Imagine for a moment that you live in a land of giants. You follow the giants down a long, dark hallway and step through an enormous door into a crowded room filled with more giants who stare as you walk by. Then imagine sitting in a giant seat, your feet dangle over the edge and if you stretch out your toes, you can kick the blue wall right in front of you. And then there’s that switch — move it and a table unfolds before you. Up. Down. Up. Down. It’s magic! Before we go, think of the noise of the engines, the thunks and bumps of luggage being hurtled into the cavity below (of course, you don’t know it’s the engine and the luggage… it’s all just noise to you).
How would you feel, flying with giants for the very first time? Yeah….
Can you imagine how little kids must feel?
Even though planes are unfamiliar, a little planning on your part can make it easier for them.
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5 tips for flying with kids
1. Show kids photos of airplanes before you go and explain what happens. Show them how the seats are like a car (and how they are different). If you won’t be using your child’s car seat on the airplane, explain that. Some little ones get nervous when travel changes from the rules they know. To them, car seats are part of the travel routine. They don’t know that flying is different. The same goes with the noises — they’re so much less scary when you can listen for them and know what they mean. If you’re not sure what the noises mean, here’s a handy website (with audio) to prepare you!
2. Explain “airplane etiquette.” Little ones don’t know that kicking the seat in front of them is annoying — especially if they’re prone to kicking your seat in the car. Let them know that in airplanes, criss cross applesauce is the better way to sit. Those feet can’t kick if they’re otherwise engaged.
3. Plan for take-off. Airplanes are noisy. They shake. Tummies flip. Ears pop. All of that can be overwhelming. For most kids, though, a distraction is all it takes to get past take-off and into the air for smooth sailing! When our daughter was younger, we watched Little Einsteins videos. She loved the “blast off” part — and we used it to distract her whenever we flew. It’s a lot cuter for little kids to go “pat, pat, pat” and squeal “blast off” then it is for them to scream for 20 minutes. I’ve shared the tip with many friends through the years, and they agree it really helps!
4. Pack for the plane. With air travel, less is more! There’s not much space. Small parts are easily lost. Digging through your bag every ten minutes gets annoying. We found that creative toys work really well — a particular favorite is wikkisticks. Other toys that work well include magnetic puzzles and travel games. For little ones, a favorite stuffed toy or doll and books with flaps work well. Also keep wipes on hand to wipe down the tray, arm rests and buttons.
5. Take snacks! As much as adults dread the stale pretzels and peanuts on an airplane, it’s even worse for kids. Pack kid size snacks — one for every 90 minutes of air travel — including airport time. Aim for high protein snacks (cheese sticks, etc) and whole grain snacks that last longer. Avoid high sugar snacks which rev kids up and frustrate them. Imagine all that energy harnessed into a big blue chair with no place to go. EEK!
Want smiles when you fly? These tips for flying with kids should help!
We learned that thoughtful packing made air travel something to enjoy — not fear! The kids looked forward to their air adventures and now they’re pros — in fact, these 5 tips for flying with kids come from our personal experience (some things learned the hard way)!
How do you make travel with little ones easier?
Jennifer aka Baby Making Mama says
These are such fantastic tips!! I have traveled many times with my kids and man, it hasn’t always been easily, especially now with two. But these tips are so fantastic to help!
Diane @ Philzendia says
We’ve been traveling with my son since he was 10 months old. Snacks and things to keep him occupied, like books, simple games, tablets etc.. help us get through travel smoothly.
Pamela ::Still Dating My Spouse says
Thank you for writing this. We as adults forget that we need to accumulate the kids to traveling.
Kristin says
These are great tips! Flying with kiddos can be such a scary prospect for us parents!
Tonya C says
As a mom who traveled with 2 young kids frequently, your list is right on point. Snacks was a life-saver for many potential meltdowns…no judging!
Laura Funk says
My son loved flying. My daughter was an infant when we flew with children last. These are great tips. Loved the Little Einstein video!
wheelchair mommy says
I’ve flown with 1 kid and that was a nightmare! I can not imagine all 3 kids. These are FANTASTIC tips.
