Making Long Haul Fun

Flying with whole family, including young children?
Try This:

Choose your in-flight entertainment

Check website and consult a travel agent for airlines with diversionary activities such as video games. Even better, seek out those with individual in-seat audio and video systems with dedicated children's channels, such as Singapore Airlines. Or take a portable DVD player or CD player with your own movies and music.

Choose flight times carefully

If you're spending most of the time airborne at night, that's a good thing. There's more chance your kids will sleep and less need to entertain them. If bedtime is usually 8 p.m choose a flight that leaves in the late afternoon. Lots of time for a meal and a movie, then slumber.

food and drink

Don't rely on airline food and schedules. Pack sandwiches, water and plenty of snacks.

Give a helping hand

Jet lag affects everyone, including toddlers. Encourage your kids to drink more water than usual. Take a stopover if you can. Your kids will get a chance to slowly adjust to changing time zones.