Take The Stress Out Of Flying With Children
Airline travel has become a major hassle for many travelers. This is especially true if you have to fly with young children. A lot of planning has to be made in order to ensure an enjoyable trip for them. Read this article for some tips on how to make airline travel a more pleasant experience for you and your children.
As soon as you decide on your travel dates, you should reserve your airline tickets early. This will ensure that you get the most choices in terms of departure and arrival times. Red-eye flights are particularly hard on small children because they throw their sleep patterns out of balance. When they are tired, they get cranky and irritable, which means an unpleasant experience.
When you book early, you get more selections in seats. Keep in mind that young children cannot sit in the exit row because that row is reserved for people who can manage the emergency exit doors. For convenience, you may want to look at where the restrooms are on board, and choose seats that are not too far away from it so your child will not need to go far to the restroom.
If you are going to use an FAA-approved car seat, make sure that it is a comfortable one. At the store, have your child sit in it and see if he is comfortable in it.
Once your child is on board, you will need a way to keep him busy for the duration of the flight. Plan some entertainment for him. A dvd player and a few children’s movies that he has never seen before will occupy several hours. You can bring along small craft kits and activity books that he can do. Be sure to pack art supplies, like crayons, colored paper, tape, glue sticks, stickers, and anything else that can be used for him to create something.
Food is important. A hungry child is a cranky child. Many airlines are now charging for the snacks that used to be complimentary. So, you should pack along some of your child’s favorite snacks. Include fruit, nuts, crackers, and other things that are portable and not messy to eat.
Sometimes, things can happen at the airport that can spoil your plans. Your flight might get canceled due to mechanical problems. You may encounter rude travelers in the sea of people that you have to navigate through at the security check and boarding gate. At this stressful times, try to remain cool. Remind yourself not to snap at your children because you do not want to create a negative impression of airline travel.
Flying can be a fun experience for your kids, especially if it is their first time flying. There is something magical about looking out the window and seeing all the clouds beneath you. Traveling with children can be pleasant if you plan ahead and maintain flexibility for any unforeseen changes. Keep in mind the suggestions offered in this article, and you and your children can have a great experience flying together.
