Traveling with kids can be an adventure, that’s for sure. On this page I’ll be adding information to help make your travels easier and safer. And easier means safer. When you get stressed and rattled when flying with children, and then distracted, it is easier for bad things to happen. So make your trip easy and safe.
One thing to remember, teach your children to be courteous flyers and everyone will appreciate you and them more. Traveling is a perfect time to teach kids many lessons, so think of the challenges as opportunities.
Here is a video from the Today Show (7-7-16) with some tips when you are flying with children.
More Travel Tips – Flying with Kids
Book your travel with kids in mind. Try to pick flights that seem likely to work best with your kids’ schedules. Align shorter flights with nap time. Avoid red-eyes that are too short to allow for a full night’s sleep. And while it may be pricier (or on some routes, impossible), avoid layovers when direct routes are available.
If a layover is unavoidable, and you have your choice of stopovers, pick airports with child-friendly amenities. Many airports are now making kid-friendly areas. I know these play grounds were so nice when we were traveling when my daughter was little. There are many around the U.S. and around the world, so even if you can’t plan a specific kid-friendly stop, look around and ask if there is a kid’s play area.
Choose where you sit. Traveling with toddlers may be the one time you prefer the back of the plane to the front. You’ll likely have a shorter trip to the lavatory this way, and that access will be especially welcome when the beverage cart is blocking the aisle farther up the plane. On planes with two aisles, selecting the middle row is a good move for larger families—it makes it easier for both parents to get out, with the kids seated between them.
Prepare and Plan. 99% of the time your child will be irritated, cranky or screaming because they are either tired, bored, or hungry. Pack enough food, enough toys and activities, and provide opportunity for them to rest on the plane.
Be Organized. As soon as you board the plane, get organized and settled in with every thing you need. Have essentials stored in the pockets and under the chair. Now you don’t have to climb over everyone or wait until the seat belt sign is off to get what your unhappy child wants.
Have Quiet Activities to Occupy Your Children. You can’t go wrong with coloring books and colored pencils. (not as messy as crayons) Pack a couple of their favorite story books for quiet reading. Tablets and handheld games can also fit into this category. Use headphones with the volume turned low.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help. If you are struggling ask the air steward or stewardess for help. They are usually wonderful at helping parents with their children and may even be able to give you a break. This is so important when flying with an infant – who doesn’t want a cuddle of a baby?
Take Snacks on Board. Every airline and flight is different now in regards to what food is supplied. Take plenty of food and water with you on the plane, just in case. When flying with an infant you can take their formula, water and any required food with you on the plane.
Help Their Ears on Landing. Babies have not yet developed the ability to equalize their eardrums naturally. If you have ever felt this pressure on your ears before then you’ll know why so many babies scream during landing. Breastfeed/feed your baby or have them suck on a dummy. For older children let them chow down on chewy food.
Prepare the kid(s). If they’re old enough, talk to your kids beforehand about what to expect and how to behave. You don’t want your toddler terrified and confused by the look, feel, and sound of the airplane. Use airplane-themed toys, and your imagination, to teach them about airplanes: “There’s the wing, there’s the door, there’s the tail, there’s the pilot.” Your little ones will have fun looking for, and pointing out, all those things on travel day. And do warn your kids that their favorite blankie or toy will have to take a trip through the X-ray tunnel at airport security.
Remember the rules. Even harried parents need to abide by Transportation Security Administration regulations. Consult the TSA’s website for more details; the agency has an entire section devoted to traveling with kids. Medications, baby formula, baby food, expressed breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities—meaning they can exceed the 3.4 oz (100ml) rule for other liquids and gels carried on the flight—and you can pack them separately from toiletries and other carry-on items that you’ve packed in your clear, quart-size, zip-top bag. But don’t forget to declare your extra items for inspection at the checkpoint. When it comes to snacks, food in the form of a liquid of gel (juice boxes and pouches of fruit puree or yogurt) are generally not allowed, but dry snacks like cereal, bread, and turkey sandwiches are good to go.
Dress your kids in bright colors. It’ll make it easier to keep track of them in a crowded airport terminal.
Use a leash. These can be great if your child is at the age where they want to wander off. We had one that was a monkey that strapped around our daughter and it was so nice to have when my wife was traveling alone with our daughter on trips over seas.
Breath and relax. Don’t get to worked up, and remember to breath and relax. Enjoy the trip, even the hassles and the challenges. Your kids are only young for a short time, so enjoy every part of their growing up and your travels together.