While family vacations are fun, getting there and back again can sometimes be stressful. So, we’ve put together for you a few of my strategies for preparing for, surviving, and even enjoying a flight with children.
Airline Policies
Do you know the airline’s policies on flying with children? If not; this should be one of the first things you research. Airlines typically have guidelines posted online, so do a quick search or give them a call to discover answers to important questions such as:
• What ID papers do I need for the children?
The last thing you want is to get to the airport and discover that the airline requires a birth certificate and/or passport for your child to board the plane. Not pleasant.
• How much baggage am I allowed? Will there be separate baggage fees?
Most airlines allow you to bring an extra carry-on for the children. Pay attention to size restrictions so your precious flight survival gear isn’t stowed out of reach when needed.
• Should I bring a car seat?
Car seats can typically be checked out for free (make sure you verify this!) either with your other luggage, or at the gate. Personally, I prefer checking at the gate so I can use the car seat to keep my child in one place while we wait to board.
If you have a car seat/stroller combo just take the stroller with you through security (yes it has to go through the scanner), and check everything at the service desk nearest your gate. They’ll stow it on the plane, and then give it right back to you as you get off the plane, which means you’ll have it with you to navigate long airport hallways.
If you’re putting a child in a car seat on the plane, you’ll need to tell them about it at the desk when you get to your gate. We’ve done that more than once, because it gives the kids something to sit in that’s comfortable (and secure).
Security Issues
Fortunately, airport security workers don’t like stress any more than you do, and so they often have the process streamlined for families. You just need to ask a few questions (in advance is best):
• How do I get all my stuff and my kids through security without losing anything?
If you aren’t bringing a stroller, do spend the money to rent a cart for all of your luggage between the curb and security, so that everything is in one place. Sometimes carts have a seat just for little ones, and at minimum they are an entertaining novelty. Plus, your back will thank you.
• Can someone (a non-passenger) come with me through security to the gate? In most airports, you can make arrangements with security to get a special pass for an escort to accompany you all the way to the gate. Whether it’s a spouse, Grandma or a friend, an extra pair of hands can come in handy.
Your escort needs to have identification with them. I suggest you call airport security ahead of time and ask them exactly what your escort will need to have with them and with whom you need to make arrangements.
Soft toys, favorite toys, comfort toys… bring what will keep your kids engaged and comfortable the longest.
• Is there a separate security entrance for families with young children? Sometimes airport security will let you skip the long lines and go through a family, disabled, or VIP access area, where things are less frantic and easier to navigate.
• What do I do with baby’s milk/formula/breast milk?
Again, check the airport’s security guidelines, but you should be able to take baby’s food with you hassle-free.
Make sure to tell them about it, and request that it be scanned/analyzed separately from your other baggage. I also suggest that you pack more than you think you’ll need – because you never know if your flight will be unexpectedly delayed.
Carry-on Essentials
Packing the right gear for a flight with children is tricky. Too much, and your bag won’t fit. Too little, and you’ll have whiny kids. Here are the essentials:
• A Kid-Friendly Leash.
People may look at you sideways, but the peace of mind that comes with having your child on a leash in a busy airport cannot be overstated. Even if you never use it any other time, pack a leash to use in busy airport terminals and avoid the stress of wandering kids, unfamiliar territory and crowds of strangers.
Most leashes come in a child’s-size back- pack with an easy-to-remove “tail.” Loop the tail around your wrist or your stroller, and let your mind relax just a bit. This how to fly with children tip is one of the most parent-friendly.
• Food and Water.
Even though airports typically have food to purchase, it’s always a good idea to pack a few things your kids will recognize and eat readily. I especially suggest that during take-off and landing you give them something to suck on or chew (suckers are our favorite) to help their ears adjust to the changing pressure.
#1 mistake parents make when flying with children: no snacks for pressurization assistance.
• Games & Technology.
Depending on the ages of your children, you may want to pick up a few toys, coloring pads, games, movies or other necessary items. Go with something new and unfamiliar, because it will hold your child’s interest for longer. And don’t forget batteries and cords for your devices!
• Medication.
If you/your kids are prone to motion sickness, check with a pediatrician for medications that will help in case of turbulence. Dramamine is usually available in airport stores, but it may not be easy to administer to children, so plan ahead. It will be important to give them any necessary meds before they feel ill. If you’re looking for a natural remedy, try rubbing peppermint essential oil on the tummy.
The most common piece of advice to parents preparing for a flight is to give children Benadryl or NyQuil to make them drowsy. In my experience, these measures haven’t been necessary because we prepared ahead of time. The children enjoy the flight more when they’re fully awake and aware.
Insider’s Tips
When you are boarding, find a seat next to friendly grandmother if you can.If you can’t find a surrogate granny, start a conversation and establish a personal connection with nearby passengers so they will be more inclined to help, rather than judge, if the flight does become difficult.
Be prepared but flexible, breathe deeply, and sing if it helps. (I have sung many songs for my kids while waiting in lines – the itsy-bitsy spider is the favorite with my little ones.) Your children will adopt the same attitude you have, whatever that is, so traveling on a plane can either be a stressful experience or an exciting adventure! You decide.
Above all: give yourself lots and lots of extra time to do everything, and don’t be afraid to ask questions when you have them or get help when you need it.
Enjoy your flight!
*Originally published in Vacation Rental Travels Magazine.
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