Travelling by plane needs forward planning so that you can avoid any unpleasant or unexpected surprises; when travelling internationally, this can be even more important.If you’re travelling with children, you need to pay attention to a number of extra details in order to have a smooth trip. When euphoria breaks out due to the new environment, you need to control the kids to make the trip bearable,both for them and for the other passengers.

To avoid upsets, it’s important to follow the instructions laid down by the powers that be, and keep the situation under control by providing toys, books, electronic games, etc. – anything which will help to hold the children’s attention, especially on long flights.

To make the best of the trip, it is first necessary to study the destination, checking the weather, traditions and customs so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises. Read on and learn a few tips to organize a safe trip.

 

Choosing your ticket

The first step towards a pleasant plane trip is to check the available flight times. Check with several airlines, because prices can fluctuate greatly from one to another. Generally speaking, flights at the weekend, (leaving on Friday and returning on Sunday) are more expensive.

If you can choose to travel during the week and outside normal holiday periods, then this can save money. Keep an eye on the websites offering promotions. Typically, airlines have various promotions throughout the year, but be careful because often,if you want to change the flight time or date, you may incur surcharges. Special dates, like a city’s anniversary, may also have promotions.

Reservations made further in advance will normally guarantee lower prices. If you are able to plan ahead and decide on the dates well before you go, then this is better. Try to be flexible when choosing your destination; you want to go to the Northeast, but the tickets are too expensive? Choose s destination, from the available alternatives, where the fare is a little cheaper. Try to keep to the low season;if that is impossible, then try to avoid the busy times, like those between Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Carnival.

Join various airlines’frequent flyer programs. The accumulated mileage can provide amazing discounts, and depending on the route, can sometimes even make the flight free. Some types of credit cards offer free miles with every purchase. This is something worth looking at if you travel frequently.

Try to select night flights, especially if the journey is over five hours, because you can try to use the time to get some sleep. Ideally, try to take flights which don’t make stops or have flight connections, so you can reduce your travel time. But remember that direct flights can be more expensive, so you need decide what is more important: the convenience of taking a calmer flight which is a little more expensive, or having a longer trip that includes connections, and may be more stressful.

 

Make sure you know what to do in case of problems caused by cabin pressure and other illnesses.

Due to differences in air pressure and temperature, especially during take-off and landing, it is not unusual for children to experience ear-ache. Try to avoid discomfort for infants by giving them a baby’s bottle or dummy, as the sucking movements help to clear passages in the ears. For older children (only those already used to chewing), try chewing-gum or sweets, which can have the same effect.Yawning, swallowing saliva or breathing in and holding it for two seconds, followed by slowly breathing out are other procedures that may help to reduce the discomfort. To avoid travel sickness, seats in the middle of the plane are a good choice because they are the least likely to suffer vertical movements. Sitting by the window and enjoying the scenery may also alleviate discomfort.

Travelling to countries that have a big time difference can cause an additional problem– jet lag,whose symptoms can include drowsiness, irritability, insomnia, headache and queasiness.

To alleviate these symptoms, try to adapt to the new time zone a few days before the trip, by doing things like going to bed an hour earlier or later, depending on the destination.Once on the plane, try to avoid eating fatty foods and drinking alcohol. Do not use medications such as sleeping pills. On landing, try to take it easy and do as little as possible on the first day, and gradually, your body will adapt to its new surroundings.

 

Keep an extra set of clothes on hand

Carry a small travel bag. Set aside this bag for hand luggage, and you can put in it a change of clothing (in case your luggage gets lost), together with documents, money, camera, valuables, medications and a translated prescription (if applicable), books, games, and a jacket.

If travelling with children, do not forget the basics: nappies, a baby’s bottle and some baby wipes. Before closing the bag, run through the checklist to see if you have forgotten anything.

 

Choosing your seat.

Reserve your seat online, so you do not arrive at the airport to discover that there is little or no choice of seats. Those next to the emergency exit usually have more space, but can be a little more expensive; if the trip is long,decide if it’s worth paying a little more to have the extra comfort.Most airlines will let you take a car seat if your child has its own seat reserved. It’s a good idea to take a baby stroller, which you can check in with the rest of your luggage.

The advantage of having an aisle seat is that it is easier to get up and stretch your legs without disturbing other passengers. If you are travelling alone and want to get away from the noise of children, choosea seat in the middle of the plane. This will also be more relaxing, because you are away from both the galley and toilets, where there tends to be a lot of coming and going.

Usually, the front rows are reserved for children. In them, there is more room to stretch your legs and there is also a counter to support a carrycot. The downside is that these seats do not have movable arms and if a baby is slightly older, this can be somewhat restricting.

Your plane journey will be even more relaxed if you arriveat the airport well in advance. Pay attention to the flight schedules,so you don’t get caught up in a backlog of cars trying to reach the airport. Arrive a half hour before check-in for domestic flights and two hours if your flight is international. In high season, you need to come earlier.

 

Do not forget the little details

If you have children with you, then when you book, make sure the company offers a toy or book to occupy the child, but take one anyway just to make sure. Some international airlines and first class usually provide a few essential items for babies.

When travelling internationally, make sure that you check what passports and visas you need before buying the tickets. Children may also need documentation. Check with the consulates and the Federal Police (if living in Brazil) to find out which countries require visas.

Before traveling with infants, consult your pediatrician to see if the child can travel by plane. Mothers should carry a birth certificate or other ID for minors.

Minors can only travel with their parents’ permission, with notarization for international travel if the trip is with a relative or friend. If the minor is traveling with only one parent, you may also need the written authorization of the other parent.

Up to 12 years of age, minors can travel within Brazil and do not require authorization if they are accompanied by parents, uncles, grandparents, or siblings who are at least 18 years old. (It is necessary to prove kinship). Minors who are over 12 years old can now travel unaccompanied.

 

Do you like our tips for traveling by plane? Do you have any questions? Leave your comments below!