I think I would just make sure we had fully charged iPads.
Jessica Harlow says
I haven’t ventured on a plane with my kiddos yet, but these are all good ideas for when it’s time. I know my girls would respond well to watching favorite tv characters like Little Einsteins and connecting the flying experience to shows that touch on some of the aspects of flying.
Pam says
We’ve done more road trips than air travel with the kids, but those are excellent tips for either adventure. Another good idea is books on cd. We have listened to so many of those!
Janeane Davis (@janeanedavis) says
When traveling iwth children it is important to follow your first tip – talk with your children adn let them know what is coming and what is to expect.
Rosey says
My Tip : Make sure it’s a given you get to sit with your child BEFORE you book. I’ve come across two airlines and heard of others that don’t do this…and then everyone gets mad at you because you’re holding things up trying to get a seat next to your small child. And no WAY you’re going to want your child next to a stranger on a plane. That policy drives me crazy and is my only stressor when traveling.
Amanda says
These are great tips! I love the reminder about bringing wipes! It would be horrible to get sick on the way to vacation!
Trisha says
These are all great tips! I’ve haven’t flown with my children in fact, I’ve never flown in general so our first flight as a family will sure be an interesting experience! Thanks for sharing these!
Karen Dawkins says
You’re welcome! I hope they help when you do get to fly. 🙂
Liz Mays says
These are really good tips. I really had to make sure my kids weren’t bored or hungry so they wouldn’t dread flying every year!
Karen Dawkins says
Bored and hungry do not make a good combination (for kids or adults)!
Bri says
Distracting children while the plane takes off is a really great idea. Bringing snacks is also a must because those little packets they give you are not enough.
Karen Dawkins says
Some airlines now have snacks for kids. I wish I was a kid on those flights!
Keikilani says
These are great tips! We flew with 3 kids two years ago and it was hard, but manageable. Now with six… Pretty sure we are driving! LOL
Karen Dawkins says
Hmmmm. YEP! That would be quite expensive — and a challenge. Congrats on your newest addition.
Karissa @WithOurBest (@withourbest) says
I am a flight attendant and see a lot of families flying during the holidays! It is nice that you wrote this up for some infrequent (or frequent) fliers!
Karen Dawkins says
I hope it helps. A couple years ago, the young lady sitting beside me jumped with every noise and squeak. Her eyes filled with tears as her fear grew. I asked her if she had flown before — and she said once, and that this was just as bad. I asked if she knew what all the noises were — and she replied, “the plane falling apart.” I then explained the noises and she calmed down. 🙂 We exchanged phone numbers (she was moving to my hometown) and about 6 months later I got a text from her: She flew home and back to NC, roundtrip, no fear. 🙂 It’s amazing what a little knowledge can do. 🙂
I hope your travelers are kind this year!
Becki says
I would say gum or something to suck on is a must. Helps with popping ears!
Karen Dawkins says
Becki,
THANKS! That’s a great tip! I should have included it with snacks.
Karen
Rebecca Bryant says
these are great tips. The first time my son flew he wanted to now how the plane stayed up in the sky.
Karen Dawkins says
Good luck explaining physics to a little one. I still don’t always “trust” physics. HAHA!
Rebecca Bryant says
Thank goodness my son is the science buff and went home and immediately started researching. Turns out he loved the engineering of it all. which is good as he wants to study Air and Space engineering.
Heather lawrence says
When we travel we make sure the kids have snacks, plenty of activities to keep them busy and headphones. Nothing more annoying then listening to someone play a video game for hours!!
Karen Dawkins says
When my husband and I flew home from our 25th anniversary getaway, the teen girl who shared our row had her ear buds in but the music was so loud, I could hear the words (not pleasant words, either) two seats away. He just groaned. She pulled her hoodie up over her head and hid away with her music — I felt bad for her in the end.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
We travel a lot and for us, it’s ALL about the snacks. I always have plenty of food in my carry-on.
Karen Dawkins says
That’s how it is with my kids now that they’re older. 🙂 Feeding teens is a full-time job!