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When it comes to carry-on luggage for school aged kids it can look a little different to a baby packing list. Obviously there’s no baby wipes or sippy cup, instead it’s going to look more like getting comfy with screen time. Of course you are probably going to still need some spare clothes (kids can be messy!) and their own travel backpack to store things. So here are what we recommend for kids own carry-ons.
These tips can also be used for road trips! These hand luggage essentials for kids are not limited to airplanes.
Table of Contents
Long Haul and Short Haul Flights
The biggest difference between long-haul and short-haul flights for us is the entertainment. On long-haul you usually have a screen to play games and watch films on the chair in front of you. But on short-haul you don’t, so need to bring a few more items for flight entertainment. It’s still useful to have something to entertain the kids at the airport, especially when there are so many flight delays at the moment!
When booking your flight don’t forget to include a personal item for your kids. Often a small backpack that can fit under the seat in front can be cheaper than cabin bags in the overhead locker. We bought 20L Cabin Max bags, which are perfect for keeping all the kids things together on a flight, without being too heavy to carry. Try and keep important travel documents together in your own luggage so they don’t get lost.
Hand Luggage Essentials For Kids
For The 8 Year Old
My 8 year old needs a little more entertainment than the 10 year old sometimes. He’s not keen to sit still for too long, he’s definitely a dancer and just wants to move to music as much as possible. So for active kids who aren’t into reading on their own yet I highly recommend a few of these items.
Technology
First in the bag is a tablet and headphones to listen to it. The Kids Amazon Fire Tablet is perfect for children to watch tv programmes, play games and even read books. The best way to get the most use out of it is to download some things onto the tablet before you leave.
The other item for entertainment in littlest’s bag is the Kidizoom Studio camera, which the kids use to make YouTube style videos. This is good to keep the kids entertained at the airport, making silly newsreels and airport documentaries! It’s also good on holiday if kids want to take their own videos and photos when visiting different sights.
Toys
A small toy is always useful, for children who like small play with little figures then Polly Pocket sets are perfect. This one is a bit larger than the tiny pocket sized versions, but offers enough variety to keep the kids playing for ages. The Polly Pocket Double Play Space Compact is a great item to stuff into the kids bag.
You may be wondering why there is a large stuffed toy in the picture… This is a Squishmallow, a super soft and squishy soft toy. This version is the 12 inch tall size and perfect for cuddling on a plane when trying to sleep. But it is also great to be used as a cushion for sleeping on the plane! Multi-use and very cute!
To Wear
Other essentials include a pair of sandals to change into once they arrive. A sunhat, partly to wear when they arrive, but also it would get squashed in a suitcase! Sunglasses, as it’s always hard to see in sunny climes when you’ve stepped off a dark plane!
Finally we pack a few pairs of t-shirts and a pair of shorts in for the kids. I’ll explain why we take these below!
For The 10 Year Old – Hand Luggage Essentials For Kids
The eldest has a similar looking hand luggage with just a few changes. He still has the clothing and sunglasses. Plus a useful straw hat to keep him from getting a sunburnt head when waiting outside for car hire or a taxi.
Toys
His Squishmallow is a dog shape. Again it is perfect for using as a soft toy and a pillow on the plane. I really recommend getting one of these just to feel how beautifully squishy they are. I’m slightly tempted to get myself one!
Instead of Polly Pocket he has Lego, kept safe in a net fruit and veg bag, It’s easier to fit in hand luggage without the box it comes in. Just fold up the instructions and put all the pieces in the net bag. I know it is made into a small car in this photo, but that’s because it was new and he HAD to build it straight away. Lego is fantastic for building on planes or in airports as the pieces are practically indestructible and can be kept safely in a bag.
Technology
The kids tend to share a tablet on long journeys, I do this so they get a bit of a break from constant screen time. They don’t seem to mind either and haven’t asked for another tablet! I do pack the Kids Kindle for the 10 year old. It means he can read some of larger books, like the Harry Potter series without taking a massive book on holiday with us! He also carries a battery charger pack to charge up both the kindle and tablet. Definitely needed when you have a long journey!
Water Bottle
Finally a water bottle, fill up at the airport water fountain. Most airports have free water at the fountains these days. You can look up online where to find airport water fountains.
Why Take Clothing In Hand Luggage?
Even though they are no longer toddlers, school-aged kids will still need a change of clothes in their bags. Partly in case they spill something or splash water on themselves in the bathroom. But also because it’s useful to have extra clothes in case the main suitcase gets lost!
We always take clothing in hand luggage in case our luggage gets lost enroute. You never know if you will be reunited with your bags these days, it seems like every airport has had issues with lack of baggage handlers. So we always keep a few tops, shorts and pants in our hand luggage. Better to err on the side of caution when you want to enjoy a trip and not have to go out searching for clothes on the first day! Also it’s a great idea to use packing cubes to keep the clothes separate from other items.
On that same note, always keep all essential items in your hand luggage. Never pack a kids favourite soft toy in the hold, always leave it in their hand luggage. And don’t leave your car keys in the suitcase on the way home from holiday… Ooops!
Should We Take Anything Else On Long-Haul Flights?
For younger children or those who won’t want to sit and watch or play on screens for any length of time, I recommend a few other things. This blog post here has 20 screen-free plane activities for kids Mostly aimed at preschool and the early years, but many are adaptable to all ages.
With young kids and toddlers a baby carrier is a great idea. Not all flight crews let you take the pushchair to the gate, so this gives the option of a hands-free way of moving little ones.
Finally some countries still require face masks to be worn on planes or public transport. Pack some for older kids as officials may decide your child is old enough to be wearing one simply by looking!
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