Traveling with children can be a daunting task. It takes careful planning and consideration of their comfort to prepare children for a flight. But if parents prepare properly, they can make the trip enjoyable for their children and ensure a safe and pleasant journey for everyone.
The fewer layovers you have to deal with, the happier your child or children will be. Every time you need to change planes, that means you'll need to either hurry through another airport to make your connection with kids in tow or find ways to keep the kids occupied during a longer layover. You also face the possibility of having your luggage get lost along the way, which is less likely on a direct flight.
Children younger than 2 usually fly for free, but young children will be safer and often more comfortable in a car seat bucked into their own seat. You'll also avoid having the hold the child in your lap for the entire flight, which can get tedious after a few hours in the air.
When you book your tickets, reserve assigned seats. You may need to pay a little extra, but you'll have peace of mind and won't need to worry about trying to get someone to switch seats once you're on the plane in order for your family to sit together. You'll also be able to choose the best place for your family to sit, which can vary depending on your needs. Often, it's a good idea to pick seats near the bathroom, just in case the kids suddenly need it.
Some airlines do more to cater to families than others, so it's a good idea to take a look at these kid-friendly airlines before you book your flight.
If you're bringing a tablet to keep the kids busy on the plane, download their favorite movies and shows before you go. It's a good idea to bring your own entertainment, especially since you never know what the in-flight movie might be or whether it will be kid-friendly.
Make sure that any electronic devices that you might need on the plane have a full battery, and bring charged power banks along just in case.
Tiny tummies often start rumbling midway, even on short trips, and you never know what they'll have on the plane or whether your child will be willing to eat it. Bring plenty of snacks to keep their hunger pangs at bay.
Accidents can happen, especially with younger children, whether it's a diaper leak or a sudden bout of vomiting. Pack a change of clothes for them and for yourself (just in case the mess gets all over you, too).
For babies, bring a pacifier to relieve pressure in their ears during takeoff and landing. Older children can use gum or lollipops to help their ears pop.
When you're trying to get through an airport with kids, you don't need to be hauling along lots of baggage as well. If you know anyone at your destination, ask them if you can borrow any of the bulky supplies you might need, like a playpen or highchair, while you're in town. If that's not possible, check anything you can with the airline before you head to the gate.
Parents with special-needs children can call the TSA Cares line 72 hours before the flight to ask for special assistance during airport security screenings. This service is particularly beneficial for individuals on the autism spectrum, as TSA Cares can use special screening procedures to make the screening more comfortable.
Allow ample time before your flight to get through security, take one last bathroom break, and handle any other delays that could keep you from getting to the gate on time.
Opt for slip-on shoes to speed up the airport screening process, especially for young children who may struggle with quickly tying and untying laces.
The kids are going to be cooped up on the plane, so it's important to wear them out a bit before you board. Get them up and moving as much as possible, whether that means taking a walk through the airport, running around in the waiting area of an empty gate, or doing loops on moving walkways.
Even if the kids say they don't have to go, make them try to go to the bathroom before boarding begins. Explain to them that once they're on the plane, they won't be able to go to the bathroom for a while, not until the plane is in the air and the pilot says it's safe to leave their seat. If you're traveling with a young child who might still have an accident, put them in training pants just to be safe.
Add an element of excitement to the trip and make the experience more fun by finding ways to make it special for the kids. For instance, you could let them get a small treat from an airport gift shop or a snack to bring on the plane.
If you'll be flying while the kids are usually asleep, it'll make the trip easier for everyone. Encourage them to sleep like they normally do, even if they're on a plane during nap time. This also cuts down on the amount of time you'll need to spend entertaining them during the flight. It's not a bad idea to consider a red-eye flight, which may not be easy for you but will encourage the kids to spend the flight asleep.
If you'll be taking a long flight, bring along a surprise to pull out in the middle of the flight, like a coloring book or a small toy, which can help to keep them engaged and stave off boredom.
Remember that kids are kids and you're doing your best. If your child starts to cry or throw a tantrum, people around you will understand that there's only so much you can do about it. Most people bring headphones on planes these days anyway, so your kids will probably bother you more than they bother anyone around you. Even flight attendants understand that parenting on a plane is hard: As long as you're making an effort to keep your kids in check, they'll usually be sympathetic.
