Traveling with Children - Airplane Tips

[jujubee]

We all love to take vacations, but we dread the long hours in the airplane with the kids. Let’s share some tips to help make those long flights more fun!

[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.

[Sioned]

After many long haul flights with children, I used these strategies:-

Use a stroller which folds and will accommodate your hand luggage. Check with the airline, but you should be able to gate-check it. It will help in the airport, particularly if you have to rush.

If you don't need a stroller or have someone with you to push it, use hand luggage which has wheels, and if you are letting older children carry their own hand luggage, make sure that has wheels too. You do not want to get onto the plane exhausted from lugging a heavy backpack across an airport.

Agree which child gets to sit by the window on which flight before you even leave the house. In fact, discuss in advance rules and expected behaviors with the emphasis on the goal being an enjoyable fight for everyone.

When you board, locate the airsickness bags in your seat pockets and put them where you can reach them quickly. As soon as your child starts to feel sick, give them a bag. Bring a change of clothes for younger children. I also bring a hand towel which can have a number of uses. I also bring plastic grocery bags and hook one on the seat pocket to collect our garbage in - do keep it out of reach of young children . Bring a travel pack of wipes and hand sanitizer. If your hand luggage is bulky, remove the items which you know you will need and keep in a smaller separate bag which you can stow under the seat in front of you before you take off.

Make sure you have all the blankets/pillows that you need before the plane takes off when the flight attendants have time to look for them. Be as cooperative as you can to the flight attendants. Smile and take lots of deep breaths.

Even if a meal is served, assume that your child will not eat it and bring plenty of food which you know that they do like. I always pack a bar of chocolate and share out pieces of it as it seems to be very comforting. I do however avoid all other sugar and definitely avoid fizzy drinks.

Bring a treat for yourself to eat or splurge on an expensive juice or energy drink in the airport as you need to stay cheerful and relaxed.

If you bring new toys/books hand them out gradually. I also try to teach them a new card game/ trick or puzzle. Cards keep older children happy.

Ensure that you and older children understand the safety procedures. It will make you all be and feel safer.

How often do you get to just sit and play with your children for a few hours? Enjoy!

[Whispered]

I know i'm going to get smacked for this, lol, but its really no fun or fair, to the other
passengers, to have to listen to a kid scream for literally hrs, on the plane..
(i was just on one, and for an hr and half, this kid screamed bloody heck ! and believe me, it wasn't fun..~it wasn't only me, there were a lot of unhappy faces)
Lots of snacks, NOTHING W/ CAFFINE!!!!!!!...cough medicine!!!
toys, coloring books, books games and talk to your child before he gets on the plane and explain what behavoir is expected and also what the trip is going to be like..
and no kicking the chairs! (of course, some adults are just as bad at this too, lol)

Yes, I know its hard to sit still!!! I hate it too, lol..

and oh yeah, bring his/her blankie!!.. familiar smells..

I'm always amazed at how many parents, just take their kids, to a big huge rambling airport and don't bother to explain whats going to happen.. how busy its going to, lots of people.. and also what fun it is!

[tmsmalley]

As a frequent flyer who has also traveled a lot with kids, just wanted to add a few things as we head into the summer travel season:

