Airplane Survival Guide

Do you know we've designed an airplane themed printable? Easy to print and with 45 fun activities to do on a flight - get your copy here.

A runaway hit and takes up barely any space - grab some matchbox cars and wasabi tape and build roads on tray tables. 

This brilliant book takes you on a journey through an airport, on a plane and to arrivals, with plenty of flaps to lift. Available to purchase here.

It doesn't seem like much, but it kept both my 2 and 4 year olds entertained on a recent flight. I have these ones.

An airplane themed sticker book is an easy win - the first time I bought this book my then 3 year old was occupied with it for an hour! So it's been a repeat purchase ever since. Buy from here. I also bought this holiday themed one for my 4 year old.

I've tried a few different magnetic puzzles with my eldest. My now 2 year old is also getting into them so for the first time enjoyed this one on a recent flight. Both my 2 and 4 year olds enjoyed this build a monster game and my 2 year old loved this magnetic book.

A search and find book is an easy way to distract kids whatever their age (well, probably from about 2 years upwards!) We've tried themed ones - from this Gruffalo one to this Bluey one. 

I personally love this even if it is difficult to pack away (tip: take a bag for it). Both kids enjoy it - my youngest mainly liked popping the blocks on recent flights. Get it here. Which brings me onto fidget toys - this one especially was a runaway hit with my almost 4 year old.

If your kid likes colouring in, then get this themed book for the flight. I bought new packs of wax crayons and felt tip pens to extend the novelty value. 

I've tried scratch art with my eldest before, but it's been me doing it under his instruction! But now he's almost 4 he's started to be able to scratch the pictures himself. We have this book.

This is such a unique game and is normally my go to for when we are out and about and need to keep kids in chairs! So it is a must for a flight.

It seems like a very simple suggestion, but how about getting some stampers? Both my 2 and 4 year olds loved them on a recent flight. Get this set and a paper pad too.

If you have a baby, then it's probably the one time I'd recommend getting suction toys. These spinning toys are an easy win. But you need to have a window seat and they probably won't entertain your baby for more than 5 minutes. Both mine loved this toy - although be prepared to hold it as it probably won't stick to a tray table!

I was bought this sound book when my first was a newborn and have slowly collected the other books in the series. They are bulky but a hit with young children - just annoyingly given they have the battery one for hand luggage! 

If you haven't got a rainmaker toy for your baby, then buy this one immediately. And have a look around your home - what are your baby's favourite toys? Fill up your cabin bag with them and be prepared to rotate through them in quick succession.

A crinkly tails book is a great distraction for a flight! I have a few of these - I recommend this one here.

I got a baby tissue box for my second and it is a great item for a flight! Soft and light, it ticks a lot of boxes. Plus if your baby is in the posting / pulling phase then it will be a hit. Get it here.

There are so many lift the flap books out there, so definitely pick up a couple of new ones for your flight for the novelty value. This Spot one is a firm favourite.

Track down some sensory toys for your baby to explore - this UFO sensory toy was a big hit with my youngest.

Musical toys won't win you points with your fellow passengers but perhaps something to have in an emergency and you could always hang out in the gallery next to the loos! I recommend this one.