Traveling with (young) children can sometimes be a challenge, even for the most seasoned parents. But when flying private, many of the typical stresses associated with family travel suddenly disappear. As a private jet broker with 25 years of experience, we’ve helped create smoother, more enjoyable, and memorable journeys for countless families. From keeping the little ones entertained to ensuring everyone’s comfort, flying private opens up a world of possibilities for families!

In this article, we’ll share our best tips for traveling with children on private jets. Drawing from years of experience, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make your family’s flight as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Whether it’s your first time flying private with kids or you’re a seasoned jet-setting family, these insights will help you get the most out of your next journey!

When it comes to traveling with children, we have learned that the flexibility, privacy, and personalized experience that private jets offer can make all the difference. While commercial flights may come with long lines, crowded terminals, cramped cabin seats, and rigid schedules, private jet travel provides a completely different experience, designed with your family’s comfort and convenience in mind.

One of the greatest advantages of private jet travel for families is the ability to set your own schedule. With commercial airlines, you’re limited to fixed departure times and crowded airport terminals. Private jets, on the other hand, allow you to fly at a time that works best for your family.

Showing up at the airport at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. private jet departure is far more manageable for your kids than waking them up at 3:30 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. commercial flight.

Whether you need to leave early in the morning to coincide with your kids’ nap schedules or prefer a later departure to fit in with school routines, private jets give you that added control. Plus, there’s no need to arrive hours early at the airport - simply arrive, board, and take off at your family’s convenience!

Traveling with kids on a commercial flight can feel overwhelming, especially with little ones who may be restless or noisy. On a private jet, you have the entire cabin to yourself, allowing for complete privacy. No worries about disturbing other passengers or being cramped in a small space. Instead, you and your family can spread out, relax, and enjoy the flight. The extra space means children have room to move around, play, or take a nap comfortably, all in a stress-free environment.

Another benefit of flying private is the personalized service you receive from the crew. You can coordinate with them in advance to accommodate your family’s specific needs - whether it’s ensuring your child’s favorite snacks are on board, setting up entertainment options, or even arranging seating configurations that suit your family's preferences. The flight crew is dedicated to making the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, offering extra attention to ensure both parents and children are well taken care of at all times before, during, and after your flight.

When flying with children, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Private jet travel offers the luxury of flexibility, but taking the time to prepare well in advance can make your journey even more enjoyable. Below are some useful tips to help you get ready for your family’s private jet flight.

When packing for a private jet flight, consider your children’s needs and wishes. While you’ll have plenty of room for luggage on a private jet, it’s helpful to have key items easily accessible in the cabin. Here are a few essentials you may consider:

• Comfort items: Don’t forget to pack your child’s favorite stuffed animal or blanket - something familiar from home can make all the difference. Imagine how comforting it’ll be for them to hold their favorite toy while cruising through the clouds.
• Entertainment: Pack a mix of activities to keep them engaged. This could include books, coloring materials, tablets loaded with movies or games, and toys that are easy to carry and use in-flight. Whether they want to watch their favorite cartoon for the fifth time or try a new game, having a tablet ready can keep them happy and settled for hours, while you enjoy some quiet time.
• Snacks: Although private jets often provide a wide range of food and snack options, it’s always a good idea to bring your child’s favorite snacks, especially if they tend to be picky eaters. Imagine the relief of pulling out their go-to snack when they start feeling a little restless - it's a small thing, but it can keep them happy and content for the entire flight.
• Clothing: Include layers, as cabin temperatures may fluctuate, and it’s a good idea to have an extra set of clothes in case of spills or accidents.

Depending on their age, it’s important to prepare your children for what to expect during the flight - especially if it will be their first time. For younger children who may not be familiar with air travel, explaining the experience in simple terms can help ease any anxiety or stress for them. Let them know they’ll be flying in the sky in a special airplane and that they’ll have their own space to play and relax.

You can even make it exciting by referring to the flight as their little “flying adventure”!

For older children, you can involve them in the packing process and explain the schedule, so they know when to expect boarding and takeoff. If they’re anxious about flying, create a list of activities or games they can look forward to during the flight to keep them focused on the fun aspects. 

To make the flight more exciting and comfortable for your children, let them know they can ask any questions they have to the crew. On a private jet, the experience is much more personal, and the crew is there to make the journey enjoyable for everyone. Whether they’re curious about how the plane flies, what the weather will be like, or just want to know more about the flight, encouraging them to engage with the crew can help spark their interest and make them feel more at ease during the flight.

When traveling with children, selecting the right private jet can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for your family. Different aircraft offer various features and layouts, and finding the one that suits your family's needs is crucial for a smooth journey. Our brokers at The Aviation Factory will, of course, assist you in finding the right aircraft for your family’s flight, but we’ve also listed a few useful tips below.

One of the primary benefits of flying private is having control over the cabin space. Depending on the size of your family, you’ll want to select an aircraft that provides enough space for everyone to move around comfortably. Larger jets offer more cabin space, which is perfect for long-haul flights where kids might need extra room to play, stretch, or nap. If you’re on a shorter journey, a midsize jet might offer the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency.

If your flight is long-haul or during the night, you’ll want to consider an aircraft that offers comfortable sleeping arrangements. Many private jets are equipped with fully reclining seats or beds that allow children to stretch out and sleep during the journey. Larger jets may even have separate bedrooms or partitioned-off sleeping areas, allowing your kids to rest undisturbed while you enjoy some quiet time.

