No one wants to get to the airport and find out you have a flight delay.
When you are Flying with Kids, it can be even more stressful.
One of my biggest tips I have given friends that have flown with or without children, you should fly early in the day for your best chance at avoiding delays.
An early flight isn’t always an option, and sometimes they do get delayed.
7 Tips for Surviving A Flight Delay With Kids
- Remain calm. As parents our kids look to us on how to feel about a situation. They have a natural tendency to mirror our behaviors. The same goes for the other passengers around us. Our soothing presence in a tense situation will be noticed, and hopefully echoed.
- It is an excellent idea to get some rations at this point. Even if you did as I suggested in Flying With Kids and brought snacks, it would still be a great time to get some Cinnabon, ya know if sugary snacks isn’t a big problem for you. You can save the goodies you brought from home for later, in case the delays continue once you are on the plane (this is a very likely possibility if you are delayed for weather or air traffic control issues).
- If you will be making a connection and the delay will cause a missed flight, send one adult to wait in the growing line to collaborate with the gate agent. Most airlines will allow you to check your flight status and make changes on their app. (Airline phone numbers at the bottom of this post.) Many airlines will allow you to use the plane’s Wi-fi to access their app for free. So you could check for updates even before landing if need be. So its a good idea to have your airline’s app dowloaded before you fly.
- You can check to see if your airport is on the list of airports that have a play area. You can also check online to see if your airport has it’s own play area or other distraction. Many airports have trains to move the people from terminal to terminal, this can provide you with a great distraction and a chance to get a change of scenery. Just be careful you don’t find yourself outside security. On a long flight delay in Las Vegas my nieces and I rode the escalators and moving side walks over and over.
- If you are looking at an exceptionally long delay you may look into a hotel that is connected to the airport. These hotels often have a day use pass rate that will give you a significant discount and allow you to nap, shower, and easily find a spot to charge your devices. Check to see if your airport has sleep pods and if they allow children. Airport lounges offer a great spot to unwind. Priority Pass will allow children 12 and under for free in some airports.
- Depending on how long my delay was, I would be tempted to purchase a new small toy or book in the gift shop. Getting something new is exciting, and could just turn a flight delay into a fun thing.
- I try to make it an adventure. Play a round or 3 of airport bingo. We try to turn it into a learning event. Find a flight going somewhere you have never heard of and research the destination. You may just find your next vacation destination. Go to the departures board and let your kids pick their dream destination and tell you what the vacation would be like.
Best of Luck
Turning a flight delay into an extra part of the adventure can make it an exciting thing instead of a frustration. My kids will never forget the time we were in the San Francisco airport for 8 hours. We played in play areas, had lunch, checked out the art displays, had lunch while we watched the airplanes and discussed where other people may be flying to. Put a new perspective on delays and see how fun you can make them!
Delta 1-800-221-1212
United 1-800-UNITED-1
American 1-800-882-8880
Southwest !-800-I-FLY-SWA
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What are some things you have done to entertain your children during a flight delay?
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