Monday, November 9, 2009
Tips for Traveling by Air with Small Children
It’s that time of year again – holiday travel is around the corner! It’s time to visit grandma and grandpa. For many of us the best way to get there is to travel by air. If you have little ones the thought of air travel might fill you with dread. But with some simple forethought and planning you can reduce the stress.
Tips before Leaving Home
Check out the TSA website for current information on what’s allowed and how to pack it. They also have great information of what to expect when taking children through the security check. For example, it might be a good idea to rehearse with them that their toys will be taken and put on the moving belt to go through the x-ray machine. Never hurts to avoid a tantrum!
Book a seat for each individual and make sure that the seating arrangement is together. It would be terrible to have your three-year-old seated five rows away.
Make sure you have a backpack full of emergency supplies for the trip. Here are some must-have items:
- Food—easy snacks like dried fruit, crackers, breakfast bars.
- Extra change of clothing for each child and a shirt for you in case of accidents.
- Medication for you and your children.
- A small baby pack to carry—diapers, small package of wipes, clothing, an empty plastic bag for soiled items.
- Toys that won’t bother the other passengers—crayons, play doh, the leapster & the DVD player are my staples.
Tips at the Airport and On-Board Your Plane
Leave yourself plenty of time. Nothing complicates things worse than being in a hurry. If there is a delay, many airports have areas for children. That’s something that you can check out online before you go or ask someone at the airport. View it as an adventure and explore the airport together.
When boarding, many have found it beneficial to have one parent pre-board and stow the carry-on, while the other parent waits for the last call so the kids can still wear off some energy. All too soon, they’ll be stuck in a confined area filled with people who may not be as patient with children as you are!
On the plane, if you have a baby, remember that their ear pressure will need to be equalized by the act of nursing or sucking on a bottle at take off and landing. When leaving the plane, let others who are in a hurry go first – they’ll appreciate it and you’ll avoid being shoved in their impatience.
Now that you have arrived safely, you can concentrate on having a wonderful time with your family. Did you know Simplify can help you with your travel arrangements? Click here to learn more.
Please share any suggestions you’ve found to ease the stress of air travel with kids. Also, be sure to check out another blog I recently wrote on how to make sure your home is safe and secure while you’re gone.
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