Tips for junior travellers Flying with children Flying with children |
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Babies fly safe Experts argue about how useful loop belts are, and even whether they might not be harmful. The special baby seats provided by some airlines for long haul flights offer better comfort but no safety in case of turbulence. At take off and landing, therefore, the children must be held on your lap. The absolutely safest form of flying for babies is therefore in a car safety seat which is also approved for aircraft. This has to be fastened with the normal aircraft seatbelt on a free seat. But in that case the family has to buy the baby its own ticket and pay the normal child's fare.
Fly relaxed
As soon as your child gets too old to sit in a safety seat parents who are fond of travelling have to face new challenges. How to keep the kids busy, for example, and how might the young adventurers react to their first flight.
A journey to Italy is ideal for a first (aware) flight experience, because it does not last too long. It is recommended to talk to the children in advance: how does the plane fly, and why does it not fall down? how does check-in work? Explain that their belly may prickle when the aircraft ascends or descends or that chewing gum helps if they feel pressure in their ears. Maybe you can find some picture books on the subject in the library? If you have especially active and impatient children why not board the aircraft among the last of the passengers rather than the first, and leave them more time to run around.
Boredom? No chance!
In any case you should bring along some small toys and some healthy snacks. Children should also drink a lot during a flight! You can also bring a portable CD-, DVD- or MP3-Player in your hand luggage. Of course children prefer it when mummy or daddy plays with them. This way you will probably also find the time passing more quickly yourself.
We have put together some ideas for travel games here.
What can we do with all the luggage we usually need when travelling with children? How much will it cost at check-in? You do not have to worry about being overweight with the airline if you have booked in to one of the Italy Family Hotels, of which there are over seventy. In the hotel you will find all the baby equipment, toys and entertainment you’ll need, plus healthy cooking for children above six months old.
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A flight to Italy from Northern Europe and Britain usually takes no more than three hours. Low cost airlines make it possible to reach “Bella Italia” quickly and cheaply. Here are some tips for a safe and relaxing flight.
