Sunday, February 15, 2015

Tips for Flying with Kids

M, A, and I have traveled hundreds of thousands of airmailed only since A has turned 3.  Traveling with a kid is a joy by itself.  Kids understand the notion of travels and anticipate it.  They try to pack the night before and might feel restless and sleepless due to excitement.  They might wake up earlier than usually waking everyone up to get ready to head to the airport.
I got A a Trunkie during  a visit to the UK when they were not to be found in the U.S. yet.  You can find them pretty much in any luggage store nowadays.  They are the kind of hardshell carry on for kids that they can pack their favorite things in and carry to the cabin.  Yet they can ride in them while you haul them.   Such a delight for all!  I would still pack an umbrella stiller for younger kids especially if you will be sightseeing at destination and check in at the gate.

What to pack in your carry on bag:
1) taffy or something similar to ensure constant swallowing during take off and landing to protect those ears
2) snacks to the kid's liking. Consider small fruit and dried nuts
3) sanitizer and wipes
4) medicine: for longer haul flight having an appropriate and pediatrician approved fever reducer is a good idea, just in case
5) One extra set of clothing just in case. Consider pajamas for overnight flights and long haul flights to give your kid a sense of relaxation to stay put longer even if not sleeping
6) toothbrush and toothpaste for longer haul flights when you anticipate your kid to sleep
7) electric games: we found Leap Frog toys entertaining and educational while small enough to pack in Trunkie or carry on. Make sure to pack extra batteries. Of course smart phones with games can be another option.
8) Toys and Books to the likings of Tir kid.  We are less concerned with loosing toys with older kids but all the same, we better avoid taking a favorite on board lest it might fall under the seat beyond reach

While on board you might want to consider asking the flight attendants a visit to the cockpit. Nour wish has always gotten granted. 

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An emigrant from an ancient civilization to North America, an engineer in marketing and management, a mom of working kind, who thinks when she talks, and who likes to write. I, L.B., own the copyright to the content.