5 tips for carefree traveling with children – tips from flight attendants

Robin Mermelstein worked for an airline for 39 years and raised three children, and now she willingly shares her experience on tiktok.

If the child is naughty, then the temptation is great to calm him down with some sweets. But the choice of such snacks should be approached responsibly. For example, a regular bag of popcorn and similar snacks is a bad idea. After all, there is a great risk that everything will fall out of such a container, even if an adult puts their hand in it, not to mention children. Mermelstein says that when her children were young, she packed very small portions of various snacks to reduce the risk of the product falling apart.

Mermelstein urges travelers with children to contact flight attendants when they need specific assistance.

“If mum or dad needs to go to the bathroom, we can take care of the children. The hostess will hold the child, walk them down the aisle or something while you take a moment for yourself,” she says.

It is important for parents to pack, assuming the flight crew will not be able to provide them with all the necessities. A sufficient number of diapers, the child’s favorite snack, warm clothes and a pillow are better to immediately grab for yourself in the right amount, and something with a margin in case of a flight delay.

Parents should explain the realities of flying ahead of time so their child can decide for themselves what they might need. Then the chances that he will not be bored and will be able to sit calmly for a long time will increase significantly. After all, no matter what, but flying is stressful for children. Thus, the better the baby knows the situation in advance, the more comfortable he will feel. Mermelstein says families who have “educated their children” tend to have the fewest problems in the air. For example, she recalled a seven-year-old boy who sat with his mother on the 12-hour flight from Tel Aviv to New York.

“I did [маме] a compliment, and she says, “Oh, I know. Believe me, before boarding this flight, I explained to her: it’s long. What do you need to feel comfortable?” , recalls Mermelstein.

When it comes to in-flight entertainment, Mermelstein says the more options you have, the better.

“Young children always need alternatives, because if they get bored with one thing, you’ll be in a no-win situation,” she says.

When Mermelstein’s children were young, she packed entertaining coloring and puzzle books, stickers and toys to occupy her children at short intervals. Be prepared to constantly distract your child if they are bored.

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