This summer it’s likely that you will travel with your employers at least once. Many of our nannies are seasoned fliers, working with families who take to the sky on a monthly or even weekly basis. But with a recent spate of flight disruptions and crises reported in the press, we thought we should talk about planning for and managing delays, disputes and disruptions with children to care for.
Lost Luggage: It happens a lot. Mitigate any risk by making sure that you pack essentials for the children in their (or your) hand luggage – ideally to keep them going for a couple of days once you reach your destination. Think toiletries and nappies as well as a couple of changes of clothes. And don’t forget to pack emergency supplies for yourself, too!
Cancelled or Delayed Flights: Our nannies will all testify that you can never pack enough healthy snacks for unforeseen periods of waiting. In addition to this, think about what lightweight activities you can arrange for both ordinary airport waits and longer ones. iPads loaded with films and games, headphones (with splitters if sharing), packs of cards and sticker books, colouring pencils and puzzle books all take up minimal room and will stave off the boredom for some time.
Hand Luggage Rules: Be mindful that hand luggage rules have become tighter in the UK, and differ around the globe. Check what restrictions apply where you’re flying from, and pay particular attention to how much baby food, milk and creams can be take airside. See below for UK rules:
If you do take liquids in your hand luggage: • containers must hold no more than 100ml (you can currently take larger volumes of baby food and milk through security but always CHECK with your airline before you travel) • containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm • contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed • the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top • you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person • you must show the bag at the airport security point
Passenger Disputes: So essentials are important. Also no longer allowing even baby bottles with water, they inspect all baby food pouches and scan them. Nightmare actually. So clothes, nappies, cream, but it must be in a clear package and small amount (so Sudocrem has to be in a tube).