Day or night Flight with kids?

Traveling with kids can feel like preparing for a major expedition—packed bags, snacks for every occasion, and enough entertainment to keep them occupied for hours. But there’s one key decision that can make or break your trip: when to fly. Should you book that early morning flight, or are you better off opting for a night flight? Let’s break it down with humor and practical tips to help you decide!

1. The Case for a Day Flight

A day flight means you’re flying when everyone is awake and ready to go—usually. This might seem like the logical choice, but let’s consider the ups and downs.

Advantages of Day Flights:

• Plenty of Entertainment Options: With the sun shining outside, your kids can look out the window, watch a movie, or just engage in some good old-fashioned airplane games (Who can spot the most clouds?).

• Caffeine for Parents: If you’re an early riser, a morning flight gives you that first cup of coffee right before you board. You’re more likely to be alert and ready for the inevitable mid-flight tantrum.

• Tired Kids? No Problem: Day flights are a great way to wear out kids. The excitement of the trip, the snacks, and the inflight entertainment will help keep them distracted, leaving them sleepy by the time you arrive.

Disadvantages of Day Flights:

• Dealing with Jetlag: If you’re flying long-haul, a day flight can be tricky. Your kids (and you) might be exhausted by the time you land, especially if it’s in the evening at your destination. Jetlag could hit you like a ton of bricks.

• Crowded Airports: Day flights are often peak times, meaning the airport might be packed. Add cranky kids and long lines, and you’ve got a recipe for potential meltdowns before you even board.

2. The Case for a Night Flight

Now, let’s look at the much-discussed night flight. Ah, the dream of slipping away while your little ones sleep peacefully through the whole flight.

Advantages of Night Flights:

• Kids Sleep Through It (Hopefully): The best part of a night flight is that, in theory, your children should sleep through a significant portion of the journey. That means fewer fussy moments for you and a bit of peace to relax, read a book, or even (dare we say) sleep.

• Easier On Jetlag: Night flights can help your kids adjust to new time zones because they’ll (hopefully) sleep through most of the flight, waking up fresh and ready to go in the morning when you land.

• Less Crowded Airports: Evening and night flights tend to be quieter. You can check in, board, and disembark with fewer crowds, which can make everything feel less stressful, especially if your little ones are prone to boredom or anxiety in busy places.

Disadvantages of Night Flights:

• Will They Actually Sleep? Let’s be real: kids don’t always sleep when you need them to. A night flight might sound like the perfect plan, but if your kids are too excited or unsettled by the change in environment, you could end up with a wide-eyed child who’s ready to party in the sky.

• No In-Flight Entertainment (Except for You): On a night flight, the cabin lights are often dimmed, meaning your entertainment options could be limited. Unless you’ve packed every single gadget, toy, and book known to man, you may be dealing with a restless kid for a few hours.

• Tired Parents: Parents may find night flights to be a bit exhausting too. Not only will you have to deal with keeping your kids calm, but you might also have to manage your own sleep deprivation as you try to make sure they’re comfortable.

3. Which Flight is Best? The Verdict

When choosing between a day flight and a night flight with kids, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, consider these factors:

• How well does your child sleep in unfamiliar environments? If your child struggles to sleep in new places, a day flight may be the better option.

• How long is the flight? For long-haul flights, a night flight might be a good idea to help your kids adjust to new time zones. For short flights, a day flight with activities might be just as enjoyable.

• What’s your own travel style? If you’re someone who can sleep almost anywhere (lucky you!), a night flight could work well. But if you need a bit more structure, a day flight might make the journey smoother.

At the end of the day, the best option will depend on your family’s travel preferences and your kids’ personalities. One thing’s for sure: whether you fly by day or by night, the journey is guaranteed to be memorable (for better or for worse)!