It’s hard enough to entertain myself on a 12-hour flight—even Jon Snow wears a little thin in a Game of Thrones marathon. But keeping my daughters from wreaking havoc when they’re stuck on a plane? Well, let’s just say that it took a lot of trial and error to figure out the right gear to entertain my kiddos on long flights. (And for that reason, I owe a big apology to the people on a 2009 flight from Hong Kong to New York.)
Here are some essentials to help you stay sane during your next international flight with kids.
1. Tablet
Yes, the airline might be offering seat-back entertainment, and yes, you may be all about screen-free play on any given day, but now is not the time to stand on principles. If binge watching Doc McStuffins will ensure your child chills out just long enough for you to skim through that magazine you packed, hand it over. Take time before the flight to stock your tablet with videos of your kids’ favorite entertainer du jour, along with games for when Pixar’s finest just won’t cut it and books to hopefully entice them to do something educational. You don’t have to go pricey—especially if you have a kiddo who’s prone to spilling drinks or forgetting their tablet in the seat-back pocket.
2. Wikki Stix
They’re essentially pipe cleaners coated in wax—and they’re worth about a thousand times their weight in gold. These mess-free gems can be used to sculpt 3-D figures or used flat to create gorgeous scenes—then picked up and reused again.
3. Thin licorice straps and gummies
My girls generally don’t get any candy, but flights are a big exception. This candy combo serves double duty—they spend quite a bit of time threading and tying the gummies into jewelry with the licorice, then they feast on it. Bonus? It’s definitely less messy than other snack options. (P.S. You can also use healthier cereal in lieu of gummies, if you’re concerned about all the sugar.)
4. Covered cups
Even grownups can be prone to spilling those tiny cups the flight attendants give you—so you might just want to carry on spill-proof cups for everyone. Let the flight attendant fill it during beverage service. (Bonus: It’s more eco-friendly.)
5. Stickers
Stickers seem like they could be a “five minutes, then they’re bored” proposition. But for some reason, kids can spend hours sticking those things to themselves and every available surface. Just make sure they’re reasonably easy to peel off, because you know that tray table’s going to get covered in them.
6. Origami
All you need is thin sheets of square paper and some instructions to have fun mastering the art of Japanese paper folding. If your kiddo’s too young to DIY it, let them watch you make a frog or swan, then hand over your art so they can act out adventures with their new figures.
7. Flat crayons (or colored pencils) and paper
A little clumsiness or turbulence could result in that essential red crayon rolling down where only contortionists can reclaim it. Score a set of triangular crayons or flattened pencils that are less prone to rolling to ensure that art projects, games of tic tac toe and rounds of hangman can continue uninterrupted.
8. Mad Libs
Teach your kids grammar (hello, adverbs!), and remember the fun and silliness of this throwback form of entertainment. They come in a billion different incarnations, so whether your kid’s into superheroes or Disney princesses, you’ll find something that’s right up their alley. (We’re partial to the Star Wars Mad Libs ourselves.)
9. Wet wipes
Even if your “baby” is long past diaper age, you’ll want wipes to keep the tray tables clear and freshen everyone up throughout the flight, or after eating. Stock up!
10. Funny sleep mask, travel pillow & blanket
The easiest way to occupy your kiddo? Get them to go to sleep. Surprise them with a silly sleep mask, pillow, and blanket, and they’ll probably be intrigued enough to try them out (and hopefully, catch some zzzzs). That’s especially key if you need them to sleep on the plane to help minimize the jet lag suffering.
Photo: Getty
