Flights

There are quite a few websites online that give very detailed instructions for how to get your children through an airport and aeroplane. Google them if you want. Of course, you know your children best so you will probably know what bits they are likely to struggle with (i.e. boredom, confined spaces, over-excitement, noise etc). You need to be organised, but then, you need to be organised for all sorts of things when you have children – it will be fine.

I think the general principals are:

• Treat the whole thing as an adventure to be enjoyed, rather than something to be endured – take off is fun!
• Children who can be distracted by a screen, should have an iPad and a set of child friendly headphones. There is no shame in this.
• Children who are too young for that might need a constant stream of toys to be produced to stop them going crazy.
• Make sure you have wet wipes, water and snacks aplenty
• That’s it

(On the recent trip to Bordeaux, I flew with two children, a large suitcase, a travel cot, a buggy, two car seats, two pieces of carry-on luggage, and a change bag – honestly, it’s all possible.)