Hi,
I am after some advice on how to keep children content on a flight to Canada, we are flying from Manchester to Toronto, so flight is 7-8 hours.
Children are 7,9 and 11.

Have already thought of the obvious, puzzle books, books, pens and paper... Can they take Gameboy micro?

What else could we take, I want a quiet time... yeah right...

I thought I might take earplugs and vodka!!!!!!!!

Charlie

Don't ??!! Leave them at home with someone else

Books, magazines, puzzle/drawing/writing books. Gameboy, definitely, or Nintendo or similar - always a hit. Their own music? Card games. My two ended up playing across the aisle with another couple of kids

Will you get movies on your flight? - usually at least one is aimed at a younger audience (ok, so that's nearly two hours sorted).

Some plain-ish sandwiches, crisps, snacks - mine rarely like what is on offer. If you do sneak fruit on board, eat it all before you land !

And yes, definitely vodka. Wise choice! Enjoy !

Might be some good ides in these two threads, but perhaps they are aimed at younger kids:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=475213

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=443689

Gameboy should be OK, but I would spring for the "Mezzo Players" if they have them available on the plane so they have a choice of what to watch and can chop and change as interest waines.

Its only 8 hours or so...cant be any more boring than a school day, and they are old enough to entertain themselves I hope. get them to read Harry Potter again or something

Get checked in early or book last 3 rows on a wing side

the plane narrows from 3 chairs to two
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You get a corrider where the kids can lay down more between 3 sets without bothering anyone.

And unless your kids are brats you should have any problems.

Depends on aircraft type.

You could always check in late and they may end up sitting with someone else

We are flying out next June with our two who will be 8 & 4, we have also invested in a nifty gadget on which we can download movies and music, and photos, and for when we arrive, can be used to access the internet by wi-fi.

Hoping that along with the gameboy, nintendo ds, books etc and the entertainment on the plane we are in for an easy flight!!!

Seriously though. We travelled Manchester to Toronto this summer with boys ages 6 and 12. Its really not that long.

By the time they have watched the movie (Spiderman this summer for Zoom), ate, read a bit and had a couple of games of cards we were nearly there.

One thing we find useful if you are on night flights is to split them up (between you, not rows apart). They are much more likely to sleep if they are not disturbing each other.

Good luck

who are the earplugs and vodka for you or the kids LOL

or just pack the kids in the suitcases

steve

You can safely give your kids some valium:

http://www.psychtreatment.com/valium_dosage.htm

I wish more people would do this on flights. Or at least establish a child-free zone of the plane.

What about a 2 year old?

Dreading it. Our 13 year old is really panicky about flying (me too but I can take Diazepam!) and our 2 year old is completely hyper....eek!

I apologise in advance to anyone on the Zoom plane between Gatwick and Halifax on 3rd December I really do

You can give valium (diazepam) to children over the age of six months.

I find that a little scarey. I've never taken it myself before but have really bad panic attacks brought on by flying so have had to say sod it for once and for all and got a prescription. Daren't even try it to be honest never mind give it to Babymonster or Teeniemonster. I have visions of the MaCanns...

Perhaps annoying everyone on the plane might not be too bad...they may all move to the other end and leave a nice breakfire around us!

You could always ask your doctor about safe dosages. At least out of consideration for the other passengers.

in light of surrey brillant observation

Check out seating plans on Seat Guru

Gives information on seats.