Tips on Flying with Children

When I wrote my list (earlier in the week, not the night before) it was quite simple. I looked around the house and noticed the things that were important to them above everything else. Those were the items that if they could fit in a bag, they went. I also included all the things that typically you would need when you travel, but sometimes fail to pack like toothbrushes, pjs, underwear, hair styling products, etc.

I didn't start packing everything the night before, I actually got started with my packing earlier in the week. This way as it got closer to our departure date, I wouldn't have to worry over every little thing including what I did or didn't pack. I also crossed off what was done on my "to do" list each day. By the time the night before our date to leave came, I had everything by the door. I also spent most of the week talking to the children about the plane ride, pointing out planes in the sky, and reminding them what was good and bad conduct on the plane. We also made a visit to the toy store and picked out a few QUIET things to keep them occupied. They were not allowed to play with anything in their carry-on prior to the plane ride. New items keep children busy for a time, old items lose their excitement.

Now that all was ready to go, I had to be sure that everything and everyone was accounted for. So I just looked over all items we were taking and walked in and around our residence before we left. I instructed the children not to talk to neighbors about our whereabouts since I didn't want everyone knowing where we were going or for how long. It's unfortunate but sometimes nosy people like to question children about adult business. I included contact information in each child's luggage bag and carry-on as well as my own just in case bags were lost in transit. I also served filling meals to all the children the day of travel so that they wouldn't ask for anything at the airport. I also put cash money aside specifically for snacks that we could purchase after going through airport security.

Ear aches, head aches, stomach aches you name it! They will occur sometimes unexpectedly. So be sure you have what you need to tend to their issues. Carry gum, candy, and any medicines to help.

Pack a carry-on that they can keep their favorite keepsakes as well as any new items you should buy to keep them occupied on the plane.

Enforce discipline practices. The results of your strategies will show up in public. So if you are consistent at home, they will consistently behave most often.

Don't allow other people's stares, comments or blatant disrespect because you are traveling with children upset you. Expect the negative disposition from the ignorant.

Always look for opportunities to teach and have fun while you are doing it. Bring your camera. If you are traveling with older children, let them take photos too!

Pencils, paper, crayons, small drawing boards, flashcards, and handheld games with volume control (and a headphone port) or no sound are great items to keep children busy on the plane. Also, consider a portable dvd player and/or mp3 player with headphones.

Our longest trip was from California to Georgia with no layovers. The children were happy as long as the snacks and drinks kept coming and they had something to keep their hands busy. At one time, we allowed them to walk down the aisle of the plane just to stretch their legs. They also wanted to look at the people. It was great, keep them happy! Some of the passengers got a kick out of the smiles and waves. Weeks prior to our trip, we did take the children to some of the tourist spots in Los Angeles County. Traveling around the local community with them as the departure date got nearer, got them back in the habit of traveling with us parents. We stressed the importance of behaving at home and in the public. If they misbehaved, things were taken from them and early bedtimes were enforced.