How to Fly With Kids

• by Nicole Gustas

Step 1: Plan your flight

1. Flying out of smaller regional airports can be easier than flying through large airports.
   

   Children under 2 can usually fly in a parent's lap
2. Get a direct flight to your destination if you can. Running from one gate to another is hard enough on your own; with a child in tow it's especially difficult.
3. If you have connecting flights, make sure you schedule time between them to make your connection. It will take longer with your child than when you are traveling on your own. Your child can use the extra time to burn off pent-up energy.
4. Children under 2 are considered "lap children" and, when flying within the U.S., do not require separate airfare.
   • This can save you money.
   • You will have to hold your child in your lap for the whole flight.
   • If there is a flight incident, lap flying is not as safe as a separate seat with a car seat.
   • Many airlines will still require you to inform them in advance that you are traveling with a lap child, and the child will still often have a separate (free) ticket.
   • When flying internationally, children under 2 require a separate ticket.
5. Many airlines offer a 50% discount for a separate seat for a child under 2.
6. Book a bulkhead row to prevent your child from kicking the seat in front of her.
   • If the airline will not allow you to pre-book a bulkhead row, you can try to get one when you arrive at the airport.
7. Reserve a window seat for your child. Most children enjoy looking out the window during flights.
8. Some airlines provide special meals for children. Check when you make your reservation.
9. Some airlines give out toys or other gifts to children flying with them. Check when you make your reservation.

Step 2: Prepare your child

• New experiences can be scary for some children. Only you know what will be most likely to reduce your child's anxiety. Some things that may help are below.

1. Prepare your child for long waits in line. Explain why they have to wait in line.
2. Tell your child what the flight will be like. Explain what turbulence is like.
3. Discuss with your children how they will be expected to behave on the flight.
4. 

   Visit the airport with your child a few days before flying
   Tell them what to do if they are separated from you.
5. Role-play the security screening process with them. Make sure to role-play the part where they will hand their bags or other items to the security screener, so they will know they'll get the items back!
6. If you have time, take them to the airport before the day you're flying to familiarize them with it.

Step 3: Pack wisely

For children who are not toilet trained

1. Bring plenty of diapers and wipes with you. Remember, you may encounter flight delays.
2. Bring plastic bags to put dirty diapers in; many planes do not have diaper disposal facilities.
3. Use a backpack as a diaper bag; this will leave your hands free for other things.
4. If you have booked a separate seat for your child, bring an FAA-approved car seat.
   • FAA-approved seats have a label that says "This restraint certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft."
   • The seat will keep them safer in cases of turbulence or air incidents.
   • The airline will require you to place your child in the car seat for takeoff and landing.
5. Read the most recent TSA information on traveling with formula, breast milk or juice, to make sure you can bring yours through security.

For children above the age of three

1. Have your child pack and carry their own small bag of things they will need on the plane.
   • They will feel like a grown-up.
   • It will also free up your hands!
   • Make sure they practice carrying the bag around the house first, to see if it is too heavy.

For all children

1. Bring at least one change of clothes for yourself and your child. You'll need them if your child spills anything or becomes ill, or if you're stuck overnight on the way to your destination.
2. Pack snacks for the journey. Most airlines provide very little in the way of snacks.
   • Try to pack snacks that are not messy, sticky, or will require too much clean-up.
   • When flying internationally, make sure you can bring the snacks you've packed into your destination country.
3. Pack gum or hard candies for them to suck and chew on ascent and descent. The pressure change can be hard on childrens' ears.
   

   A favorite toy can be comforting
4. Pack empty bottles or sippy cups.
   • Once you go through security, you can buy water and juice to fill them.
   • You can also ask the flight attendants to fill them with water or juice.
   • Some airlines may have restrictions on the size of empty bottles and sippy cups. Check before flying.
5. Pack things to entertain them.
   • Books are great for quiet activity. If your child is not reading yet, picture books work well.
   • Coloring books are good for small children.
   • Colored pencils are great for coloring; they leave less of a mess, and are harder to write on a plane with.
   • If a child has a hand-held video game, make sure they can use headphones with it or turn off the sound so as not to annoy other passengers.
   • Pack DVDs and a portable DVD player or laptop for the child to watch them on.
   • Pack one surprise toy or activity item to give them in flight.
6. Pack a color photo of your child's face in case you get separated.

Step 4: Help your child enjoy the airport

1. Arrive at the airport early. The check-in and security process will take longer with a child.
2. If you have a baby, use a baby carrier. This will leave your hands free.
   

   Pre-flight play
3. Plan things to keep them busy while standing in line. Quiet verbal games are a way to keep them occupied.
4. Many airlines have play areas for children. It's a great place for your child to let off some steam before the flight.
5. If there is no play area, take them walking around the airport while you wait. If your child is tired, she's more likely to sit still during the flight.
6. Bring a folding umbrella-style stroller. If your child wants to walk, you can always put your carry-on baggage into it.
7. Consider using a child tether with smaller children. The airport will be busy and full of interesting sights, making it more likely you will lose a small child.
8. Take them to a window and show them the airplanes taking off and landing.
9. Use the bathroom before you board the plane.
10. If multiple adults are in the traveling party, one can pre-board with all the luggage while another stays behind with the child. This way, the child will have to sit still for less time.

Step 5: Protect your child's ears on takeoff and landing

Protect ears

• As the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) says in its information on flying with children, "One reason toddlers and children cry on airplanes is that changes in cabin pressure hurt their ears." Take the following measures to ensure your child's continued comfort at these times.

1. Infants should suck on a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing to relieve pressure in the ears.
2. Breastfeeding can also relieve the pressure for an infant.
3. Very small children can suck on a sippy cup to relieve pressure.
4. Older children can chew gum or suck on hard candies.
5. Ear filters can be inserted in the ear canal.

Step 6: Keep your child entertained and comfortable in flight

Window view

1. Let them sit near the window. They will probably find the view fascinating.
2. Relax! Children will notice how you are feeling. If you're calm, they're more likely to be calm as well.
3. Put away one toy or activity item before you bring out the next. This will keep children from getting overstimulated.
4. Play quiet games with your child.
5. Coloring books can be entertaining - just make sure they don't color on the tray table or window!
6. Flight attendants will fill sippy cups with water or juice if you request it.
7. Air sickness bags can be colored on and turned into puppets.
8. Use the restroom as soon as the seat belt sign is turned off.
9. Ask the stewardess to warn you when the final descent is soon to begin, so you can use the restroom again.

Articles on How to Fly With Kids

• Flying With Kids: Travel Tips
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Important Information on Traveling With Formula, Breast Milk, and Juice
• The New York Times: Flying With Children (Yours or Theirs) (July 25, 2006)
• The New York Times: Kids on the Plane? Maybe I'll Have That Drink (July 22, 2007)
• Real Simple: Hints for Flying With Children (December 2004/January 2005)  
• USA Today: Flying with children doesn't have to get ugly (April 28, 2004)  
• Massport: When Kids Fly
• Strollerderby: All posts tagged "Flying With Kids"
• Bella Online: Ten Tips for Getting Around the Airport with Kids
• FAQ: Tips for Families Flying With Children
• MomsMinivan.com: Flying With Kids
• Fodor's: Flying With Kids? Read This First 
• MSNBC.com: Coping with air tantrums (January 26, 2007)

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