What is advice for airplane travel with children?

Answer 1

Take a bookbag on board the plane just for them with things in it for them to do. You are allowed at least a bag per person on the plane so that includes the kids as well (they can keep it at their feet under the seat in front of them). I just recently traveled with my 4-year-old on a 4 hour flight, and it was hard but having things for her to do help to make the time pass. It also helps when they have an in-flight movie or little TVs for each passenger in the back of all the head rests! That was the best flight we ever had (Delta Airlines).

Answer 2

We are about to take an international flight. We will be on the plane for over 12 hours and be dealing with a layover. We have bought our 2 yr old his very own bag to have his special toys in. We got a portable DVD player with a long battery and an adapter to plug into the airplane. We are taking his favorite movies as well as a brand new one he's never seen. We've gotten color wonder markers and paper that will not mark on the plane, clothes, or skin. We have put a few favorite toys plus a few new toys. We talk everyday about our trip on the airplane. We have a toy airplane and talk about riding on the airplane. He has no clue, but I think it will all come together when we're taking off. I called his doctor and they said we can give him benadryl to help him maybe sleep. We also have a 3 mth old and I've been told to let them nurse during takeoff and landing to relieve the pressure from their ears by sucking. His bag and the diaper bag are our only carry ons cause our hands are going to be full enough with the little ones. Try to travel light and have a good flight! Just think only hours! I wish ours was 4 hrs. Best of Luck!

Answer 3

Buy them a new toy in the airport just before you leave. Bring snacks and drinks on the plane with you. If they are really young it can be easier to travel when they usually sleep, since they'll sleep the whole time. If your traveling with a partner and one child and want to try to get out of paying for a ticket for the child (under 2) then ask the ticket person for a window and an aisle seat in the same row, leaving an empty seat in between you and let the ticket person know that you'll be traveling with a baby. If the flights not over booked then the seat between you usually stays free.

Answer 4

Here are some ideas about what might make your plane travel easier:

• Start at the beginning. Whenever possible, book a nonstop flight. This streamlines your trip and prevents change-of-flight problems. Traveling at nonpeak times--late at night, midday and Mondays to Wednesdays--gives you a good chance of getting on less-crowded flights. On these take-offs you're more likely to find room for your kids to stretch out and sleep and a free space for your child safety seat.

• Arrive at the airport early. Sprints down an endless terminal are difficult enough but they are nearly impossible when packing a baby on your back and holding a preschooler's hand.

• Dress for comfort. Put the good-for-grandma clothes in a carry-on and let your kids change into these after your arrival. On board, let your kids wear comfortable play clothes, and don't forget to pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on, especially when traveling with little ones. Since airplanes tend to be cold, make sure all children have an extra sweater or jacket at their seat. Don't forget to grab blankets and pillows as you board; there won't be any left later on when your kids want them.

• Don't forget to talk with your child about the trip, explaining each stage of the boarding process and the flight. Make sure young children realize that the bumpiness and engine noises are normal and not a signal of an impending crash. You may even want to visit the airport ahead of time.

• To build on the excitement of the journey, create a countdown calendar and put it on the refrigerator.

Answer 5

It really depends on your children. Are they able to sit quietly and entertain themselves for an hour or two or three, or are they constantly out of control and screaming for attention? If they are quiet and well-behaved, then flying shouldn't be any problem for you or the other passengers. If they are holy terrors at home, don't fly -- it will annoy you and piss off the other people around you.

The last time I flew with my three children they were 4 months old, 3 years old and 4 years old and it was well before 9/11 and all the terrorism crap. I nursed the 4 month old before boarding the plane and he slept through most of the flight. For the 3 and 4 year olds, I packed a second diaper bag with goodies for them. I had juice boxes to drink on ascent and descent. I had raisins and other non-fridge snacks to occupy them. I had coloring books and washable crayons, plus a few small, non-noisy toys. Mostly the other two were wide-eyed and interested in everything going on around them. It was a good flight and the stewardesses complimented me on how well-behaved my kids were during the flight. :) Good luck!

Answer 6

Easy... a spoon full of Children's NyQuil will keep them sleep or at least drowsy, well that is the extreme measure if your kids are really wild, the portable DVD is a good thing but you need to expend a lot more money, Dramamine is other medication good for this, also is a good anti-airsickness medicine and will not affect your children in a bad way, I mean secondary effects.

Well that is what somebody told me.

good luck

Answer 7

We travel all the time (sometimes international 15 hour flights) ever since my daughter was 2 months old. Bring toys, video games, Coloring books and crayons and snacks. If there age appropraite maybe puzzles and so on. Also don't forget gum or something to chew on. Our daughter is 6 now and everytime we fly she will complain about her ears not popping and it really hurts when your ears don't clear. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

Portable DVD player has helped me. Also, pack a bag with toys they pick out for the trip. Pack lots of little snacks. I used to buy small toys to give to my kids on the plane after take off. It was a nice surprise for them to receive a little present. If you take a DVD player, you could get them a new movie they have been asking for as a surprise. If they are older, a CD or MPV player with their favorite songs works. If they can read, pack a book, comics or kid magazines to look at.

Answer 9

Treat the air hostess with respect and the air hostess would take care of your children while in a flight.

Answer 10

Get a portable DVD player and some noise canceling headphones. That should keep them occupied until they fall asleep.