Alternatively, if your child is instinctively excited about flying, you might choose to fly when they’re going to be wide awake. That might be the calmest time for them. Some kids get really irritated and annoyed when they’re tired for something they’ve been looking forward to.
If your child is super excited to fly and they aren’t scared of heights, do your best to get them a window seat. If the plane has three columns of seating, don’t choose the middle section that’s far from the window. There are normally restrooms near the front and back of the plane. Sit close to them, if possible. Not only do kids need to go to the bathroom regularly, but you’ll be able to get up with your child multiple times without bothering anyone nearby.
Do not bring your regular car seat for your child. If you want a car seat for your child on the plane, it must be a special child restraint system (CRS) that has been approved by the FAA. [4] X Trustworthy Source Federal Aviation Administration U. S. government agency responsible for monitoring and setting guidelines for civilian aviation Go to source For children who weigh 22–44 pounds (10. 0–20. 0 kg), there is only one “car seat” that you can use—the CARES Child Safety Device. [5] X Trustworthy Source Federal Aviation Administration U. S. government agency responsible for monitoring and setting guidelines for civilian aviation Go to source
You can contact the airlines and airports you’re flying with to see if they have strollers for rent as well. If you’re staying with friends or family and they have/had kids your age, call them and ask about borrowing some of their gear.
Depending on the length of the flight, you probably only need 1 extra change of clothes for your child and a tiny tube of diaper cream. Don’t overpack the formula, either. You can always buy that when you land. When it comes to diapers, the rule of thumb is 1 diaper for every 1 hour of travel. [8] X Research source If your child is in that in-between time when they’re transitioning out of diapers, feel free to use them for the flight. You won’t undermine any progress you’re making, and it can help avoid any accidents. When it comes to formula, breast milk, or juice you don’t actually have to follow the 3. 4 fl oz (100 mL) rule. You can bring as much as you’ll reasonably need. Just make sure that you let the TSA know you’re carrying these things for your child before you go through the screening checkpoint. [9] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Transportation Security Administration U. S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source
When it comes to toys, stay away from anything that’s going to make a ton of noise on the plane. If your child is older, consider packing some cards or games that the two of you can play together. If your child ever gets to use your phone or a tablet, make sure that you bring that along fully charged. Don’t forget spare batteries, remote chargers, and a set of child-sized headphones. You may want to pack crayons, pencils, and paper for your child to draw. Activity and sticker books are a great way to keep your child occupied. There are a handful of snacks and foods that you’re allowed to bring through security, but you can also buy them at the airport if you prefer. [11] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Transportation Security Administration U. S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to source Just make sure you have food on hand!
If your child is totally obsessed with trucks, get them a nice model truck to play with. If they love Paw Patrol, buy a stuffed dog for them. If you’re packing a surprise food-based treat, stay away from anything that’s going to make your child hyper. You could tell your child that they’ll be able to buy a toy at the airport if they’re well-behaved as well. If you’re mainly worried about security and boarding, this might be the best way to go.
You might periodically say things like, “Are you excited about our flight next week? It’s going to be so fun! I can’t wait!” or, “We go to the airport next week! I’m so excited. ” Offer to answer any questions your child has, and remind them that it’s okay to be curious, scared, or nervous. The more comfortable your child is about the entire process, the calmer they’ll be on the flight. If you’ve got a slightly older child, you might walk them through the entire process so that they know what to expect (i. e. check-in, security, boarding, etc. ). If you have a baby who can’t speak or understand you just yet, just smile and be positive with them the day of the flight. Keep your voice down and don’t express a ton of stress around them.
Children pick up on their parent’s energy pretty quickly. If you’re stressed out, they’ll be stressed out. Checking your bags the day before should put you at ease. If your child is excited about flying, ask them to help you check your bags! Incorporating them in these little travelling activities might be exciting for them.
You might say something like, “When we’re at the airport, I expect you to stay close, and hold my hand when I ask. It might be a little loud in there, but we still need to use our indoor voice. If you need a break, just let me know. We can relax a bit when we’re on the plane. ” Setting a clear reward for good behavior will pay dividends. Offer to buy them a certain toy when you land, or give them extra time with the tablet on the flight if they’re well-behaved.
There are tons of airplane-themed songs for kids on YouTube that will even give toddlers an idea of what they’re going to be doing. If your child hasn’t fully developed the ability to comprehend something like flying, you might explain it by comparing it to driving. This is especially important if you have an older child with a fear of flying. Showing them people being happy about flying can go a long way towards alleviating fear.
This also gives you time to shop for snacks if you didn’t bring anything from home! If your child is super well-behaved going through security, you may want extra time to let them choose something from a shop as a reward.
With a baby, holding them tight during turbulence is the best way to go. If they’re older than 2, you may want to hold them, but it’s usually safer to buckle them into a seat tight. [19] X Research source
If the airline offers pre-boarding for families with young children, consider skipping it. It’s better to give your child an extra 15-20 minutes on their feet and board last (unless it’s open seating). [21] X Research source If they’re a little on the older side, you can always give them your tablet and let them play an interactive game to give them something to fixate on if you can’t get up. Make sure to monitor the games they play. You don’t want the child installing things on their own, so install games with the child in advance. Make sure the device is in airplane mode, too.
When in doubt, be encouraging and loving. You can always be firmer in the future if you need to, but if you break out the consequences early on, it may make calming them down in the future difficult.
Befriending your fellow passengers while you’re waiting in line and sitting at the gate can be a good way to build some goodwill with the other passengers on the flight. [24] X Research source This isn’t to say that you should feel bad about flying with your child. If other people have a problem, that’s on them. It’s okay for them to be annoyed if your child is being loud, but this is a pretty normal thing and you shouldn’t feel weird about flying with your kid.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the staff at the airport or on the plane. Many people will understand what you’re going through, even if you get a few stink eyes. [26] X Expert Source Jami YaegerParenting Specialist Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.