• You CAN take liquids through security for your child. But it is a hassle. If your child has to have apple juice (or whatever) or you've got a bottle of formula, you can take it through, just let the screeners know you have it and have the child with you at the time. It goes over a lot better if it is a sealed one serving bottle of juice than an open sippy cup too.
• On the liquids topic, remember that liquid tylenol, benedryl, etc. are also liquids, diaper cream, toothpaste and must be put into a zip lock bag and "declared" going through security.
• Pack a paci, bottle, sippy cup or lollipop for your child for the plane. Sucking on something on take off and landing will help them pop their ears. Otherwise, they'll be uncomfortable and/or flat out in pain the whole way. We found that our kids would not take their normal bottles or sippys on the take off and landing (maybe too much other stuff going on?) but the lollipop was magical.
• Check everything you can! It is hard enough getting yourself and a child or two through security without messing with a bunch of extra stuff. Don't take your laptop on the trip unless you absolutely have to, just one more hassle to mess with.
• Take your stroller all the way to the gate. Most car seats will stuff into the seat of most strollers (even if they're not the infant ones) and you can get them both to the gate. Remember that in many airports the gates are a LONG way and your child may really need a ride. At the gate, go up to the desk and ask for a "gate check" for the stroller. When you board, take the stroller down the jet way and leave it in the designated spot. They'll load it on the plane and return it to you at the gate, you won't have to drag a tired child 45 miles to baggage check and wait an hour for it.
• I second the pp about using a car seat on the plane until your child is at least 3 years, 40+ lbs. I've been in a ton of bumpy landings, turbulance and other things over the last 10 or so years of frequent flying. I'd be terrified to have a baby on my lap during any of those things. Keep your child strapped in (and yourself as well) except when you get up. You never know when things are going happen.
• If you check a car seat, they have big plastic bags that you can put the car seat into. Ask at the check in desk. That will help keep it from getting too banged up enroute. Be sure to tape your name and address to the back of your carseat (don't rely on the little tags). Tape your name and address on the stroller too, just in case.
• Allow 2 hours (yes, TWO) for check in. You will have to check luggage (this is not the quick business trip carry on gig). You will have to get yourself and whatever number of children through security which includes taking off shoes, taking off jackets, folding up stroller, taking child out of carseat/carriers, disclosing all liquids, probably a hand search of your diaper bag because you forgot that diaper cream was in there, then reassemble everything and everyone, make your way to the gate, get some snacks... Also remember that your plane boards 1/2 hour before the time on the ticket so 2 hours is really only 1 1/2 hours. It can easily take an hour to get checked in and through security.
• Ask at the gate if they do pre-boarding for families with small children. Everyone has different policies on this these days and it seems to be totally on the "whim" system. If you can get on a few minutes early it will be a HUGE help, especially if you're strapping a car seat in.
• If your children are potty training, have accidents at night or while napping, put them in a Pull up or Goodnight for the trip. You won't know if they'll fall alseep and have a problem or they might not be able to get up and go potty because the seat belt light is on.
• Bring a change of clothing for them and at least a change of shirt for you in your carry on.
• Bring plenty of snacks and bring toys they've never seen before. I recommend the Doodle Pro in the travel size (everything's attached) and things that don't have a lot of little pieces to fall on the floor (you'll never be able to reach them so once they drop, they're toast). I've been told Playdough is nice (put the tray table down for them to use) but haven't tried that myself yet.
• Bring at least 3 more diapers than you think you need. Planes keep a few on board but supplies are limited and may be the wrong size.
• If your child is prone to motion sickness, ask the doctor about meds and bring a large towel along, cover them with it like a blanket just in case.
• As mentioned, a car seat has to go in the window position. Children under 16 cannot sit in the exit rows at all either so if you've landed there by accident, let the flight attendant know right away. They will have to move you so sooner is better if they don't catch this. If you're on Southwest or any other airline with "cattle car" seating, you won't be able to stay in the exit row with a child.
• Book red eye flights whenever you can. A sleeping child is a happy airplane!

Happy flying!

Tess

[feyzanour]

I am gonna fly to Europe alone with my 20 months old. Should I take him on the stroller ? Or is it better if he walks with me till to the gate. The gate that I will go to is not very far from the security check point. As some of u guys said that I need to take the child each time I go through a securitycheck and fold and unfold the stroller each time and etc, I am thinking maybe actualy the stroller is not really a help but a hassle for me! What is ur suggestion. And when I come back I will have my 3 yearsold with me too and I am scared. How do u think I can handle this? Any tips?

[diva_dynamite]

