Airlines differ greatly in the services they provide for families and the amenities for children.

As far as budget airlines are concerned, do not expect lots of extra services and personal assistance. But to be fair to them they do generally fly short hops and emphasise that they get you on a plane as quickly as possible which is of benefit in terms of both cost and convenience.

Some budget airlines will offer priority boarding only which you have to pay for by buying a ticket at check in so ask before you check in. Other budget airlines who do not have a reserved seating policy do allow children to board first. Then there are those that board by seat row number but do give parents and children priority and finally those that do not give priority to families at all. Check the airline's policy on check-in.

Pre-boarding is optional and you should remember that you may be sitting on the runway for quite some time and if your children are happy where they are you might as well wait until the crowds pass. Boarding early means you are in your seats longer in close proximity to other passengers. If seats have not been preassigned however which is often the case on a budget flight you probably should board as soon as you can to make sure you get seats together.

If you are travelling with a collapsible pram or buggy, you will not be able to take it on board although you can get to use it until you get the plane. In a large airport we would definitely recommend keeping the buggy with you until you board or perhaps using a sling for babies. We would also recommend that you ask for it to be returned to you at the gate rather than at the luggage carousel as you will need it for the long walk to the baggage reclaim area. If you feel you need help please do not hesitate to ask.

Once you are on board have a look at how full the plane seems to be. If you did not get the seats that you wanted you might be able to change now with the assistance of the flight attendant. When you are seated remove all of the items from your hand luggage that you are likely to need in the next hour or including snacks, bottles and entertainment materials for the children. The flight attendants may insist on all hand luggage being placed in the overhead lockers and this will be especially the case if you're in the bulkhead seats.

If you're on a long haul flight ask for blankets and extra pillows before the extra supplies run out particularly if you are breast-feeding and prepare yourself and the children for the flight by taking off your shoes and getting yourself comfortable.

Explain to children the buttons that they should not touch such as the buttons to call the flight attendants and why it is important they do not kick the seat in front of them, pull at seats or recline their seat until after the meal has been served. If the fasten seatbelt sign has not been switched on check if they need to go to the toilet.

If you are travelling with an infant, staff will give you safety belts and if you do not know how to use them ask the cabin crew for assistance. Consider leaving seatbelts unfastened until close to take off as children can feel quite confined. Make sure you keep your children seated however as this is a busy time.

You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday. 

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