Air travel is stressful even without kids. The enhanced security measures added after 9/11, the strict rules regarding what can go on board and the long security lines make most of us cringe. Add kids to the mix, and for most parents, air travel becomes a nightmare.
While I can’t promise to turn air travel with kids into a pleasant experience, here are a few tips that should help make the situation more manageable.
1. Prepare your child: explain the process prior to the trip. The TSA website explains that they have to screen everyone, regardless of age - even babies - before they can go through the security checkpoint. However, while you and your walking child should walk separately through the walk-through metal detector, you will never be asked to do anything that will separate you from your child. The security officers are trained to be gentle with kids and treat them with respect.
It’s helpful to explain to your child in advance what is going to happen: “we will need to take our shoes off and put them in a special box; then each of us will pass through a gate.” Your child should also know in advance that toys, and even his special blanket, must go through the X-ray machine.
2. Know the rules. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. You should however declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. They will be inspected, but you or your child will NOT be asked to taste breast milk, formula, or juice.
3. While it’s a very good idea to bring plenty of entertainment for the flight, including snacks and activities such as books, crayons and CD players, you should only carry on the liquids and gels needed for you and your infant/toddler’s immediate comfort. You should pack larger volumes needed for your trip in your checked bag.
4. Get to the airport on time. Better yet, get there an hour early. Everything takes longer when traveling with kids.
5. Discuss safety with your child. Tel her what to do if you become separated. We tell our kids to just stay where they are and wait for us to find them.
6. Prior to take off and landing, provide your child with flight ear plugs which protect eardrums from rapidly changing air pressure. Chewing a gum helps too.
7. It pretty much goes without saying that kids should sit by the window. Most of them request it, and you should oblige: they will find the views fascinating.
8. While red-eye flights are not much fun, they make a lot of sense when traveling with kids, especially if the flight is longer than 5 hours, because having them sleep during the flight is the best way to ensure a quiet, trouble-free experience.
Photo credit: xersti
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I’d also making sure that the plane can accommodate your car seat if you want to use it on board. If you aren’t planning on using it but still need to bring one, make sure to get a sturdy cover for it and see if you can gate check it so that the chances of it being lost are minimized.
Hi Tracy, this is a great tip - thank you. We normally check the car seats at the gate - used to do that with the stroller too but thankfully we don’t need a stroller anymore.