Family vacations can be wonderful memory making opportunities for children and parents. However, flying can be difficult for small children, who are easily overwhelmed by long airport security lines and the difficulty of sitting still in an airplane for any length of time. This can lead to unruly child behavior both in the airport and on the plane. This is stressful for parents, other passengers, and yes, even the child. Follow these pro tips for a stress-free flight with your child.
Dress for Comfort
Remember, small children have no real concept of time. Even a flight that is only an hour long can seem like an eternity to a small child, especially if your child is dressed in “nice” clothes and shoes that are not very comfortable. To make the flight easier for your child, dress him or her in comfortable clothes.
Pajamas are always a great option. Soft and warm (it may be chilly on the plane), pajamas will keep your child comfortable, and may even help him or her to fall asleep. Change your child into his or her “nice” clothes once you have landed.
Choose an Early Flight
If you can, book an early morning flight, such as one at 5 or 6 A.M. Morning flights are an excellent choice for several reasons.
- Security lines are typically shorter, allowing you to get through them faster.
- Flights are typically less crowded.
- You are less likely to experience flight delays.
- Your child may go back to sleep on the plane.
If an early morning flight will not work with your travel plans, consider flying late at night. You will reap the same travel benefits.
Pack Only Carry On Luggage
Trying to locate your luggage at the baggage carousel is a stressor you do not need. The baggage claim will be crowded, making it difficult to keep your child occupied while trying to retrieve your bags.
Pack a carry on for yourself and your child. If your child is old enough to wear a small backpack, use the pack as your child’s carry on. When you land, you simply grab your bags as you disembark.
Make Clearing Security Fast and Easy
To minimize the time it takes to clear TSA security checkpoints, follow these simple rules.
- Wear slip-on shoes. This means that everyone, even your child should skip lace-ups. Slip-on shoes come on and off easily, and will not only make clearing security faster, but also increase your child’s comfort on the plane because he or she can remove them easily.
- Carry a jacket and place items you would normally store in the pocket of your pants in the jacket pockets. By placing change, keys, and your wallet in the jacket, you will skip the tedious and time-consuming task of emptying your pockets in the security line.
- Arrive early. To clear security in time for your flight, you should arrive at least 2 hours early. This will give you plenty of time to go through security and will prevent the stress that comes with running late.
Pack Activities and Play with Your Child
A child who is bored while waiting to get on the plane, or while on the plane, will often act out. By packing kid-friendly activities such as books, crayons and paper, small toys, and electronic devices such as a tablet, you can keep your child occupied.
Be sure to engage in these activities with your child, and use the opportunity to have some fun while keeping your child occupied and happy. After all, there is nothing more stressful (for you and other passengers) than a crying child, or a child who is kicking the seat in front of him or herself during the flight.