We just returned last week from our first ever overseas flight, with our 6 year old. Three flights there and three flights back. Depending on the size of your plane, you may be assisted by having little TV-type screens on the seat back in front of you. They come pre-loaded with games, movies for kids and grown-ups, and shows from Nick, Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, etc. The programming was free, and they even handed out free earbuds (that you could keep). We had pre-loaded a small video & MP3 player with stories, etc., but were able to save that for times we were on tiny planes with no entertainment.
Definitely pack lots of snacks. When you think you're flying during meal-time, you only get pretzels, and another flight, we got dinner, breakfast, and a snack! Better to be prepared. I definitely second the idea of carrying empty water bottles through security. As a bonus, get some of those little 'on-the-go' drink mixes - you can fill the bottle at the drinking fountain, and add your own flavored mix.
If your kids are kind of antsy, a tip I read from another mom was to have one parent (if possible) take the carry-ons onboard, and have the other parent stay at the gate, letting the kids run around as long as possible. Keeps them cooped up in the seat just a little less time that way.
We got complementary pillows and blankets (flew coach) - we weren't expecting that, so I bought little inflatable pillows for each of us. Do yourself a favor, and leave everything in it's original packaging until you actually use it. If you don't need it, you can return it when you get back home. Those little expenses add up, and it's nice to be able to get a little money back when you can.
We don't let our son chew gum a lot, but one of the little treats he got for the plane was a little package of Mentos sugar free gum. He could chew it during take-off & landing, and since it came in a box with a little lid, he could carry it in his pocket himself. Made him feel very grown up when he could offer us gum, too.
We found security to be very generous in letting us take sandwiches (wrapped) and whole pieces of fruit in our carry-ons. It helped us to eat more healthy food, and cheaper, too. Liquids (including yogurts, puddings, etc.) seem to be the big deal.
Stock up on the little hand sanitizer gel bottles. I kept all of our empty ones when we were planning for the trip, and refilled them with a giant bottle from the dollar store. Everybody had their own, and we had extras in each of our bags. Seems kind of paranoid, but kids (especially) touch everything and you just can't be too careful. Individually-wrapped wipes are nice, too - we ran into multiple dirty tray tables in our planes (sorry, jujubee).
Magnetic travel games are now very hard to find in the U.S. with the crackdown on magnets in kids toys. I was lucky to find one at CVS with multiple games inside, and a mini-battleship game (summer clearance items). Great for waiting areas, too. Interestingly, I found tons of the magnetic games in the U.K.
Hope this helps someone!

[Beana913]

My DS is 17 mo. and I've flown with him every 2 months since he was 2 mo. old, about 8 round trips. Here's what works for me:

Less is more. Lugging tons of carry-ons and a cranky kid does not work! Do yourself a big favor and spend the extra $15 and check as much stuff as you can. I use the biggest size suitcase they allow and stuff it full.

The Snugli/Sling is my best friend. You are allowed to wear these to go through security. It's so much easier to have two hands free to fold strollers, take off shoes, etc.

Use a backpack for your carry-on items. keeps your hands free and it's easier to get down narrow plane aisles. Inside I have 6-12 diapers, 2 portable wipes cases, changing pad, small cooler with drinks and snacks, change of clothes, blanket, small toys, loveys, ID and other documents, phone, wallet, keys, and my ziploc bag. My ziploc has tylenol, oragel, baby powder (not a liquid but it looks like one on the xray machine so it's just easier to put it with the liquids), teething ring, hand sanitizer, small deodorant for mommy, any meds you may need.

Have your carry-on ready for security before you even get to the airport. Ziploc/electronics/ID/snacks and drinks on top so you can zip right through.

Wear slip on shoes.

Have all ID and tickets in an easily accessible spot. If you are flying with child on lap, bring a copy of the birth certificate to verify age. Sometimes they need it, sometimes they don't. Better to be prepared.

Food and drinks are your best friend. Kids are always starving when they travel. I bring a soft sided cooler onboard with me. Notify the attendant at the x-ray machine you have baby food in it. They will run it through, take it aside and check it and run it through again. No big deal, never been given a problem! I take an ice pack, 4-8 gerber individual size juices, 4 containers/baggies snacks (puffs, crackers, cookies), 2-4 individual cups applesauce, disposable bibs, 1 empty sippy cup, 1 empty water bottle (I fill it after I get through security.) I also bring a few no throw straps to attach to bottles/cups/toys/binkies. Last thing you need is to chase a stray sippy cup rolling around the plane!!!! When he was little all I had in the cooler was frozen breast milk and 2 empty bottles.

I honestly don't bother with a stroller anymore, just a sling and a backpack. It was a hassle for me, but everyone's different and it may help you. If you do use one, use a small umbrella type stroller with a basket that folds compactly. Have your name plainly visable somewhere on it (many look alike), and don't forget to get a gate check tag for it.

Dress your little one in pajamas no matter what time you fly, they will be so much more comfortable. If they are not going to walk, don't bother with shoes, just socks or slippers. Comfy clothes for yourself with breathable fabrics is a must also.

HTH!!!! Feel free to PM me with questions!!!