Key Takeaways
- Even celebrities with access to luxury travel amenities face challenges when flying with young children
- Relaxing screen time rules can be beneficial for both kids and adults during long flights
- Preparing tablets with downloaded content and chargers is essential for entertaining kids on planes
- Packing plenty of snacks and clothes is crucial for a smooth flight with children
- Being flexible and prepared for unexpected situations is key to successful family travel
Introduction to Celebrity Travel Tips
Many celebrities have access to things that make traveling with a child easier: first-class seats, nannies or assistants, the latest tech, and familiar faces that make everyone treat them a little nicer. However, all the money in the world will not entertain a two-year-old eleven hours into a 15-hour flight, nor will it make them sleep, or keep them from kicking the seat in front of them. A baby on a plane can humble us all. Over the years, Condé Nast Traveler has heard some pretty solid tips from celebrities that even the most down-to-earth traveler can use while they’re up in the air with some tots.
The Benefits of Screen Time on Flights
Today’s parents tend to be hyper-aware that too much screen time can be detrimental to kids, but air travel is certainly a time when the rules can be relaxed, for everyone’s peace and entertainment. After all, we adults are watching movies in flight too, right? Actor Gal Gadot said, “I’m very conscious about screen time for children, but when we travel, I just let it go.” Virgin Air founder Richard Branson, who has two kids and five grandkids, also weighed in: “Obviously, the easiest way of traveling with kids on a plane is to put them in front of a screen, and they’ll be forever grateful. We’re no different from most grandparents or parents [in that respect]. We will spoil ’em on a long journey in order for everybody else to have a good sleep around them.” Singer Kelly Clarkson also agrees that iPads can be a lifesaver on long flights, saying “I know there’s a lot of hippy dippy moms out there who don’t approve of iPads, and I think that’s great for them. More power to you,” she laughed. “But we definitely have iPads, because at some point travel can be total hell.”
Tablet Preparation and Screen Time Limits
A key aspect of pre-plane tablet prep is to not forget your charger, or to download content ahead of time. Singer Ciara said, “You have to have all the things they love that keep them entertained. If you bring their iPads, have the shows downloaded that they like—because oftentimes the Wi-Fi doesn’t work.” However, even with plenty of screen time, kids can get bored. Katy Perry has a rule around airplane screen time that eases her mind. “I use an iPad if the flight is over nine hours, so she gets to watch her favorite movies and play games,” she said. But there are unfortunately, limits: “Even if you let the child have her iPad for two hours, they get bored. They want other types of stimulation.” This highlights the importance of balancing screen time with other activities to keep kids entertained on long flights.
Packing Essentials for Family Travel
Actor Christina Ricci’s advice for flying with kids is straight forward: “Lots of snacks, a tremendous amount of snacks,” she said. “It’s always a crap shoot. You just never know how it’s going to go with children below the age of four.” The queen of organization, Marie Kondo, is naturally prepared. “I carry small, healthy snacks like dried fruit or rice crackers for when the kids get hungry.” Packing plenty of snacks and clothes is crucial for a smooth flight with children. It’s also essential to be flexible and prepared for unexpected situations, such as delayed flights or lost luggage. By being prepared and having a positive attitude, families can make the most of their travel experience and create lasting memories.
Conclusion and Final Tips
In conclusion, flying with young children can be challenging, even for celebrities with access to luxury travel amenities. However, by relaxing screen time rules, preparing tablets with downloaded content and chargers, packing plenty of snacks and clothes, and being flexible and prepared for unexpected situations, families can make the most of their travel experience. As singer Kelly Clarkson said, “At some point travel can be total hell,” but with the right mindset and preparation, it can also be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. By following these tips and being open to new experiences, families can create lasting memories and make the most of their time together.