THERE is nothing worse than having an annoying passenger kicking your seat as soon as you board the plane.
But it isn’t always clear what to do when there are disruptive travellers onboard.
Fying with children is never an easy thing for parents, with entertainment on board an aircraft somewhat limited.
So what if they decide to entertain themselves by booting the back of your seat?
Former flight attendant Bobby Laurie has explained the best way to approach the situation and when is the right time to press the call button for help.
He told Conde Nast Traveller : “Distraction seems to be a reliable method to calm a boisterous child. However, even the most valiant efforts of a fellow passenger to soothe a child can fall short.”
“Those non-audible annoyances such as kicking the seat in front of them, excessively pressing the call button, climbing over and under the seats, and disobeying the seatbelt sign?
“Most of these actions are safety-related and warrant a flight attendant getting involved if it gets out of control.”
However, he added that it isn’t easy for flight attendants to resolve either, admitting some parents are better than others.
If you’re the parent in question, whose children don’t fare particularly well on flights, there are a number of tricks that can help keep them calm.
As a rule, it’s good to have excessive amounts of toys and snacks for the journey.
Emirates’ cabin crew Emily Jones advises: “Bring a mix of old and new toys with you and make a game of giving the toys out by wrapping them up and asking your children to guess what’s inside.
“For babies and toddlers, think stacking cups and boxes, anything that you can ‘hide’ other small toys inside.”
Also remember to bring pyjamas, plus a spare, so your kids can get comfortable and have something to change into if there are accidents or spills.
Norwegian Air’s cabin crew have also shared some good tips with Sun Online Travel.
Liliana Chantre, Senior Cabin Crew, said: “Bring noise-cancelling headphones for new-born babies and toddlers – it helps them to feel calm and relaxed as well as helping with the pressure change.”
And Lee Allen, Cabin Crew, said: “I always pack lavender balm. Just put a touch on the kid’s temple to keep them calm. On a night flight, the soothing smell helps induced sleep.”
And don’t be afraid to ask for help. As Emirates cabin crew Emily Jones said: “We love to meet your little ones and are happy to have visitors in the galley which also keeps us entertained on long flights!
“Recently, I entertained a five-month-old baby for half an hour whilst the mother went to the bathroom and got her belongings organised. She told me it was the best 30 minutes of her 22-hour journey!
“Flying with children can be stressful enough, so let the cabin crew help you to have a break.”
Meanwhile, this mum entertains her kids during flights with a very cheap and simple DIY item.
And another parent revealed the best time to board a plane with your children.
