Warmer weather and summer are just around the corner. Taking vacations to explore new places and see distant family and friends can be fun and joyous. However, flying with your kids sometimes can be more of a nightmare than you expected. Try some of these tips when you go flying with your kids!
1. Plan ahead before you arrive at the airport
Start out on the right foot by planning and packing ahead. Organization is key, to make sure you are not rushing. As well, arriving with hours to spare is good just in case something might happen unexpectedly.
2. Take advantage of early boarding
Early boarding is a great blessing airlines have given us parents. Make sure to be there early and take advantage of this opportunity to get good seats and extra time to get your children settled on the airplane.
3. Communicate
Talk to your kids before, during, and after the flight so they know what to expect. Our kids like to be informed. Tell them how the entire flying process works. Pretending it is a huge adventure makes it easy, especially when you show your enthusiasm for the flight.
4. Bring activities
Make sure you bring all of the items that your kids will enjoy and be distracted with. Some items we suggest are: DVD player, iPad, iPod, Kindle, Nintendo, coloring books, pop-up books, crayons, markers, stuff animals, game cards, etc.
5. Bring snacks
Our kids get hungry and love to even snack when they get bored. These can be easy snacks, healthy, or even a surprise snack that your kid loves! Kids love nothing more than surprises.
6. Have a “sanity seat”
If you are traveling with your spouse or relative, one person can be in a “child-free” paradise in another part of the plane, enjoying the quiet peace. The next flight you can switch. This is a great method if you are willing to switch it up or working together as a team is also great too!
7. Prepare for air pressure
Plugged ears is one of the worst things I remembered as a kid when flying. My mom taught me to drink water right after takeoff and to drink the last 30-35 minutes before landing. The swallowing helped with the pressure and gives hydrating benefits too. Chewing also works great too!
8. Keep them comfy
Dress your kids in soft, roomy layers that you can take on and off as the plane’s air conditioning demands.
9. Fly early in the day
Avoid long periods of waiting in the airport. Flying early also avoids delayed flights as afternoon and evening flights are more likely to be delayed with back-ups at airports.
10. Flying guidelines
Make sure you know the flying rules and guidelines, especially when you are packing anything to carry on board. Some kids are also able to fly for free. Make sure to check out all this information with the airline you are flying on!