CountingToTen
Blogger/Writer at CountingToTen.com
Lifestyle Blog.
Sharing how we’re loving life and living it to the fullest!
Three boys, one dog, one chinchilla…Sometimes, you just have to STOP…and Count To Ten.
Sharing how we’re loving life and living it to the fullest!
Three boys, one dog, one chinchilla…Sometimes, you just have to STOP…and Count To Ten.
Latest posts by CountingToTen (see all)
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- How Sharing a Coke and a Wagon Help a Sick Kid #ShareItForward #shop #cbias – July 10, 2014
I am a master of all things kids. This vast knowledge that I possess even translates to air travel. I have come to my knowledge of air travel with kids from having the following experiences to list on my resume:
- THREE crazy boys
- frequent CROSS country flights (NV to NC…repeat 20+ times)
- husband that NEVER flies with us (for obvious reasons)
- special needs son that flies with oxygen AND feeding pump
- special needs son that flies with 10 plus meds PLUS special milk (which all needs to be swabbed for bomb residue)
- teenage son who has headphones glued to his head at all times, thus…cannot hear any directions or need for help
With that AND SOME in my repertoire…I am confidant that with these few tips, you’ll have a great flight with your kids (since you can’t find someone to watch them for you so you don’t have to take them):
BEFORE THE FLIGHT
- The P word–Patience, Prozac…whatever you’ve got. (both if possible) You WILL have to stand in line upon line…prepare yourself weeks in advance.
- Security Line Run-through–talk about going through security with your kids BEFORE the big day! Most airports don’t make kids take off their shoes anymore (that saves a little time). You all still have to take coats off..don’t wear them! (put them in a carry on!)
CARRY ON MUST HAVES
- i-Anything–iPhone, iPod, iPad…whatever you’ve got, or can buy before your flight…bring it! (don’t forget to bring chargers for the airport AND if you have a battery extender…it’s worth it when melt downs happen at 15000ft and all eyes are on you)
- Headphones–all those i’s are worthless if you forgot your headphones! I know I don’t mind listening to Yo Gabba Gabba, but all the suits on the plane might have something to say. (it helps if the headphones are cute monkeys or bears–for pictures, I mean)
- Headphone splitter–if you have MORE than one child…they will inevitably want to listen to and watch what the other one is (it’s in their genetic make up). Having a splitter will allow them to BOTH listen to the same thing.
- Small Pillow/blanket–if you’re lucky, the altitude will knock them out! Make it EASY for them to drift off…have a small pillow and blanket ready for them to snuggle.
- Drinks–I know…you get free drinks on the plane. BUT, if you have small kids that spill…do yourself a favor, and buy a drink with a screw top once on the other side of security. They take a baby sip, you close it up, crisis averted. Trust me…I’ve worn MANY juices on flights!
- Socks–sounds silly…but, if your kids wore sandals or flops…they’ll have cold toes! (we’re going for comfy cozy here…think sleep!)
- Diaper Baggies–If you have a little one still in diapers…do the WHOLE flight a favor, and buy those cute little blue bags that keep the stink inside (this could also double as an emergency barf bag if needed)
- Books/workbooks/coloring books–anything to keep the sweeties engaged if they didn’t take the hint and fall asleep (or your iAnything has already died because you didn’t give it a full charge)
- Wet wipes, tissues, paper towels–ALL of them. You know your kids (don’t act like you don’t!). They will sneeze, spill, sneeze again…and spew. Be prepared to tackle the mess in a flash and it won’t be SO embarrassing when your toddler bumps your tray and your coke falls all over your pants (with any luck, you have paper towels to absorb the most and your flight is long enough so you don’t look like you peed in your pants when you land)
- Extra clothes–yes. Someone’s diaper will leak, a drink will spill, or something you can’t even imagine will (because it’s fate)
I hope you enjoy your flight! Check my Road Trip Tips when Traveling with Kids too…I’m full of it! (them…tips)
Did I miss anything?? Have you discovered an AWESOME tip when traveling with your kids?? Do tell!
This is super handy!
Those are great tips! I’ve never flown with children, but I will definitely remember tips like these incase I ever do!
Great tips:) Another item I’d add to the list: water bottles. Not only do they have screw on tops, but they make great toys for the younger set:)
http://hintmama.com/2013/08/29/todays-hint-4-great-non-toy-toys-for-toddlers/
I am book marking this for IF and WHEN we ever fly, but I think road trips would work too right?
Good ideas:) Have not flown with the kids yet, but someday we may do and then it’s great to have some tips.
As my son grows I’d like to travel with him more. I’ll be sure to use many of these tips to make our travel less stressful. Thanks for sharing
Great post! I have never attempted to fly with my kids, but if you can do it, I can! I love the tips especially the I-Anything! Give a kid electronics and they will be quiet for hours! lol!
I flew a lot with my kids over the years. Now they are adults and I have a hard time remembering much about it. It is all a blur, LOL. I know we did not have electronics to keep them entertained. It was mostly books and toys. Great tips for parents with little ones.
Great tips for traveling with young children!
That is quite a list, it is amazing how something as simple as bringing a sippy cup can make the trip easier.
I have four kids and we fly often. Your tips are spot on! The only thing I would add it to make sure you travel with thick skin. Even though I know to expect it now, I am always surprised to find so many travelers who are intolerant of children (even when the kids are behaving!). They will glare at you as you hold up the security screening with your bottled milk, stroller, etc. and again when your child is reading aloud on the plane in above-whisper tones. Be mentally prepared for these people so that they don’t cause you added stress on travel day.
Flying is a lot of work….I think more work than people realize especially if you have children. You have some great tips here and many could be applied to car travel, as well!
For sure!! Let them use the potty as soon as they get on or before taking off and landing!
Great tips! I have been flying with my boys since my youngest was 5 months. I used to have a busy box that I carried everywhere with us. These days it’s little easier as long as they have their fully charged electronics
THese are perfect for my kids!
WOW! This is exactly what I need for next month. I am traveling with my daughter and this will be her first time flying. I had an idea of different things to do to prepare her (and me) for this adventure but I’m glad you have it all laid out for me. THANKS!
Drinks and a change of clothes are a must. You always need extra clothes- especially when you don’t bring them along. I also pack small snack baggies of snacks. Little bags with little amounts so the snack doesn’t spill and there will be plenty to whip out latter when you need with out over filling your child.
These are some awesome tips! I wish I had read this before my last trip with the kids. I had not extra clothes and after my little guy got sick in the plane I had to wash and dry off his clothes in the JFK airport bathroom before we took our next flight.
Such wonderful tips!