Joanna Fortune: How can I control my young children on their first flight?

Take a playful approach to your planning for your children's first time on a plane.
The key here is to plan for the journey. Ensure that you have a small backpack for each of them, containing the bits and pieces they like. These might include colouring books, a beloved teddy, and a small travel game, such as Connect 4. Also, ensure you have snacks they enjoy, as they may not like what is offered on the flight.