Flying High with Kids: Tips for a Smooth Air Travel Experience

Traveling with kids can be an adventure in itself, especially when taking to the skies. As you prepare for your family's airborne journey, here are some tips and tricks to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight for both parents and children.

1. Plan Ahead for Smooth Sailing

- Early Booking: Secure your flight tickets well in advance to get the best seat options and to accommodate your family's schedule.

- Choose Kid-Friendly Flights: Consider booking flights during off-peak times when airports are less crowded. We like to book flights that are during the baby's nap time so she will sleep on the flight.

- Seat Selection: Opt for seats with extra legroom or seats near the front of the plane for quicker exits upon arrival. If you have the time it may be worthwhile to wait to be the last to exit the plane so there is less stress or confusion and it is less likely to leave items behind. In my experience I like to pack up whatever I can as we are landing so we have less to think about once we land. For example: All the food gets packed up into our bags, the coloring books and crayons get stored away again, and the DVD player gets unplugged from the charger so the charger can get packed away (we recharge it in the hotel/apartment we are staying at).

2. Pack Smart and Light

- Essential Carry-Ons: Pack a carry-on bag with essentials like snacks, drinks, diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and any medications needed for the journey. You can bring along Motrin and Tylenol on top of the plane, just take it out by security to let them know that you have medication for the children. They will scan the medication and give it back to you to put back away. I like to have a travel first aid kit with us when travelling, it has come in handy countless times on various occasions.

- Entertainment: Bring along favorite toys, books, coloring supplies, tablets loaded with games or movies, and headphones to keep kids entertained during the flight.

- Comfort Items: Don't forget blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals that offer comfort and familiarity, especially during nap times.

3. Navigate the Airport with Ease

- Check-In Online: Save time by checking in online before arriving at the airport. Some airlines also offer family pre-boarding options. check-in opens 24 hours before your scheduled flight so be sure to check-in before getting to the airport for smoother travel. You do not need to print boarding passes anymore, you can save them on your phone in the airline app or in Apple Wallet if you have an iPhone.

- Use Airport Facilities: Many airports have designated play areas for children. Make sure to find out if the play area is near your gate and to take the time to calculate the amount of time it will take you to get back to your gate to be on-time to your flight!

- Stroller Considerations: Check with your airline about stroller policies. Some allow strollers to be checked at the gate, making it easier to navigate the airport. We love using our stroller throughout the airport. Travel tip- when we have time to spare we usually layer all our knapsacks, carry-ons, and/or coats onto the stroller and let the children walk around without worrying about schlepping all our items with us. Additionally, in our experience, the airline doesn't always give you the stroller, if it was gate checked, when on a layover, regardless the length of the layover, so be sure to do your research and to plan accordingly.

4. Preparing for Takeoff and Landing

- Ear Pressure Relief: Help children manage ear discomfort during takeoff and landing by offering them a bottle, pacifier, or a snack to chew on. We make sure to bring along water bottles for each child such as the Contigo and Munchkin straw cups so they each can drink during takeoff and landing to avoid their ears 'popping'.

- Explain the Process: Talk to kids about what to expect during the flight. Explain the sounds of the plane, seatbelt rules, and the need to stay seated during certain times. I like to let my child sit by the window when it is available so they can see each step of the flight if they are looking out the window.

5. In-Flight Strategies for a Smooth Ride

- Snack Time: Keep hunger at bay with a variety of snacks. Healthy options like fruits, nuts, and granola bars can keep energy levels up. Individual snack bags are ideal for plane travel so as not to disturb travelers on the plane with possible spills or passing bags back and forth amongst strangers. I like to use this snack box to prepare snacks for the children when traveling on a plane so they have a variety of their favorite snacks in an easy to access location.

- Games and Activities: Engage kids with games like I Spy, travel-size board games, or puzzles. Let them explore the in-flight entertainment options if available.

- Stretch Breaks: Encourage kids to get up and stretch their legs when the seatbelt sign is off, we take family walks around the plane and play I Spy or sing a song together as we go. A quick walk down the aisle can help prevent restlessness.

6. Dealing with Travel Challenges

- Patience is Key: Be prepared for unexpected delays or turbulence. By staying calm and collected the children will be more comfortable when traveling and will cooperate better. If a child notices that the parents' are stressed they may begin to act out causing further stress. Additionally, it is possible to prepare for the unexpected when traveling with children by bringing a spare set of clothing, pajamas, activities, and books.

- Motion Sickness: If your child is prone to motion sickness, consult a pediatrician beforehand for advice and medications. I recommend having at least 2 pairs of clothing per motion-sick passenger so if the need arises it is not too much trouble to change clothing. Airports tend to have stores with swag from whatever city/country you are visiting but it can get expensive to buy replacement clothing, a cheaper option is to just pack an extra pair of clothes from home and to bring it along with you.

7. Kindness and Courtesy

- Considerate Passengers: Remember that not everyone may be accustomed to being around children. Encourage good behavior, but also be patient with your little travelers. When traveling with our littles we encourage them to look at the entire trip as an adventure! We go on "special" elevators and sit in "special" chairs to look out at the view- it does wonders for the attitude of the trip and make a long travel day seem more exciting and adventurous for the children and who doesn't love smiling at happy and smiley children??

- Gratitude: A simple smile or a "thank you" to flight attendants and fellow passengers goes a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.

8. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Journey

Above all, remember that travel is an adventure, and even with its ups and downs, it's an opportunity for family bonding and creating lasting memories. Stay flexible, embrace the excitement of the journey, and relish in the wonder of exploring new destinations together.

Final Thoughts

Flying with kids can be a breeze with a bit of preparation and a positive attitude. From packing the essentials to keeping kids entertained during the flight, these tips can help make your airborne adventure a smooth and enjoyable one for the entire family.

So, buckle up, take a deep breath, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the clouds. Bon voyage!

Happy Travels and Safe Skies!

-Adina

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