Use this to plan a trip with children, from six weeks out to departure day.
6 weeks before
- Check every passport, including each child's, and renew if needed
- Confirm visa requirements for each person
- Ask your airline and the destination embassy about consent letters if a child is travelling with one parent or another adult
- Book flights and seats together
2 weeks before
- Arrange your PTA or travel funds
- Buy travel insurance for everyone
- Book airport transport
- Order what you need: neck pillows, luggage tags, kids' travel kits
1 week before
- Print documents and keep copies in a separate bag
- Pack each child a small carry-on: busy book, snacks, change of clothes
- Weigh your bags
- Download shows and games
Departure day
- Leave early. Aim for the airport at least four hours before an international flight
- Phone number on every bag tag
- Agree a meeting point with older children
- Medication and wipes in hand luggage