There are no two ways about it: toddlers lack patience. So, it's no surprise that layovers present some unique parenting challenges when flying with kids.
To put it in perspective, a layover is much like a pit stop in your journey—be it scheduled or not. Typically, you'll be able to plan for a layover if you have a connecting flight. Otherwise, you best have some small toys, snacks, or enough supplies in your packing list to survive.
But don't panic just yet, because we're here to discuss how you can truly prepare for a long airport layover—or two. Let's dive in, shall we?
To learn about securing an airplane bassinet for your child on the plane, read here.
For tips on how to travel with your baby on a plane, read here.
What Does a Layover Mean On a Flight?
In most cases, layovers occur between connecting flights.
Instead of zooming straight to your intended destination, your plane takes a break at another airport. Depending on how long this pause lasts, you might need to spend an hour or—brace yourself—several hours keeping your toddler occupied. Hence, the parenting challenge!
Do You Get Off the Plane During a Layover?
Most of the time, you'll be asked to disembark or even switch to another plane, unless the plane is doing a pitstop to pick up more passengers. If that's the case, you'll be asked to stay in your seat and kill time. As you are traveling with a young kid, this also means you'll need to be more creative in entertaining them, since you're essentially stuck.
Can You Leave the Airport During a Layover?
If it's a long-haul flight and depending on how much time you have during intermission, then some airports might allow you to leave the premises. With that said, the onus will be on you to make sure you give the whole family enough time to get back, including going through security checks a second time.
If you plan to explore the airport grounds and amenities, or other nearby attractions, here are a few tips on packing light while travelling with kids.
What to do with a Toddler During a Long Layover?
Now that we are clear about what a layover is and how it can impact your next trip, it's time to talk about countermeasures. In other words, parenting tricks!
Tips for Layovers Under 2 hours
Standard layovers generally last under two hours. But in toddlers' hours, that can still feel endless if you're unprepared. Luckily, two hours offer you enough time to get a good stretch, take potty breaks, roll out a few games, etc.
Some airports also have a playground, which is something we encourage you to check well before your next flight. It also doesn't hurt to let the children fall asleep, take a short nap and recharge.
The airport lounge also provides another way to kill time in a layover airport. If you have older kids, you can schedule their screen time during this break to help you pass the time in peace, while enjoying lounge access privilege.
Last but not least, you can roam around the airport. In fact, some kids would prefer this, particularly small children who are eager to explore their surroundings. Hopefully, you have a stroller for airport and that can make the stroll more convenient. Otherwise, a simple walking tour will do.
Tips for Layovers Under 6 hours
An international flight tends to have more than two hours of layover, which you can also use to your advantage. For one, you can take the opportunity to rest at an airport hotel, especially if you have a long-haul flight still ahead of you and your baby.
Airport hotels are often considerably cheaper! But more importantly, they should save you from the hassle of having to travel or prepare at the last minute for your next flight.
If there's not much room to explore, you can double down on your stay in the lounge, and then give young kids a few mini-games to play. Just make sure to secure access to the lounge if you're expecting a long layover.
Tips for Layovers Over 6 hours
There are instances when the layover can take a quarter of your day or even longer. During this downtime, you can perhaps explore the city, especially if the airport offers a free tour, like what Changi Airport in Singapore offers to its passengers.
Alternatively, you can stay at a nearby hotel to get a good rest, which is more beneficial if you have another long flight ahead.
If the kids fall asleep, and you're traveling in a group, members can also take turns enjoying a short detour in and around the hotel. Depending on the length of the layover, you can even plan a full itinerary to make the most of your stop.
You can also consider airport amenities, which aside from family lounges, can include sleeping pods or kid-friendly entertainment areas and mini-theatres.
Toddler Layover Survival Kit
Whether your layover is two hours or twelve, it's important to pack enough supplies that will keep your toddler comfortable and entertained
-
Snacks – Toddlers are like tiny snack machines, so, it's best to have a healthy supply of their favorite snacks on the ready.
-
Small toys – Having a few lightweight airplane toys can be a game-changer when your little one gets into a foul mood. I recommend saving the toys for much later in order to maximize the novelty and surprise they bring.
-
Tablet or phone – When all else fails, you might as well turn to technology and digital media. Perhaps your child has a favorite cartoon or app that you can access in quick order, or even save locally so that you're not reliant on internet connectivity. I'm not an advocate of relying on technology but when you're traveling with your toddler, this is the time to be flexible.
-
Comfy clothes – Spare clothes are never a bad thing. Not only because toddlers can ruin their fit unexpectedly, but also because you can never be sure about the temperature or weather in your next stop or destination.
If you plan to take a short tour, you also not forget to bring suitable gear and essential supplies. For that, you can turn to the Ternx diaper bag for travel and casual wear. Not only is the bag versatile and durable, but it's also stylish and an easy fit for any parenting style.
Lessons on Handling Layovers While Traveling with Kids
Layovers don't necessarily mean an interruption to your well-earned vacation. In fact, it's something that you can weave into your itinerary and take advantage of. If you're traveling abroad, you can even actively pick a longer layover in order to quickly explore a foreign city.
For kids, this can be taken as an extra time to play or rest, depending on how the trip is going, or how you simply mapped out your stay. The important thing is coming in prepared, which includes securing a temporary place to stay, getting enough supplies, and bringing the right travel stroller and equipment.
To read about tips on flying with a stroller, read here.
To find out about carry on size requirements for popular airlines, read here.
