Keeping Children Safe Whilst Travelling

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June 12, 2026

At Little Guest, we believe families deserve extraordinary holidays without the stress. These tried-and-tested tips are designed to help you keep your children safe every step of the way, from the moment you leave home to the second you arrive at your destination.

1. Plan Ahead

The golden rule of travelling with children is simple: factor in extra time at every stage. Rushing through an airport with little ones in tow is a recipe for meltdowns and missed flights.

• Book your airport transfers in advance. Taxi queues on arrival can stretch for an hour or more — an eternity for small children.

• Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Rushing to the gate raises stress levels for every family member.

• Always make a toilet stop before boarding. Terminal facilities are far easier to navigate than an aeroplane bathroom mid-flight.

• Organise hand luggage carefully. Medicines, nappies, wipes, plastic bottles, a favourite toy, and colouring books should all be within easy reach. Remember: liquids must be 100ml or under per container.

• Pack a spare set of clothes for each child: accidents happen, and the climate at your destination may differ dramatically from home.

2. Keeping Children Close in Busy Airports

Busy airports are exciting places for curious children. Here’s how to keep everyone together:

• Use a sling for babies. Both hands stay free for luggage, and your little one stays close.

• Bring a fold-away travel stroller for toddlers. Most airlines let you take it all the way to the aircraft door before it goes into the hold.

• Agree on a meeting point with older children in case you get separated.

• Assign each child to a specific adult to eliminate any confusion in a crowd.

• Consider a “If I Am Lost” wristband with your contact number. A simple precaution that offers real peace of mind.

3. Seating, Seatbelts, and Smart Check-In

Few things are more stressful for parents than being separated from their children on a flight. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Check in online as early as possible to select adjacent seats before the system allocates them automatically.

• Children over two years old require their own seat. Keep seatbelts fastened at all times as a precaution against unexpected turbulence.

• For babies, request a bulkhead seat with a bassinet. Weigh your baby before the flight (airlines have strict height and weight restrictions).

• Some airlines permit car seats on board. Check compatibility with your airline before travel and book an additional seat if needed.

• Don’t buckle children in until the seatbelt sign illuminates. Let them settle naturally first ; it reduces restlessness during the wait.

4. In-Flight Food: Handling Fussy Eaters and Allergies

Inflight meals and children can be a challenging combination. Reduce the risk of disappointment with a little preparation:

• Pre-book children’s meals when you reserve your seats. Airlines typically offer age-appropriate options that suit younger palates.

• Special meals for allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements can usually be pre-ordered. Do this well in advance.

• Always bring your own snacks. Pre-booked meals don’t always make it on board, and even when they do, there’s no guarantee they’ll be a hit.

• Limit sugary snacks. Arriving at your holiday destination with sugar-hyped children is nobody’s idea of a relaxing start.

5. Ear Pressure, Long Hauls, and Keeping Kids Comfortable

The discomfort of changing air pressure during take-off and landing is one of the most common complaints for young travellers. Here’s how to ease it:

• For babies: time feeds for take-off and landing. The sucking action helps equalise ear pressure naturally.

• For older children: offer something chewy to eat, encourage yawning, or ask them to gently blow their nose. For longer flights, keeping children entertained is essential. One idea that works wonderfully: encourage older children to start a holiday diary before they even leave home. Let them use a camera (or your phone) to photograph the journey from departure to arrival. It keeps them engaged, builds excitement, and creates a beautiful keepsake of the trip.

6. Choose a Family Holiday Designed for Peace of Mind

All the preparation in the world is easier when your destination is genuinely set up for families. This is where Little Guest Collection comes in.

Little Guest handpicks the world’s finest family-friendly hotels and resorts — places where children are truly welcomed, not merely tolerated. Every property in the collection has been carefully selected for its child-friendly facilities, safety standards, and ability to cater to the whole family without compromising on luxury or comfort. Whether you’re seeking a beachside escape, a mountain retreat, or a cultural city break, Little Guest makes it easy to find a destination where your children can thrive — and you can actually relax.