Holidays with kids: "Travel Essentials" for a relaxed and enjoyable flight

Spring holidays are just around the corner. The best time of the year. But for families with children, some flights can be an ordeal, both for their spirits and their nerves. We have put together a few entertainment tips for our youngest passengers to make sure their anticipation of their destination is as long as possible. After all, happy kids, happy parents. We wish all readers a happy and stress-free holiday season!

#1 The big lug
Suitcase, pushchair, carry-on and then the kids' bag. Travelling with children can be a real hassle. So here's a tip: to save time and reduce stress, check in your luggage the night before if you're going on a long trip, or use the AirPortr luggage service.

 

#2 Work out
The ideal scenario for many parents is for their child to have a nap at the same time as the flight. Sometimes this works better, sometimes it does not. Zurich Airport has several playgrounds for children who like to be active.

 

#3 The best iPad apps
A little play is a must. When the crayons have run out and the front seat is full of stickers, sometimes the only thing that helps is an iPad (for children of screen-age, of course). Here are some of the coolest apps for the little ones:

  • Our heartfelt recommendation: Wonderkind books - from "Tatütata" to "Mein Flughafen" to "Bauarbeiter", there's something for every interest of the little ones. And they are great fun to discover!
  • “Streichelzoo" interactive picture book fun. With this app, you can rotate all kinds of animals in all directions, tap them and look at them from different perspectives.
  • "Hey you there": That's right, the cow is making a moo. As well as the cow, there are lots of other animals and their sounds to keep you entertained on board! A highlight on any journey.

 

#4 Puzzling fun
Puzzle fun for young and old: Smartgames are multi-level logic games. Each game has a unique mechanism with themes that appeal to both children and adults. Available in a variety of sizes and materials, the games not only train the brain, but also the fine motor skills of the little ones.

 

#5 Audio fun
Spotify audiobooks (download your children's favourite stories in advance) have provided many a relaxing minute on board. And with the matching Planet Buddies headphones, listening is even more fun! By the way, if you forget your headphones in the rush to pack, you can buy them on board.

 

#6 Colouring fun
The reusable "Water WOW" colouring books guarantee colouring fun over and over again! The power of water alone transforms the colourless pictures into colourful works of art. And the best part is that once the page is dry, the fun can start all over again. "Water WOW" is available in countless variations, depending on the interests of the children.

 

#7 Snacks
It's a good idea to bring along some of the children's favourite snacks. But if all you get is "eww, no like" from your own ranks, here's a selection of treats for young and old from our "SWISS Saveur" menu. And if you ask nicely, you're sure to get two SWISS Schöggeli, too :)

 

#8 Hidden object books
Hidden object books are a sensational pastime. To alleviate homesickness or to whet the appetite for home, we recommend the big Zürich Wimmelbuch. There are lots of fun things to discover. Loud children's laughter guaranteed!

 

#9 Movie fun on board
Last but not least, SWISS also offers a wide range of films and games for children on its long-haul flights. The current film selection can be found here.

 

#10 Sleep like a baby
A soft pillow or a “nushie” can help your child get a good night's sleep. And parents' arms can do the same. Last but not least, you can find here some useful tips on travelling with children.

Text: Sabrina Netsang

 

Photo: SWISS

 

Published on 19 April 2023