Toys, treats and technology – Tips for taking kids on planes

Some people think flying with kids is akin to ripping out their fingernails. But employing a few tried and true tips for taking kids on planes, can make the journey seamless and, dare I say it, even fun! After thousands of miles flown with our boys, we’ve identified a few ideas that can make your flights friendly.

We used these tips for taking our kids on planes when they were young, but even with older boys who are 12 and 14, some of the same tactics apply. Heck, I think some of them are useful for kids of all ages! I remember one flight we took (from LaGuardia to Bangor, Maine), we were delayed about 16 hours, which resulted in being at the airport until 1am, a short night in a hotel, and then finally departing at 9 the next morning. Alex (then 9 years old) was the only kid on that flight. The other passengers were so impressed with his behavior during the long wait and while enroute that they learned his name, commented on his good nature, and gave him their airplane snacks. The sweet gentleman sitting in front of us even made him origami creations the entire flight. 

• Fly early and often. My best tip for flying with kiddos is to start flying with them when they are young. We’ve found that the younger they are when you start flying, the easier it is with every subsequent flight. They understand the process at the airport, boarding, keeping busy on the flight, etc. My boys are now 12 and 14 and are frequent flyers. They are (mostly) unflappable when there are delays or issues because they have grown up flying and know what to expect. 
• Fly during your kids “magic” hours. My boys are early risers and hit their strides in the morning, so we always try to fly then. Also, there are also statistically fewer flight delays in the morning. It’s also good for kids to get rid of some energy in advance of a flight if you can time it right – some time at the pool or hitting a playground can be really beneficial…for everyone!
• Don’t get to the airport too early. Waiting is the enemy of parents with young kids. Obviously, you’ll want to allow extra time to get through security, but try to plan it so that you don’t have too much time sitting at the gate before boarding. The best is when the airport has its own play area. Delays and flight cancellations add a whole other level of stress. But, I have a separate set of tricks to keep kids happy, if you run into flight issues.

• Keep them busy. I’ve found that this and having plenty of snacks are the best two tips for taking kids on planes. My boys have always brought their own backpacks on flights with lots of activities – tablets, card games, word puzzles, coloring books, Play-doh, books about the place you are going, etc. And make sure you keep the pack under the seat in front of them. Even better is to pre-pack a few surprise items that you can pull out of your own bag if kids start getting antsy or as a reward for good behavior. My 14-year old’s favorite tip is to load favorite TV shows or movies to tablets in advance and make sure they are fully charged. He also said to be sure to bring kids-sized headphones for both a tablet and an in-flight entertainment system  and make sure they are the old-fashioned headphones with the single prong. Luckily, if you forget, most airlines will give them to you for free, or for a minimal fee. I don’t think we have actually paid for any in years.

• Pack a bag full of snacks. A small bag of pretzels or peanuts is not enough to keep little ones happy, even on a short flight. Be sure to bring your own snacks – trail mix, crackers, baby carrots, raisins, bananas, etc. Try not to give them too much sugar for everyone’s sake, although desperate times may call for desperate measures and M&Ms.
• If flight attendants don’t automatically offer a kids’ packet, ask them for one. Many airlines provide an activity book, crayons, playing cards or small toys to keep little hands busy.
• Encourage naps – for some kids, the plane’s movement is a natural sedative. Bring small pillows and blankets that fit in backpacks and let them sleep if they want. 
• Pack soothing items – is it a small blanket, favorite stuffed animal? Bring them and only bring out in case of emergency.
• Bring water bottles, sippy cups and chewing gum. Air pressure can sometimes be cause ear pain for littles because they don’t know how to regulate it. Encourage drinking or gum chewing at take off and landing to help alleviate the pressure and pain.
• Sit in the aisle and the seat next to it – that way it is easier to get up and not have to crawl over people for frequent restroom breaks. Good advice from my 12-year old.

There’s a debate about parents handing out candy or ear plugs for fellow passengers, but I’m in the camp of not making a big deal about bringing your kids on a flight. Sure littles can have meltdowns or get restless, but I’ve been on more flights with adults who misbehave (drink too much and throw up on seatmate, drink too much and get rowdy, loud talkers, etc.) than problematic children. Plus, it makes people hyper-aware of every sound out of your kids, and that’s not fair to them or to you. 

With a little extra preparation and patience, taking kids on planes doesn’t have to be something you dread, it can just be part of your family’s travel adventures.