It’s not easy being a first-time parent. There are so many things that had never occurred to us before, something we didn’t know which would be valuable information when we are with child. In my case, when I was planning my first trip with my son, it was bringing toys on a plane.
My son had a few particular toys he could not stay calm without, the most important ones being a medium-sized toy truck, and a Mr Potatohead figurine. They were his security toys, he couldn’t be without them and not throw a tantrum. As someone who has ample experience with children crying hysterically on plane rides, I wanted to make sure my son wasn’t the one ruining my (or anyone else’s) sleep.
Just as I had booked our tickets, I was struck with the million-dollar question: were toys even allowed on board? If so, then which ones? The general answer to that question is… Yes. You can take toys with you on an airplane. Airlines usually pose no objection toward your child brining in toys; in fact, several airlines prepare toy merchandise especially for their little passengers. Almost all airlines are toy-friendly, but that doesn’t mean that they consider all toys to be friendly.
The airline you’re travelling with would probably have an in-built entertainment system that will hopefully keep your child, plenty occupied. But, if your child isn’t the one for movies or computer games, or is all burned out from consuming too much media, then toys are your next best bet. Airlines and airports impose specific rules and regulations when it comes to passenger baggage – I’m sure you’re already aware of that. Any item that could pose as a weapon is prohibited, as well as inflammable items due to the fear of combustion. There is also the issue of weight. Each passenger is allowed hand-carry luggage of around 5 to 7 KG (depending on your airline and also depending on what class you choose while booking your flight); according to new regulations, the weight of your laptop and laptop bag are now included in this. Hence you are suggested to get in touch with the customer support after you book your ticket to not end up with surprises while boarding the flight.
So with all these restrictions in mind, the ‘travelling with toys’ situation gets a bit complex. Sure, you can bring toys, but which ones exactly?
What Toys Can You Bring on an Airplane?
There are several toys that you may carry on-board. Based on real experience, I am jotting down the ones that my son and I are acquainted with taking. And frankly, had no issues while having them on board either.
Stuffed Toys
Stuffed Toys would be your safest option. In my world, my son and I call them the “PLUSHIES”. They’re ideal if you are packed heavy, as a majority of the stuff toys are made with light materials and barely weigh anything. Plus, they’re fantastic snuggle buddies for when your child wants to sleep during long flights. They’re soft, they’re quiet, they’re safe – they’re perfect!
Action Figures, Figurines & Dolls
Action Figures/ Figurines/ Dolls are also a great choice. They hold the same benefits as the stuffed toys (except the fluffy material, of course) but provide more room for imagination and role play – they’re sure to keep your kid busy for a great length of the flight.
Little Cars
Little Cars are another great way to appease your child and keep them busy. Although I would suggest, you advise them not to get too carried away and run the cars over other passengers’ seats!
Please be aware that the toys mentioned above aren’t the only toys that you’re allowed to bring – they’re only my suggested favorites! You can bring any toy that fits into the same criteria with you on the flight. But while most toys are indeed harmless (except perhaps the one with occasional added noise), some are advised against bringing with you. Your safest bet would be to check with your airline prior or post-booking.
What Toys You Can’t Bring on an Airplane?
As per experience, please note you are not allowed to bring the following toys on-board. Not that my son and I were carrying nerf-guns on us aboard the flight. But once we had our toys confiscated since they were part of the categories I have listed below, I went ahead and researched all the toys that are prohibited on any commercial airline. They are:
Weapon Based Toys
Weapon Imitations such as guns and knives are definitely not allowed on any flight. Toy guns, water guns, nerf guns, plastic knives are all strictly not allowed. This is because, once detected in baggage security, your luggage will be subject to further scrutiny and note that will cause you unnecessary delay. You will eventually have to give up the toy anyway, so the best course of method is to not bring the toy along at all.
Battery Powered Toys
Battery-powered toys, although allowed, are a bit tricky. Lithium batteries are generally approved by the airlines to be hand-carried than be booked with other baggage; this is in-case if any of the cells were to, unfortunately, combust, the staff would be able to intervene and manage the situation. That being said, it is because batteries pose a slight risk that I would personally advise you against bringing them on board, especially if the toy you are planning on carrying on-board, is significantly larger in size. It may also cause you trouble during security checks, so my advice to you would be to avoid the complication altogether.
Remote Control Toys
Remote Control Toys are also something I would suggest you pack away in your checked baggage rather than in your hand-carry. Although they are allowed in the latter, they may cause you to be held up at security checks and cause you unexpected delay. This is because airlines are usually are skeptical of remote-controlled devices for the part they can play in terrorist activities. It is a known tactic for terrorists to use toys to their advantage. You may ask how? By accessing the components of the toys and reverse engineering them their benefits, disguising explosives as toys and God knows what else!
So while such toys shouldn’t usually pose any problems, it’s better to be safe than sorry and leave them either at home or pack them with your other luggage. Besides, it’s not like there is ample space available in the aircraft for your child to play with their toys.
Personally, I like to pack with myself a deck of UNO, while my wife keeps a small pack of colouring pencils and a colouring book in her bag for emergencies. If at any point we find our son is bored with his toys, we use it as an opportunity to engage him with us in ways that would avoid unnecessary tantrums. Cards and colouring books (or books in general) are an excellent way to not only keep your child busy but you can also use this time to create bonding with your kid. These, for us, are not only group activities but also opportunities to develop a better relationship with him. So my advice to any dedicated parent reading this would be that you pack something similar with yourself, whatever you know your child would enjoy.
Written by:
Zohaib S.