by Jennifer Macon-Steele

Created on: January 21, 2010

Flying with kids can be a nightmare, or it can be a great experience. Some of that depends on your kids, and the only way to deal with it is to grit your teeth and plod through. Some of it, though, is up to you. You can make air travel with kids as easy as possible with a few simple tips.

 1)  Know the rules. TSA security rules have changed many times over the past ten years. Airline rules seem to change every day. Make sure you know what you’re allowed to bring on the plane and what you’ll have to do when you go through security. Most likely you’ll have to take off your shoes and your kids’ shoes too. Even your baby’s shoes will have to come off. Strollers and infant carriers must be folded down and put through the machines.

 2) Take the appropriate equipment. If you have a young child, you are definitely going to want a stroller. You do not want to be chasing a crazed toddler through a busy airport, and you really don’t want to be dragging a toddler along with your bags. You can check your stroller at the gate, and it will be waiting for you when you leave the plane. Whether or not you bring a car seat depends on your preferences and on the age of your child. If you book a seat for an infant, you’ll want her car seat along. Make sure that the seat will fit the airplane seats. Alternatively, you can check your car seat with your other checked luggage if your child doesn’t need the seat or if you are bringing a child under two to hold on your lap during the flight.

 3) Bring snacks. Buy drinks. Pack your carry-on with crackers, cereal bars and other snacks that are easy to eat. You cannot guarantee you are going to be able to get food if your child gets hungry, so be sure to bring it with you. Buy juice and water after you go through security and take it with you on the plane. Don’t assume you can get drinks for your kids on the airplane. Some airlines are charging even for water, and those that still provide complimentary beverages aren’t going to have drinks available every minute. It’s much better if you have something you can pull out of your bag. The TSA will allow you to bring child-sized juices and formula through security if you are traveling with a young child.

 4) Bring distractions. Plane rides generally mean staying in one place for several hours. There is very little that is harder for a child than sitting still. Bring along some coloring books, books for older children to read and toys without small pieces. A plane ride is not a time to restrict access to video games or movies. Bring that portable DVD player or DS. You will be glad you did.

 5) Take advantage of bathrooms when you can. Take your child to the bathroom, or change an infant’s diaper, just before you board the plane. On a flight longer than a couple of hours, it’s a good idea to take your child to the bathroom about three quarters of the way through the flight. Airplane bathrooms are a pain, but keep in mind that your child will not be allowed to get up to use the bathroom during landing. Children who are not yet consistently using the potty should wear a pull-up during the flight.

 If you plan ahead, stay calm and give yourself plenty of time you should be able to have a good experience flying with your child.

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