Handle Flight Delays or Cancellations with Small Children

It's really hard to deal with flight delays or cancellations, especially with small children. If it's late at night, the child may get cranky or really tired. This article will explain just how you can handle these issues with a small child.

Steps

Delays

  1. Find out when your flight is expected to arrive. This is important, because then you will know how you need to plan out your airport time.
    • Stick to a child's regular schedule. If he naps at 1:00, and the flight comes at 4:00, then, by all means, let your child take their nap in the airport.
  2. Let your child explore, within reason, before the airplane comes. Take your child to a window, and let them watch the airplanes land and take off. Or just simply take a walk with them to look at everything. Kids between the ages of 1 and 5 like to explore their surroundings.
    • Take them to a play area if your airport has one. Many airports have play areas where your kids can just run around and be a kid.
  3. Make sure that your child knows when it's time to go.
    • If possible, tell them 5 minutes before it's time. This will avoid a lot of tears and possibly a tantrum thrown in the mix!

Cancellations

  1. Immediately go up to the desk and get a new flight. Try to get the earliest flight possible, as this will mean a lot less hassle with accommodations.
  2. If you need to, get a hotel room. Try to get one as early as possible, because:
    • A lot of people from your original flight might need accommodations.
    • If it is late, your child might already be cranky and need to sleep.
  3. Tell your child that you'll be waiting for a new flight. Answer any questions they may have about why they're not flying on the other flight.
  4. Do step number 2 in the delays section.

Tips

  • Pack a lot of snacks, just in case your child gets hungry and does not like airport food because some kids do not and are very picky eaters.
  • Make sure to keep your kids calm, some kids may panic and think they cannot go.

Warnings

  • Don't get mad and start swearing.
  • Do not let your kids out of sight if they explore, airports are hubs of people and some could be kidnappers.

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