Advice on air travel with a toddler ?

Question

We have an opportunity to get away for a couple of days. Our 2 year old has never been on a plane or stayed in a hotel. What do we need to know to make this trip a success? Please feel free to share experiences. I would like to make this trip as smooth as possible. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Plenty of hard liquor might help you get through it! I traveled this summer with a one and a two year old (and I'm a single mom so no other help!) It could have been much worse! I was pleasantly surprised. I had three carry ons full of snacks, cups of milk, juice, coloring books and anything else i could think of. I also bought a coloring table activity thing new and didn't' let them play with it until on the plane. Be prepared for dirty looks from other passengers as well. Apparently they forget sometimes that you paid money for the same flight as they did. Try to avoid red eyes or early morning and late evening as people book those with intentions of sleeping quietly. And the thing that worked best...talking about the exciting plane trip we were going to take. How cool, we're going to fly just like those planes up in the sky! My little brats still say Look mommy, a plane! it's going to the ocean like us?!
good luck and hope you have a good time

Answer 2

I wondered the same question before I took my son on the plane for the 1st time when he was 2 years old. I was worried about the ears poppin, him freaking out and a bunch of other things. I had a sippy cup for him to drink during takeoff and landing. He has small cars, crayons and coloring books. If the airline has in seating movies to watch, those can help as well. If not, it all depends on how long your flight is. If its longer than 3 hours on the plane, invest in a portable DVD player to bring along if you dont already have one. You know your child best. You know what they like and dislike. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If your 2 yr old will watch movies a portable DVD player is worth its weight in gold. We also bought an extra battery to extend the play time. We didn't make her wear ear phones, we just kept the sound low. Even if the person infront of us could hear a little bit of Elmo it had to be better than a yelling child or having the seat kicked. It is also great for layovers at the airport.

Don't be afraid of layovers. At least in the airport you can walk around freely and get some of the wiggles out of that little body.

:)

Answer 4

When I took my then two year old on her first plane trip and hotel stay I took along a good supply of her favorite toys and books, had a couple of clothing outfit changes in case of "accidents" and took snacks that she liked to make the takeoff and landing more comfortable for her. Swallowing helps equalize pressure in the ears.

The hotel wasn't a problem at all.

Answer 5

All are great recommendations. Check with your pediatrician. Chidren sometimes have more troubles with Eustacian tubes than do adults. Get their recommendation so that you don't end up with a child having Barotrauma (a truly miserable experience). Are you changing time zones? The little one may not want to cooperate and sleep at bedtime -- between the excitement and the time change, you could have a handful. Lastly, check with the airlines about children's car seats (some absolutely require them, others will have you stow them under) and the folks at security about what's permissible and what isn' t when it comes to formula bottles, wipes, lotions and what have you. Safe Travels!

Answer 6

If you can afford an extra seat for your child I would recommend it and bring a car seat. If you can't afford an extra seat you can try flying Southwest (they have first come first serve seating so you and your spouse pick a window and an aisle, NOBODY will sit between you unless they have to) or on other airlines book an aisle and window for you two and leave an empty seat between you - you can't bring a car seat this way.
Tell the gate agent you want to gate check your stroller. That way you will be able to use it up to the aircraft door and they will have it there when you land.
Also, sit as near the engines as you can - it will help them sleep and drown out some noise they make.
Bring a sippy cup or bottle for tak offs and landings to help with ear popping.
Bring lots of snacks and small toys/books

Answer 7

Everyone had great advice....
You have take something to entertain & feed your child.
My little guy loves books and cars, so we pack some of the standards but I always have one NEW hot wheel and one NEW book so he has a nice surprise and will capture his interest during the plane ride.
You definitely want to have some water for him to make him swallow to relieve the pressure in his ears.
I try not to take anything that is his *favorite* as to not lose them!
I also dress him in bright colored clothes so he is easy to spot.
Have fun!

I would like to add that I normally schedule a flight around my little guys nap time. I have no problem getting him to nap on the plane. I suggest that you look at the best time of day for your little one, whether it's nap time or happy time!!

Answer 8

Take along bottles of water and pacifiers because the higher eleveations can bother a small child's ears. Also try to plan the plane ride for when the child would normally be sleeping and try to get the child to sleep on the plane.

Answer 9

I am gonna echo what a lot of people said.

Get him his own seat so he can be in his car seat.
Lots of quiet, small toys.
Gate check stroller.
Cup/binky/bottle during take-off
Seating arrangements at front or near engines.
Try to coordinate with naptime.

I advise boarding at the last minute. Send one parent on ahead of time with the carry-ons and such, but don't get on with your little guy for as long as possible. That gives him that much less time to be cooped up in the small space of the plane.

Answer 10

make it really exciting for him .... and make sure you bring plenty of things for him to do on the plane.. is it a long haul flight?? I think he'll love it I'm always usually pleasantly surprised but first timer child flyer's ..... also ask to sit at the front early on so he doesn't have the opportunity to kick anyone seat.. good luck and enjoy your break ..