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Taking a Flight with the Kids

by Neighborhood-Kids.com11/14/2008 2:50:08 PM

If you’re a grown-up who travels often, flying on an airplane might be as commonplace as a ride on a WTA bus. But when you’re a kid, there’s still something exciting—even mysterious or magical—about flying. Maybe your kids are even going to take their first airplane ride this holiday season. While they might be chomping at the bit to get on the plane, you’re probably dreading the long lines and other unpredictable pitfalls of traveling by air. In order to eliminate some of your family’s flight anxiety, take a look at some tips to keep in mind during your travels.

While kids can't wait for their first flight, parents must plan ahead for a hassle-free trip.

Before the Flight
Try to keep your kids on their normal sleeping and eating schedule as much as possible before the flight so they aren’t cranky during your travels. You should also have a talk with kids about what to expect at the airport and on the plane; remind them to use indoor voices and to always be aware of where you are, since there will probably be large crowds and they won’t want to get lost.

At the Airport
Be sure to arrive early enough to give yourself plenty of time to check-in and clear security, since it may take a little longer to get you and the kids through all the lines. You will need to remove infants and toddlers from strollers and child carriers in order to walk through the metal detector. If you’re traveling alone, you might need an extra hand preparing items for check (collapsing strollers, etc.); you can ask a Transportation Security Officer for assistance, but you should not pass a child to the TOS to hold. Another important note is that airport security allows parents to carry-on baby formula, breast milk, juice, and medications for babies in reasonable amounts exceeding three ounces and they do not need to be place in a zip-top plastic bag with other liquid items; just make sure them to remove bottles from your carry-on for inspection and let the TOS know that you are traveling with these items.

In the Air
The safest way for small children to fly is in a government approved child restraint system (CRS), although that means buying a ticket for your child, rather than holding them in your lap for the flight. When booking your flight, make sure to ask your airline if they offer a discounted ticket price for children under two years old, so you can ensure their safety with proper restraints. If you are bringing your own CRS for car travels after your flight, you may be required to check it since some airlines can provide their own CRS for kids; again, make sure to ask about airline policies when booking your flight. Another option is a harness-type restraint that can only be used on airplanes with children weighing between 22 and 44 pounds. Once everyone is all strapped in, make sure you’ve packed some of the essential items to keep kids occupied during the flight (paper and crayons, books, portable games or media devices), but don’t overdo it. You could even plan to buy something special at an airport gift shop, as a new toy will probably hold their attention for an hour or two.

The best thing that you can do for your family during your travels is to have patience and stay relaxed. Kids take their cues from parents, so even if things don’t go as planned, just take a deep breath and keep calm.

For even more tips and facts about traveling with kids, visit the Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration.

Any quick tips to share with other parents? Leave a comment or stop by the Neighborhood-Kids.com Forum to tell us what you’ve learned during your travels with kids.