Flying with children adds a whole new dimension to air travel preparation, organization, and stress. It seems the smaller the child, the more travel gear and accessories are needed. To keep my kids peaceful and occupied on long flights, lay-overs, delays, and cancellations, I rely on these four survival tips for flying with children.
1)Pack Snacks
A yummy snack is a great calming agent and distraction on the airplane. Airport travel, though fun, is a bit stressful for kids and something that is tasty and familiar from home can help ease their nerves. Strange tasting airplane trail mix or pretzels may be just the thing that pushes them over the edge. I pack each kid 3-4 of their favorite snacks in Ziploc bags. Pretzels, granola bars, fresh fruit, fruit snacks, and fruit leathers are my go to travel foods. For an added surprise, throw a few Jolly Ranchers or Starburst (candy that takes a long time to eat) into the carry on for “good behavior” rewards. Candy also works great for bribes (just keeping it real).
Extra Tip-All the crunching and sucking on candy and snacks helps clear the little one’s eardrums during takeoff and landing.
2)A New Book
Depending on the child’s age, a new touch and feel, lift the flap, coloring, activity or chapter book is a great present to give on the plane. The more levels, activities, pages, or things to interact with the book has, the better. A fun quiet activity book that occupies children’s attention while on the plane is a traveling parent’s best friend.
Extra Tip – Try to buy a book with a soft cover. Then it can easily be rolled up, folded, or hurriedly stashed in a carry-on bag.
3)A Small Loved Item from Home
Whether it’s a favorite stuffy, blanket, or pack of Pokémon cards, let children bring one small item from home with them on the plane. Having something familiar can help calm nerves and tempers when the chaos, stress and excitement of flying comes into play.
Extra tip- Help children choose their item the night BEFORE the flight. Then their decision making (which will probably take an exorbitant amount of time and discussion) will not interfere with the rush and fuss the morning of the flight.
4)Everything, plus 1
Take the supplies needed for the children, then add 1. Diapers? Add one more. Bottles? Add one more. Kleenex? Add one more. Pacifier? Add one more. Snack? Add one more. Trust me, that +1 item will make all the difference. Especially if the flight is delayed or cancelled.
I hope these 4 Survival Tips can help make your air flight travel with children go as smooth as possible.
Be sure to read my post about What To Do When Airplane Travel Goes Awry for more air travel trips.
Happy Flying!
