1. Creative fun above the clouds
As soon as the seatbelt sign is switched off, many children start looking for something to keep them entertained. Compact magnetic building blocks in a sturdy metal case are the perfect travel companion: they take up very little space, are quiet, and can easily be used on the aircraft tray table. With just a few pieces, children can create airplanes, animals, or imaginative structures. The magnetic pieces stay securely connected, providing hours of creative fun above the clouds. In no time, the seat becomes a little creative workshop, helping the flight pass more quickly—and without the need for a screen.

2. Snack time, one bite at a time
Even though the SWISS onboard offering leaves little to be desired, for many children the journey doesn’t truly begin until the first snack is unpacked. The only challenge? Somehow, the snack supply often has the remarkable ability to disappear before boarding even begins.

A simple trick is to divide favorite snacks into several small surprise packs and hand them out at different stages of the journey—for example, after security, at the gate, or once the aircraft has reached cruising altitude. Suddenly, an ordinary fruit bar becomes a little highlight, and “I’m hungry!” quietly replaces “Are we there yet?”

On short-haul flights, the SWISS Snack Box offers even more variety. And for little food lovers—or determined “I’m not eating that!” specialists—traveling on long-haul flights, special meals can be pre-ordered before departure. This greatly increases the chances that the meal ends up in their stomach rather than becoming the subject of lengthy negotiations at 35,000 feet.

3. Travel Bingo for little explorers
A window seat is always exciting, but it becomes even more fun when it turns into a little mission. With a travel bingo game, the journey becomes an adventure that starts at the airport and keeps children entertained all the way to landing. 

Before departure, parents and children can create their own checklist of things to spot along the way—or use the template created exclusively for the SWISS Magazine. Every time they discover an item, they can check it off. It might be an aircraft with a special livery, a baggage cart on the apron, or later, a cloud that looks like an animal. It’s a simple game that encourages them to look more closely and discover all the little details that make every journey special. You can download and print the Travel Bingo here. 

4. A surprise waiting at your seat
Sometimes, children don’t need extra toys to stay entertained while traveling. Often, all it takes is a closer look at what’s already waiting at their seat.

The SWISS Amenity Kit for children (available in SWISS Business) is filled with little surprises—from a sleep mask and cozy socks to games and travel companions for the journey. The sleep mask quickly becomes part of a dress-up game, the socks add a touch of comfort above the clouds, and the games invite siblings or neighboring passengers to friendly competitions. Before long, the travel adventure has already begun.

Back home, the reusable pouch makes a practical companion for sports gear, swimwear, or a day at the local pool.

5. Time to decorate
Sometimes, the simplest things make the best travel companions. A sheet of reusable stickers takes up almost no space in your carry-on and can keep children happily entertained for surprisingly long stretches of the flight. Whether on a notebook or a homemade background, little imaginary worlds come to life in no time. Airplanes, animals, unicorns, or dinosaurs—anything goes. Along the way, children naturally invent new stories and adventures.

The only important thing is to choose reusable stickers. That way, the designs can be rearranged again and again and easily returned to their backing sheet before landing. After all, the creative journey should continue on the flight home, too.

Looking for even more inspiration for stress-free family travel? In this SWISS Magazine article, you'll find plenty of practical tips and clever travel hacks to make flying with children even more enjoyable.