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Most airlines supply a kids pack just after boarding. Let
your toddler open up the pack himself and investigate all the contents
– the five minutes this takes will be worthwhile.
Pack contents are rarely suited to pre-schoolers but
may contain crayons, a small toy, activity book to scribble on, or
puzzle to scatter round the plane. Be inventive. Though your little
friend may not understand the use of a ‘dot to dot’ or ‘magic
writing board’ he may enjoy packing and unpacking the bag it came in
– another five minutes will pass!
Baby packs usually contain some useful bits and pieces
for you and baby – a bib, moisturising lotion, teddy, a wet wipe or
two etc, but don’t count on it to supply your entertainment needs.
Remember, children of whatever age flying on an infant
fare are likely to be offered a baby pack only. Sometimes obliging
aircrew will ‘find’ a spare kid’s pack for a toddler, but be
careful how you handle this. Toddlers can be very vocal if on one flight
they receive a ‘grown up’ pack and not on the next.
There is usually a children’s channel on airline
audio systems, but if you’d prefer to know the content in advance, a
personal dvd player with a couple of dvds is a good idea.
In-flight video entertainment is less likely to suit
pre-schoolers than older children. A few airlines now provide
individual video screens to all seats plus a children’s viewing
selection. Some kids can be glued to the screen for hours – others
(you know if you’ve got one) will only last ten minutes, but hey,
you’re ten minutes closer to your destination!
Contrary to popular belief just because the air crew
are dressed like the staff of a holiday camp does not mean they can
often spare time for entertaining. Even when apparently idling in the
galley, remember that they must take regulatory breaks on long haul
flights and will not be able to help you out, much as they might like
to.
Be prepared to make your own arrangements for inflight
entertainment. Sometimes all the baby and kids packs have been
distributed before you board. Don’t shoot the messenger, take a
deep breath, smile at your children and fall back on your own resources.
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