Many airlines appreciate the fact that passengers travelling with young children may need more time to board. At the boarding gate, an announcement will be made by the Ground Staff asking such passengers to board the aircraft.

For babes in arms it's a good idea, for those crawling or walking I'd use every available opportunity to amuse and tire them out before getting on the aircraft, or you will have another 20 minutes of entertainment to produce for your offspring.

Jet Lag/Stress

Changing time zones, there are three in the United States, for example, can complicate the adjustment process for babies and children although they seem to be less affected than adults. The standard rule we work to is one day on the new time for every hour difference in order to catch up, so flying north or south rather than too far east or west could be a good plan. Time differences for: Spain +1 hour, Israel +2 hours, South Africa +2 hours, Kenya +3 hours, Seychelles +4 hours, Cuba -5 hours, Mexico -6 hours, Thailand +7 hours, Hong Kong +8 hours, Japan +9 hours, Sydney Australia +10 hours.

East or West?

There is much debate about whether it is better to fly eastward or westward. It may be largely a matter of personal preference, but there is some evidence that flying westwards, where days are lengthened causes less jet lag/stress than flying eastwards where it involves shortening the day.

Night or day flight?

Again it is largely a matter of personal preference based on experience. Most travellers think daytime flights cause less jet lag/stress.

Minimizing the effects of jet lag/stress

Little can be done to change the amount of fresh air available when flying. If you feel that the fresh air content is low you can ask the cabin crew if it can be increased.

To minimize the effects of jet lag/stress, ensure your children drink plenty of water on the aircraft as this helps counter dehydration, plan to arrive at your destination late afternoon and expect to spend extra time making your child feel safe and secure in his new environment. You are after all the best security blanket he can have.

Stick to the usual end of day routine with bath, book and bedtime at your normal time for winding down but in the 'new' local time. Try and get your children up and out into the sunshine (properly protected of course) with as much as possible in the next few days as this will help reset their biological clocks.