Tips for Air Travel with Small Children

My sister-in-law, Stephanie, recently traveled from Dublin to Chicago pregnant, with two children under the age of five, after my brother had yet another job transfer. Yikes! How do parents today get their children from point A to point B while navigating security lines, liquid restrictions, baggage limitations, pressure changes and busy airports without losing ten years off their lives?

Tips while traveling with the little ones:

• Book your flight for non-peak travel times, Mondays-Wednesdays, after the morning business rush, or in the evening.

• Pack more games, snacks (drinks will have to purchased on the plane or beyond security checkpoints) and activities than you think you’ll need…..you never know when that five-hour delay will hit. Include a variety of activities, including books and travel board games.

• DVD player is a must. Buy a few new movies, you may need to get headphones for each child, as planes can be quite loud.

• Tell your child ahead of time what to expect, and keep the commentary going. When checking or screening baggage, reassure him he’ll get his belongings back.

• Allow extra time at the airport.

• Give your child safety rules, including what to do if you become separated.

• Consider using a child tether, even if you don’t normally. It’s so easy to be distracted when checking or claiming luggage.

• Take-offs and landings can be painful for children, so bring a pacifier, ear filters, or just encourage your child to swallow by offering drinks, gum, or hard candy. If your child is congested or has an ear infection seek medical treatment before taking the flight.

• Bring toys out one at a time for maximum entertainment value (and minimal clutter!). Do not bring ones with small pieces and bring a few new ones, these work better when a major meltdown is occurring.

• Seat your child by the window. Kids love the view, and they’re protected from wayward aisle carts.

• Have both parents carry the easy check-in, hands free Travelon Id and Boarding Pass Holder or one of the many well designed secure travel wallets

Organization is also a  key element. Having the right travel tote to implement this organization is a must. Briggs & Riley has a wonderful large tote that is a manageable size and very comfortable to carry. In addition to the many organizational features, the bag has the very important SpeedThru pocket for hassle-free airport security checks that is of paramount importance as parents try to navigate their brood to the gate.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also has some great tips. Finally review the information provided by the Transportation Security Administration U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding Traveling with Children before embarking on your next trip, especially if you have children with disabilities.