How to be an awesome parent when travelling with kids

Picture the scene on a plane: a screaming baby -- no, two of them -- a few rows away, penetrating your noise-cancelling headphones, for the duration of the flight where you'd hoped to get some work done or have a well-earned rest.

Would a pack of lollies and a set of earplugs help? For many travellers, the answer is yes, especially if it comes with a cute note "from" the tiny babies in question.

A quick sugar rush, a pre-emptive apology and the promise of doing everything possible to help fellow passengers avoid the noise is what these parents were going for with their gift bags handed out to fellow passengers on board a US flight recently, and which went viral on Facebook and Twitter.

Mum and Dad -- with babies on their knees -- back in row 20 handed out the lollies and a "sorry in advance" note to sweeten up the people on the plane potentially disturbed by the usual childhood wailing that comes with the pressure changes and overall novelty of the average flight.

The AusBT team gives a firm A+ to these parents, who know that their offspring are potentially likely to cause problems and are heading potential issues off at the pass.

But for other business traveller parents who might be bringing Junior on a first trip -- and who might not be so prepared -- here are a few frequent flyer tips to avoid those death stares from fellow passengers and to make your own flight more pleasant.

If your flight isn't as empty as this one, here are a few tips to keep the little ones occupied and avoid glares from grumpy fellow passengers.

Pick a seat at the back

In economy, pick a seat as far back as you can in the plane, close to the lavatories in case she needs changing, and to the crew if you need a hand. You're also furthest away from the potentially disturbed business travellers up front and in the area of the plane most likely to yield a spare seat for your little sweetums.

Apologise in advance

Frequent travellers know that kids make noise on planes, but a quick "sorry if he screams" goes a long way to getting passengers in the same row on your side.

Bribery works wonders

On a buy-on-board flight? Shout your row and the people in front and behind a grownup beverage or two and you'd be surprised how much it lightens the mood if your little sweetie screams her head off.

Bring new things to entertain the wee one

On full-service airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia, we've never heard of parents being denied an extra bag containing things for the little one. It's in everyone's interest if your kid is entertained, after all, so bring some cheap and cheerful new toys that'll keep him interested. Bet on a new toy every thirty minutes or so when she's awake.

Gadgets are great

Whether it's installing a stack of iPad apps on your tablet or adding something new to your phone, your kids will love new games and things to play with on your electronic devices. Add an extra battery pack and you might even make it through a movie!

Choose flights with entertainment

Australian flights vary from being full of entertainment options to offering nothing more than the fabric of the seat back in front of you. Pick flights that have decent entertainment, or know that you'll need to provide it yourself.

The crew are your friends

On some Air New Zealand flights, the cabin crew hold "story time" down the back in the galley kitchens. Take advantage of that -- or any other help from the crew -- to have a quick breather (and a grownup beverage of your own) while your little darling listens to a story. The crew can also prepare bottles and baby food -- all of which can be brought through security despite the "no liquids" rules.

Got parenting tips for your fellow business travellers who're jetting off with the kids? Share your experiences and top tips in a comment below!

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.