Families with young children may find it helpful to choose an aircraft with a spacious and well-equipped onboard bathroom. Larger jets often have more comfortable restroom facilities, which can be especially useful when flying with infants or toddlers who may require frequent diaper changes. The convenience of an accessible and private restroom can make a huge difference during a long flight.

Lastly, consider your luggage and gear. Traveling with children often means packing more luggage, including strollers, car seats, toys, and other essentials. When selecting an aircraft, consider the luggage capacity and how much gear you’ll need to bring.

Keeping children entertained and comfortable during a flight is crucial for avoiding those dreaded moments when they get bored and restless - which, let’s be honest, can quickly make the journey stressful for everyone.

One of the biggest perks of flying private is the flexibility to tailor in-flight entertainment to your children’s preferences. Whether your kids love movies, games, or reading, a private jet offers the freedom to bring their favorite activities on board.

• Screen time: While flying on a private jet, bringing along your own devices like a tablet or laptop can be a game-changer. Load them up with your kids’ favorite movies, shows, games, or educational apps beforehand. With in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, they can stream content or play games, keeping them entertained for hours. It’s a simple way to ensure they stay happy and engaged throughout the flight.
• Other entertainment: For younger children or to reduce screen time, consider packing a variety of non-digital entertainment options, such as coloring books, storybooks, puzzles, or small toys. Board games or card games are also great for family bonding during the flight. The added space and larger tables on a private jet means your kids can spread out and enjoy a range of activities without feeling cramped!
• In-flight requests: Private jet crews can provide entertainment items such as toys, books, or craft kits upon request. If your child has specific preferences, be sure to inform your broker or flight crew ahead of time so they can tailor the in-flight experience accordingly!
  

Comfort is key to ensuring a pleasant journey, especially for younger children who may get restless or tired during the flight. Private jets offer a range of options to make sure your kids stay comfortable.

• Flexible seating: The spacious cabins of private jets allow for adjustable seating configurations. Seats can often be fully reclined or converted into beds, providing a comfortable space for children to nap or relax. For longer flights, you can bring along your child’s favorite blanket or pillow to make the seating area feel more like home.
• Personalized meals: One of the other standout advantages of traveling private is the ability to customize in-flight meals to your family’s preferences. If your kids have particular dietary needs or favorite snacks, the flight crew can arrange for special meals or snacks to be prepared in advance. Whether it’s a favorite comfort food or a healthier option, the choice is yours (or theirs)!
• Nap time and sleep schedules: Managing your child’s sleep schedule during the flight can make a significant difference, especially on long journeys or red-eye flights. Private jets are ideal for accommodating your child’s nap schedule, as you can control the cabin environment to suit their needs. Dim the lights, recline the seats, and let your kids nap comfortably while you enjoy some quiet time. The reduced cabin noise and ability to adjust temperature and lighting help create the perfect atmosphere for sleep. Plus, with no other passengers on board, there’s no risk of disturbances or noise, ensuring your child’s peaceful sleep stays uninterrupted.
  
  

Besides comfort and entertainment, make sure your kids have enough movement during the flight. Unlike commercial flights where movement is restricted, private jets provide the luxury of space, allowing children to get up and move around during the flight. Stretching their legs or walking around the cabin can help alleviate restlessness, especially on longer journeys!

After a seamless flight and a memorable time at your destination, it’s essential to ensure a smooth post-flight experience, especially when traveling with children. Arriving home or transitioning to another destination should be just as stress-free as the rest of your trip.

One of the drawbacks of long international flights is the time difference, which can result in jet lag. This can be particularly tough on children, as their sleep schedules may be more sensitive to time zone changes. Private jet travel gives you an advantage, as the more personalized experience helps you manage fatigue better, but adjusting to new time zones is still important.

If your family has crossed several time zones, gradually adjust sleep schedules a day or two before you arrive home or at your next destination. Exposing your children to natural light during the day and keeping them active upon arrival can help regulate their circadian rhythms. Use the private jet’s customizable lighting to simulate natural light patterns during the flight, which can help ease the transition.

Also, encourage everyone to drink plenty of water during and after the flight. Dehydration can make jet lag symptoms worse, especially for children. Keep a variety of hydrating drinks on hand to ensure they stay refreshed after landing.

Once you arrive home, try to re-establish your usual routine as quickly as possible. Whether it's mealtime, nap schedules, or bedtime rituals, the familiarity of routine can help children adjust more quickly to being back home.

If this was your first private jet experience as a family, take note of what worked well and what could be improved for your next trip. Our private jet brokers can work with you to keep preferences on file, so future trips are even more seamless. Whether it’s specific in-flight entertainment, dietary needs, or the perfect aircraft configuration for your family, this feedback can be used to tailor future experiences!

As you can see, traveling with children doesn’t have to be a challenge - especially when flying private. From the convenience of customized schedules and spacious cabins to the personalized service and entertainment options, private jet travel ensures your family’s journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself. Whether it’s preparing for a smooth departure, choosing the right aircraft, or keeping kids entertained in-flight, private jets provide a stress-free, tailored experience that meets the unique needs of traveling families.

By taking advantage of the flexibility, comfort, and privacy offered by private jet travel, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Ready to make your next family trip effortless? Contact our experienced private jet brokers today for personalized tips, advice, and to help plan your family’s perfect travel experience. We are here to ensure every step of your journey is smooth and enjoyable - for you and your family!

• private@the-aviation-factory.com
• +32 (0) 32 39 60 00 (24/7)

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