Air Travel: Traveling With Children
Flying with children, especially babies and infants, can be quite a challenge. As a parent, you want to keep them comfortable and safe, as well as entertained and excited about the adventure you’re about to go on. Planning ahead will get you prepared and ensure that the trip is stress free.
Planning the Trip
When booking your plane reservation, try to get a
late flight with as few stops as possible. With a
nighttime flight, the kids will fall asleep soon
after the plane departs. Also, the few number of
stops, the fewer number of times you have to disturb
them. When it comes to choosing a seat, request
those toward the middle or front of the plane. The
rear tends to be hot and have poor air circulation.
A few weeks before you leave for your trip, talk to your child's pediatrician to find out the name of a local doctor near your vacation destination. Unfortunately, children are more prone to sickness in new environments, making it highly probable that you will have to visit a doctor on your trip.
What to Pack
Pack all that you can when traveling with an infant
since it can be hard to find essential items such as
a diaper or a pacifier in the airport. It's a good
idea to use a backpack instead of a diaper bag so
you will have two free arms. Fill the backpack with
a couple of bottles, plenty of diapers, wet wipes, a
foldable plastic changing mat, rash cream, baby
soap, and extra clothes.
Buy a seat for your child, regardless of his or her age. Infants should travel in an airplane-approved car seat. Without a car seat, take-off, landing, and unexpected turbulence could injure or even kill a very young child.
Don't expect your child to sleep on the flight. Pack plenty of entertainment to keep them occupied. Bring rattles and stuffed animals for your baby or infant. Pack crayons, activity books, stickers, and games for your young children.
Before the Flight
Arrive at the airport a couple of hours before your
flight so you have plenty of time to check-in and
get through security with your children. And before
you board the plane, be sure to change diapers and
take your children to the restroom.
On most airlines, you can board before the other passengers if you have a baby or an infant. Take advantage of any help the cabin crew offers you! If you're traveling with a partner or spouse and your young children, consider having one adult board the plane with the carry-on baggage while the other waits to board with the children until the final boarding call. This way, your children do not get restless on the plane while the crew prepares for departure.
On the Flight
When you finally board the plane, ask a flight
attendant to help the car seat you brought for your
child. During take-off and landing give your baby
something to suck on, either a bottle or a pacifier.
The sucking motion will equalize the uneven air
pressure inside and outside of the eardrum and will
help ease the pain and discomfort caused by
take-offs and landings. Similarly, encourage your
young child to eat a chewy candy or chew gum during
take-off and landing in order to relieve any painful
ear pressure.
The rest of the flight is up to you and your children. You can play games, color, or even take a nap, if you’re lucky! Careful preparation before flying will make your experience more enjoyable and positive for you and your young ones