[jujubee]

Traveling with children in an airplane is hard enough, but now with the newest restrictions regarding carryon luggage it’s even more difficult. Here are some things to consider when flying with children:

The safest way for a child to travel in an airplane is in a car seat. Check the back of your car seat for the “Approved for use in aircraft” safety notice. I know car seats are heavy and a pain to deal with, but think about the safety of your child. In addition to the overall safety aspect, children are more apt to sit still and content when traveling in the comfort of their familiar seat. Note: Booster seats are not safe or approved for use on aircraft.

When using a car seat on the plane, you will be instructed to place the seat next to the window. This is an FAA restriction, and there are no exceptions. A lot of parents want their child to be placed between the two of them, but when the car seat is placed in the middle or aisle seats it blocks the quickest exit for the person on the inside seats. In an emergency evacuation seconds become valuable; you want to be able to unbuckle your child, turn and go without having to hurdle or jump over a car seat that is blocking your path.

The FAA does allow children under the age of 2 to ride in the lap of an adult. While the monetary benefits of this are attractive, again, I personally do not recommend it. If you do, however, please know that the safest way to ride is with your lap belt low and tight around your waist, while you hold the child in your arms. The belt should not be around both of you.

Carrying snacks for children is a must. Some airlines do not provide any snacks with the beverage service, and some only offer a small bag of pretzels or peanuts. Do not rely on that to keep your child’s hunger pangs away. Easy items to carry are granola bars, fruit snacks, trail mix, cheese sticks, etc. However, if you want more than one bag of the snack offered onboard, don’t hesitate to ask the flight attendant. I do suggest asking while she is at your seat passing out the snacks, and not when she is passing you collecting garbage.

Liquids can no longer be brought through security, and this is tough for parents. I suggest bringing an empty sippy cup with your carryon. Bottled water, milk, or juice can be bought once you are in the secure area and then you can bring that on the plane. Also, some airlines now offer bottled water for sale on board (otherwise they’ll just offer you a cup), but I have found it to be cheaper to buy at the vendors in the airport. Again, if you want more than the little cup offered, just ask the flight attendant for the whole can. It’s better to ask while she has her cart at your seat, unless you really want her to make you a drink with the dirty hands she just picked up garbage with! (ETA: Flight attendants are compulsive about hand-washing, but it just amazes me how many people want the flight attendant to make them a drink after they’ve just watched her pick up garbage from 100 strangers!)

Don’t forget entertainment! Most parents will swear by the portable DVD player, but if you don’t have one, be sure to pack some fun goodies. Coloring books, crayons, stickers, books, etc, are all easy to pack and carry. It’s fun to get a few new things that your child hasn’t seen before to keep them entertained longer.