Advice On Flying With Children

by Traci

posted on 07/01/2009

Flying can be a stressful situation for any person, let alone travelingwith a family. All the details involved in getting from Point A to Point B can leave one's head spinning. Despite being as prepared as possible, inevitably something unexpected always occurs. Preparing for the unexpected can help alleviate stress and make the traveling experience a bit more easy-going.

Arrive Early
When the airlines tell you to arrive one or two hours before your scheduled departure, follow that advice. More importantly, if you are traveling with children, it is wise to add at least an extra half an hour on top of the suggested arrival time. It is up to parents to add the extra time for caravanning a family of small children to a distant terminal, potty breaks, food breaks, and getting everyone's shoes and belongings back on after security checks.

Carry-ons
Check on-line to find the airline's policies regarding carry-ons before arriving at the airport. Some flights don't allow carry-on luggage. If you have a connecting flight, always pack a few essentials in your carry-on. Pack an extra set of clothes, including underwear and socks. It's a good idea to pack a few vital toiletries too. Don't forget daily prescription medication or contact lens supplies! Keep in mind federal guidelines for carrying-on fluids/creams. Having a few essentials will be a huge comfort in the event of an unexpected over-night stay due to a missed or canceled flight. It will also be useful if your luggage is lost or misrouted.

Pack Garbage Sacks
In the front zip pouch of a suitcase, there should always be a couple of large pull string garbage bags. These bags are great for putting car seats in before they go on a plane.

Pack Zip Sacks
In a carry-on, place numerous gallon and quart sized zip sacks. These are useful for occasions when a child needs to change clothes due to some kind of accident. The sack will keep the soiled clothes from soiling other objects in a carry-on.

Carry Wipes
Two kinds of wipes should be put in a carry-on. First, baby wipes. Baby wipes are great for sticky fingers and faces. Second, pack disinfecting wipes. These aren't good for hands and faces, but great for surfaces in an airplane. Wipe down the arm rests, trays, windows, and buttons.

Outfits
Think carefully about what to wear when going to the airport. Shoes that children can remove and put back on independently are the most important consideration. Slip-ons are the way to go! If possible, don't put belts, jewelry, or watches on small kids. If they need these objects, place them in a carry-on until after security checks. It's a good idea to pack a sweatshirt or light jacket in a carry-on because long flights can get cold.

Backpacks
Prepare a backpack for each child to carry. In the backpack first and foremost goes an extra pair of clothes, including socks and underwear. This is a very important precautionary measure. If you don't use them, great, but the minute you don't pack them, someone will throw-up, have an accident, or spill something. It's better to be prepared. The rest of the backpack can be filled with distraction activities and snacks.

Snacks
Let kids choose a few favorite snacks at the store before traveling.It's a good idea to give them some acceptable options. If they are old enough, gum or suckers are a good idea for take-offs and landings. These can help with the ears popping from changes in altitude. Granola bars, gummy fruits, pretzels, graham crackers, animal cookies, and licorice are some tried and true favorites.

These simple preparatory measures can help ease the stress of traveling with children. Being prepared for situations which may arise will help the day go more smoothly and be far more enjoyable for everyone involved. Happy Travels!!

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Traci says:

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