Time your flight well. This is a HUGE factor when planning that vacation. We’ve done the early morning flights (by early morning, I mean 6am flights) as well as the late night flights and it’s hard on anyone, especially young kids. We usually always try to book our flights mid morning – when our children are feeling their best. By afternoon, it hits nap time for the younger ones and when you get into dinner and after, it is hard to keep a smiling face when they’re ready for bed. Now, some people say you should plan your flight around nap time. That may work for some, but unless your kid can sleep anywhere at anytime, then this usually doesn’t work we have found out.
Have your children use the bathroom before getting on the plane. Always easier said than done, I know. But lets face it – if you don’t, they’re going to “have to go” (and all parents know how urgent they seem to always have to go) as soon as you’re taking off. If you have them hit the restroom before getting on the plane, at least maybe you can wait till the fasten seatbelt sign has turned off and you’re “free to move about the cabin”.
Stock up on quite a few (and cheap) toys before you leave. Surprise them once they’re on the plane with these new (and cheap) toys. Don’t let them see or play with them before taking off because then they aren’t as fun and the interest in them won’t last as long. It’s amazing how much fun kids can have from cheap toys at the dollar spot at Target or your local dollar store. A few fun ideas are:
Bring A TON of snacks. When I say a ton, I mean it. Maybe your kids don’t eat a lot like mine do, but a small bag or two of peanuts or pretzels isn’t going to do it for the 3-4 hour trip. Some snack ideas are: small peanut butter crackers, goldfish, apple slices, grapes, raisins, trail mix, cookies, rice krispie treats, veggie straws, and the list could go on and on. What snacks do you take on your flight? I’d love to know as I’m always looking for new suggestions.
If you can, book the bulkhead. You’ll be SO glad you did this and had the extra room. When you’re flying with children, you cannot sit in the exit rows so the next best option is the bulkhead. There is a downside however. You cannot store your stuff under your seat, so make sure to grab the best overhead compartment you can find for all your stuff. Sitting in the bulkhead lets the kids be able to sit on the floor when flying and play and it gives you extra legroom. Plus, they won’t be kicking or pushing the seat in front of them and annoying the lady who thinks all kids should remain quiet and still wherever they are who is sitting directly in front of your kids. (just sayin’)
Don’t give your kids “traveling medicine”. For real. We tried this with our oldest son when he was almost two on our 36 hour trip to Uganda and well, Benadryl did the opposite to him as we were hoping for. Yeow, that was a long 36 hours with no sleep.
Have your kids carry all their stuff. If your child can walk, they’re old enough to carry a backpack or pull a small piece of rolling luggage. Don’t pack their bag too heavy, but this will help you with things you have to carry. Also, pack your stuff in a backpack or sling – that way your hands are free. Make sure to have each child have their own backpack or bag.
Use gum (if they’re old enough), a sucker, or a bottle/sippy when taking off and landing. Really, anytime their ears start to bother them, they can use one of these things. They really do help with little ones having ear problems.
Be considerate of others and let your children know to try to be considerate as well. For real, this goes a long way when you say “I’m sorry” if your little person is kicking the back of their seat or being annoyingly loud. Usually people are understanding and are very nice back. Occasionally, there’s that grouchy person who will give you a dirty look or leave a rude comment, but very seldom. Let your children know ahead of time before you get on board that everyone is going to work together to be polite, kind, somewhat quiet, and as courteous to others flying as we can. It’s a close space so thinking of others is always nice. If they see you demonstrating it, chances are, they’ll take after you.
Bring a change of clothes. Chances are, (depending on how young your kids are), you’re either going to get clothes dirty from a diaper explosion, a spill from a snack or drink, or something else that only kids can find a way to get on their clothes. It’s always good to have a change of clothes for everyone as well, just in case your luggage is lost and late arriving to your destination.
Bring the electronics. Yes, I just said that, and yes it’s a last resort or a super fun treat when flying to be able to use these. Our kids always look forward to watching movies on ipads or playing games, because at home they don’t use them a ton. Download movies from Netflix before you leave for the airport. That way you have them ready when you need them. Oh, and invest in a set of kids headphones. You (and everyone else) will thank me for that one.
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What about you? Do you have some tips/tricks for flying with kids? I’d love to hear!
OMG. We travel often, and my kids are pretty good travelers, but I can’t believe I’ve never thought of bringing window clings with us before. That’s GENIUS!!! We usually let them swap to a window seat halfway through the flight, so they can each get a pack. Shoot. Now I’m wishing I picked up more of the alphabet ones from target during back to school. So, so, so smart!