Summer vacation is in full swing and many families are busy making travel plans with their crew. But how prepared are you when flying with kids?
I remember my first trip with a baby back in 2016. We were flying to Ecuador to visit family for Olivia’s first birthday. I will be the first to admit, that we were a mess! I wasn’t a frequent flyer, much less had any experience flying with a baby.
The flight was about 5 hours and it was probably the most anxiety-filled flight I had ever taken. I tried so hard to not be a nuisance to other passengers while trying to keep my 1-year-old entertained. Luckily, I was still nursing so it was my fail-safe when I wanted to comfort Olivia.
TRAVEL TIPS WHEN FLYING WITH KIDS
Lucky for you, I have a few tips and tricks to hopefully make your flight much easier. I reached out to Laurie from Travel Tips by Laurie on YouTube to get her expertise on what would make traveling with kids easier.
As a pilot’s wife and many flights (including with her child) under her belt, I thought she’d be the perfect expert to learn from.
8 AIRPLANE AND AIRPORT TRAVEL TIPS FOR FLYING WITH KIDS
BRING BAGS WITH SNACKS
Do not give them snacks until the airplane takes off or pushes back from the gate (if you cannot wait that long). I do not recommend lollipops because we know they will drop and then the rest of the trip will be awful.
PACK SMALL TOYS
I pack an old makeup pouch with little toy pieces for little ones who sit on my lap.
BRING AN ACTIVITY TRAY FOR TODDLERS
There is a tray table organizer with pockets and boundaries for crayons/markers.
BUT DON’T BRING TOO MANY TOYS
If you bring too many toys, chances are some will get lost or roll everywhere inside the airplane. Get each child to only bring enough toys to fit inside an old makeup pouch and that’s it.
FOR TABLETS OR PHONES
Place your phone in a plastic bag and hang the baggie on the tray table hook. And always have headphones for your child to use so that the noise does not disturb other passengers.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FOR MORE TRAVEL WITH KIDS TIPS
AIRPORT SECURITY SCREENING
When your child walks through the airport security screener, he/she will need to not touch the arch. I just say, “March to the officer.”
CHECK THE TSA WEBSITE FOR FOOD/DRINK GUIDELINES
If you need to know if breast milk is allowed or certain snacks for children, you need to scroll to Medical Conditions. Then there is a menu about Children.
DOWNLOAD THE AIRPORT APP
Download the airport’s app for easier access to the map. Research that airport beforehand so you know where the indoor play center is located if that airport provides one. For example, Denver International Airport’s play area is on the second floor of one of the concourses.
I found that out after being delayed for about 7 hours! Some airports have Minute Suites. They’re rooms you can rent by the hour after you go through security with a day bed, desk, free wi-fi, large screen TV, and snacks to purchase.
Thank you to Laurie for the amazing advice! For more travel tips, check out Travel Tips by Laurie on YouTube and Instagram.
