Travelling long-haul as a family over the festive season can be one of the most memorable ways to spend the holidays but even in first and business class cabins, parents still juggle time zones, airport logistics, entertainment and festive expectations.
With over 30 years’ experience supporting families travelling across the globe, here are SkyClub’s top premium long-haul travel tips including how your SkyClub specialist can support you with seating, children’s meals, transfers and more to ensure your journey is calm and comfortable.
1. Make the Most of Premium Airport Benefits Before You Fly
Premium long-haul travel is built to reduce stress, especially during the busiest travel period of the year.
Use priority lanes early
Even with fast-track access, holiday crowds less familiar with security procedures and travelling with more items can create unpredictable queues. Arriving earlier than usual gives families extra time to reorganise belongings and move at a comfortable pace.
Relax in the lounge before boarding
Lounge access can be a lifesaver when travelling with kids at Christmas. Quiet spaces, better food options and comfortable seating help children settle before a long flight. Some lounges even feature dedicated family areas where children can safely let off steam so it’s worth researching your options in advance to choose the space that best suits your family’s needs.
Charge devices fully
With tablets, noise-cancelling headphones and e-readers in tow, ensuring everything is at 100% saves mid-air frustration.
How SkyClub can help
SkyClub specialists can confirm lounge access, advise on airport fast-track availability and help coordinate airport support services so your family’s departure feels seamless.
2. Prepare a ‘Festive Long-Haul Carry-On’
Having essentials close at hand is key to a smooth journey.
What to include:
- A familiar comfort item (small toy or favourite teddy).
- Two sets of clothes for kids with ziplock bags for any dirty items
- Pre-downloaded films, audiobooks and games (especially festive favourites)
- A compact ‘surprise pack’ for in-flight excitement
- Healthy snacks
- Chargers, wipes, hand sanitizer, small toiletries and reusable bottles
To avoid delays at security, pack any festive surprises unwrapped and use small gift bags once on board.
3. Create a Smooth Onboard Experience
Long-haul premium cabins are designed for comfort. Here’s how to maximise that for your family.
Seat configuration matters
Decide ahead of time who needs to sit closest to younger children, especially if travelling in business suites with privacy doors. Explain to children in advance how they will need to remain seated with their seatbelt fastened ‘just like in a car’.
SkyClub can help secure family-friendly seating layouts, keeping parents close to little travellers wherever airline rules allow. For those travelling with younger infants, SkyClub can assist with bassinet seating requests.
Plan your meal strategy
Many long-haul airlines offer children’s meals, but they must be pre-ordered.
SkyClub can arrange this on your behalf, ensuring the right dishes are loaded before you fly.
If you’re departing late, feeding kids early in the lounge can help them settle into ‘sleep mode’ sooner after take-off. No need to wait for the onboard meal service, ‘bedtime’ can then be immediately after take-off.
Use familiar cues for better rest
Cosy nightwear, a familiar blanket or soft toy can help kids relax and sleep on overnight routes.
4. Beat Jet Lag as a Family
Time-zone transitions can be tough on children. A few premium-friendly strategies help:
- Begin shifting sleep schedules 2–3 days pre-travel
- Prioritise rest during the quietest in-flight hours
- Use the excellent hydration options available in premium cabins
- On arrival, reset body clocks with daylight and gentle activity
5. Keep the Festive Spirit Alive — Even Far from Home
A long-haul flight doesn’t mean a break from the seasonal celebrations.
- Bring a mini travel stocking for an in-flight ‘gift moment’
- Download festive playlists and audio stories
- Pack a folding decoration or two for your destination
- If landing on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, plan a simple celebration in your hotel or villa
Small touches create big memories.
6. Arrival Tips: Start the Trip Calmly
After a long flight, especially with kids, arriving smoothly makes all the difference.
Use fast-track arrivals where possible
Holiday immigration queues can be long, even for premium travellers.
Have a plan for tired children
Pack easy-access snacks, pyjamas and layers for quick comfort on arrival.
Pre-arrange ground transport
Rather than searching for taxis, arrange a private transfer ready to take you straight to your hotel or accommodation. Before you travel, buy an international e-SIM so you have immediate access to phone data.
SkyClub support
Your SkyClub travel specialist can arrange private ground transfers, meet-and-greet services and airport support, ideal for families landing late at night or after overnight ultra-long-haul flights. Early check-ins can also be negotiated in advance to ensure immediate access to rooms.
Long-haul festive travel doesn’t have to be stressful in fact, with thoughtful preparation, premium cabin comfort and a few festive touches, it can become one of the most joyful parts of your holiday.
And with SkyClub by your side, you’re never navigating it alone. From pre-booking family seating, to arranging children’s meals, to coordinating smooth ground transfers, your SkyClub travel specialist is here to make your family’s long-haul Christmas journey effortless from door to door.
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