacks, pacifiers, changes of clothes and bottles (you won’t be able to take liquids through security, so you may have to repurchase milk and water).
Prepare for in-flight anxieties
The more you can head off in-flight problems that lead to children becoming distressed, the better it will be for absolutely everyone. If you think that your children will become anxious about the flight itself, talk through what is going to happen in advance. when you fixed the date for your flying to India You could even do a role play at home to help them work out what it going to happen. Pack chewing gum or boiled sweets to help when the air pressure changes and ears start popping. Pack their favourite snacks and drink too, in case the aircraft meal is not to their liking. Don’t forget a pillow, sleep mask and light blanket to help little ones drift off to sleep.
Flight etiquette
When you are flying to India, parents and carers of little children should do their best to avoid making life harder for other travellers. That said, they can also reasonably expect some leeway from others around how hard it can be to travel with children. A little consideration goes a long way. So, stop children from kicking the seat in front of them or touching any else’s clothes, luggage or hair. Help them find their seat quickly to avoid delaying people boarding the aircraft behind you. Encourage them to be polite to cabin crew and keep their voices down as much as possible when speaking. Try to remain calm and friendly, understanding that children often take their cue on how to behave from the adults around them.