I had always enjoyed flights. Even as the leg room shrank and services downsized, I still felt the thrill of lifting up into the air and landing in a new destination.
I didn’t even mind the airline food.
All that changed after my son was born. When we took our first trip when he was 6-months old, I was in a cold sweat even before we boarded the flight. What if he cried the entire time? The whole plane would hate us. What about the pressure on his little ears?
As he got older and my daughter came along, there were even more worries. How could I keep them occupied? What if they had a temper tantrum? Everyone on the plane would stare – and judge. I would be trapped. There’s no place to hide on a plane. Delays, previously a minor annoyance became something to be dreaded.
We survived though and picked up some tips along the way.
15 Tips for flying with kids
Some of the best advice we got was from Lori Poon, a flight attendant who has also travelled extensively with her daughter. Here’s what she said:
- Let kids run around before getting on a flight to let off steam. You don’t necessarily have to pre-board. If you’re travelling with another adult, considering having one go on the aircraft first with all the luggage and the other board with the kids later.
- Nurse or bottle-feed babies during take off and landing to relieve ear pressure. Lollipops work well for toddlers who have trouble chewing gum.
- Bring your own blankets and pillows. Most airlines charge for these now. When they were babies I used to take the blankets out of the crib without washing them so the familiar scent might comfort them.
- For young toddlers, try not to let them discover the aisle. Put them by a window and try to distract them. “Once they find the aisle, they won’t want to come back to their seats and you’ll be chasing them the entire time,” Lori says.
- For older kids, let them pack their own carry on bags. But also bring an extra stash of toys you don’t mind losing. Dollar store toys work great for this. Take them out one at a time.
- Bring a journal so they can log their flight and record their observations.
- Pack swimsuits and a change of clothes in your carry-on just in case your baggage gets lost.
- Be sure to bring all medications on board. It may seem obvious, but Lori says she is asked for Children’s Tylenol on almost every flight and she’s unable to provide it.
- Other items parents ask for which they don’t have are straws and microwaves to warm up formula or baby food – but it is possible to warm up bottles in a hot water bath.
- Airplane earphones fall out of tiny ears. Bring your own over-the-ear pair.
- Pack extra essential items in case of delays, especially diapers.
- Take safety seriously. Pay attention to the movie yourself and show the kids the safety booklet. They’re less likely to give you grief about wearing their seatbelts this way.
- As much as possible, try to relax. Children can sense when you’re panicked. Most people will understand if there are disturbances. On the flip side, realize that there are others around you and set limits for the children in case of any emergencies.
- Always ask if there’s a chance to see the cockpit before or after the flight. It’s often possible and a great experience for the kids.
- And one final piece of advice. Warn kids about the loud flush.
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Jennifer Merrick is a freelance writer specializing in family travel. She feels blessed to be able to experience new places through the eyes of her two curious and energetic children.