By Karen Morgan
Traveling with Kids
Air Travel
QUIZ: When traveling by airplane with kids, what items should you check in your baggage?
- a. Baby shampoo and other liquids over 3 ounces;
- b. Everything you possibly can;
- c. The kids.
While "c" may be tempting before the day is over, and "a" is also correct, "b" is the best answer. You need to check everything that you do not absolutely have to have on hand. Why? Because the essentials you need to take on board with you are plenty.
Three “P's” of traveling by air with kids…..Prepare, Pack, Patience
PREPARE:
Call the airline:
Make reservations in advance to get preferred seating.
Check to see what restrictions may apply for lap riders.
Ask about carry-on size restrictions for your flight.
Ask about recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
Research security requirements:
Visit the TSA website - http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
TSA is a separate entity from the airlines.
Screening process includes kids, strollers, carriers and all carry-on items.
Limits are still in place with regard to liquids, however medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are now allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces. These items will be inspected.
Prepare your child:
Explain what will happen at the screening points, on the plane & in the airport.
Explain the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives. Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can delay the entire family and could result in fines. Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them. Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well (source: TSA).
Prepare yourself:
Allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security. Prepare yourself for inevitable delays and travel glitches.
PACK:
Pack Plenty!
In your Carry-on "Bag of Tricks" you will need…
Food & drinks — Remember you will have to purchase most of it after the screening check point.
Hand sanitizer & wipes — For airports, restroom, on board.
Diapers & extra clothes — Pack what you think you will need, then add one more. Don’t forget a plastic bag for trash and dirty diapers.
Toys & Stuff
Babies & Toddlers – pacifiers, rattles, music makers, pop-up toys, plastic mirror, stick together blocks, nested containers, busy box, blankets, stuffed animals, wind-up toys, board books, bubbles (for airport)….
Younger Kids – picture books, stickers,
activity books, crayons
(with container),
crayola “magic” markers & paper,
small wipe-off board,
post-it notes, scotch
tape, masking tape, magna-doodle, etch-a-sketch,
view master, pipe cleaners, colored wax
strips, magnets, CD player with audio books
or music, silly putty,
small wind-up toys, card
games (go fish, old maid)…
Older Kids – books, comics, activity books and kits, card games, hand-held electronic games, CD player, miniature chess/checkers, blank paper and pencils/pens, travel journal, travel games…
PATIENCE:
The most important things you can take with you when traveling with kids are a big dose of patience and a good sense of humor.
Air travel is tedious. Delays happen and glitches are unavoidable. Give yourself permission to be flexible. Give your kids permission to be kids. Instruct them on using appropriate behavior during your journey, but remember that they may not be perfectly silent and still for the entire trip.
Karen’s Personal Tips for Traveling with Kids:
Be hands free.
Use a backpack. Push an umbrella stroller. Use a front carrier. Use a car seat on plane for infants. You need your hands free to hold your child’s hand in the airport and to function on the plane with kids.
Keep your bag of tricks close by.
Make sure your bag or backpack can fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment! You cannot afford the bag of tricks to be gate checked! If it cannot fit under the seat in front of you and has to go into the overhead bin, make sure you have a smaller bag that can be pulled out for items on hand. Also, a top-loading bag or tote makes it easier to find things quickly.
Save the good stuff
Don't use up all the food and entertainments before you taxi down the runway or get on the plane. Save some snacks and toys for surprises later.Bring tray-compatable alternatives to electronic toys.
Electronic toys can may be loud and cannot be used until after take-off. So be sure to bring back-ups like Tickle Bee, Magnetic Hair man, View Master, magnet boards, pipe cleaners, wax strips, cards. Make sure the entertainment can fit on the airline tray and that you have something to put crayons in (like a pencil box) so that they won’t roll off into the floor during the coloring session.
Splurge on the seat.
Although your infant may travel as an "infant in arms," buying the extra ticket for a car seat will give you more room and a place to put the baby for napping, feeding, and changing. This is where a combo car seat & stroller comes in very handy.
Let kids carry their own backpack.
If your child is old enough to carry a backpack in a responsible manner (so that you do not end up picking it up every 5 minutes) some of the toys and distractions can be packed there. But don’t let them pack it themselves and make sure to keep some "surprise" items in your own bag of tricks.
Helpful websites:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtmhttp://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/family-travel/45321.html
http://www.flyingwithkids.com/ back to top close window