Obviously a lot of considerations go into picking your flight, and sometimes it simply can't be at the time you would like. But if possible, try to make your flight at a time when your children tend to be in more restful moods. If your children are able to fall asleep again easily after a disruption, an early-morning flight might be perfect. Or try to fly during the day when it would typically be their nap time.

Many airports have a kids' play area where children can work off their excess energy. And with so much time between check-in and takeoff, you don't want your kids sitting around getting antsy. Flying is exciting for children, so it's only natural that they have trouble calming down. But if you'd rather they feel a little sleepy by the time they get on the plane, see if the airport you're at has a play area for them. They're often pretty small and feature maybe a slide, a teeter-totter and a few toys, but at least it's somewhere they can run off their energy freely. It will also give them something to play with other than the toys they'll have on the plane — you certainly don't want them getting tired of those too soon!