10 Tips For Flying With Kids
Flying can be a frustrating experience when you’re squeezing into cramped airplane seats and waiting in busy waiting areas – and it’s even more frustrating when you’re traveling with a kid. Some young children cannot tolerate airport security. The sudden changes in air pressure might scare them, and they dislike sitting quietly for hours.
However, proper planning and preparation can ensure a worry-free travel day. Here are some stress-reducing tips for flying with a toddler, no matter where you’re headed.
1. Book a nonstop flight
Nonstop flights save you time and hassle when traveling with children, as you only have to wait at the airport, board, take off, and land once. It’s fun to entertain and occupy them the first time, but getting through it again with a layover can be tedious.
While traveling with a toddler, don’t waste a nap during a layover – that’s the perfect time to let your toddler get the wiggles out. Find a deserted spot while you wait for your next flight if your gate is crowded. Let your toddler run, make noise, and enjoy his freedom for as long as possible (better to let it out on the ground than at 30,000 feet in a confined space).
2. Choose your seats wisely
No matter how eager your child is to wander the aisles, go to the potty a hundred times, or ask for yet another item from the overhead bin, a window seat is safer for them.
Passing carts may catch his arms or legs or spill hot liquids when he sits in an aisle seat. The flight will be more enjoyable if he has something to look at through the window.
It is still a good idea to book a seat for your child on domestic flights, even if your child is under 2. Then you can keep your child safe and secure on board the plane by bringing a car seat or other child restraint system (CRS). In addition, when flying with a toddler, you can have both window and aisle seats to yourselves if your child takes up an entire row.
It is essential to ensure that a car seat, as well as any other restraint system you may use, has the text “This restraint is approved for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” on it before taking it through the airport. If you do not check the CRS as luggage, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will ask you to do so.
3. Arrive early at the airport
When you arrive at the airport by car, you will have plenty of time to park, check-in for your flight, check your baggage, and make your way through security with your child and carry-ons.
Aside from watching planes take off, your little one can also run around the terminal to burn off some energy before he’s confined to his seat.
4. Plan security line
Your toddler will probably need a stroller when you’re at the airport. Taking your umbrella stroller through security is a breeze – you can fold it up at the last moment and put it on the conveyer belt for X-rays.
Depending on your airline, you may be able to check your stroller at the curb, ticket counter, or gate, or you may be able to take it down the jetway and leave it at the plane’s door before boarding. If that is the case, the bag will be waiting for you when you land just outside the plane’s door.
Security checkpoints also benefit from slip-on shoes (for you and your toddler). Don’t worry about holding up, and take your time when traveling with kids; collect your wits, and make it a game for your toddler (“What else goes in the bin?”).
5. Avoid early boarding
Flying with young children has the advantage of allowing you to board first, which results in much-needed overhead bin space. The downside of early boarding is that you must endure an extra half hour (give or take) on the plane with a wiggly child.
You can divide and conquer by sending your partner or travel companion with your gear ahead (you can ask a gate attendant) so that you can board when it’s convenient for you.
6. Ask for help
Don’t hesitate to ask the flight crew for assistance while you’re in the air if you’re alone. Lifting a bag and putting it in the overhead bin can be nearly impossible when you’re carrying a child. Instead, ask the flight attendant or fellow passenger to pitch in – they should be glad to help.
While you’re at it, consider asking for extra pillows, blankets, or water if needed.
7. Remember to pack snacks and toys
Taking your toddler on air travel is similar to taking them by car, but you should bring as much food and toys as possible. It is unlikely that you will be served a meal in the air since many airlines don’t offer food (or if they do, it might be expensive).
Even if your flight isn’t scheduled to be in the air during a meal time, you might want to bring portable foods like mini sandwiches, cut-up vegetables, and string cheese.
8. Pack extra supplies
Make sure to bring double the amount of diapers you’ll need (if your kid is still wearing diapers), wipes and hand sanitizer, and an extra T-shirt for you in case of spills. Check out this list of plane-friendly baby products to find out what else you should bring.
9. Childproof your bags
Ensure your child does not have access to anything potentially dangerous (or eye-catching). For example, if your child is traveling with you, keep all of your medicines (including one-a-day pills) out of reach, but don’t present them to security unless they are in liquid form.
Make certain that any pills you take in sealable baggies remain in their original childproof bottles and are securely closed. Put them in your checked luggage (if you need emergency access) or your zipped carry-on luggage.
10. Choose a kid-friendly airline
Kids are an essential part of a family-friendly airline. So, many airlines offer extras for their youngest passengers, like kid-friendly headphones, snacks, and TV shows and movies they like. Please book your tickets through United Airlines, which has introduced a new activity kit for children (pictured) in 2021 to keep kids safe and happy during flights.
United’s kids’ kits are available on all mainline flights and include a mask for kids, a travel journal activity book, an origami paper airplane kit, and sanitizing wipes.
See also: How to travel for cheap
