Flying With Kids

It can be rather difficult flying with kids, but if you prepare yourself and your child(ren) for the event, it will likely go much more smoothly. Older kids can amuse themselves with drawing, games, and toys. And for the child to be personally offered a drink is always something special to them. Teenagers prefer the in-flight entertainment and music options, plus their own music and book selections.

At the Airport

Arrive and check in as early as possible. Parents with small children will get the opportunity to board first, so don't worry. If your child has a toy they can't be without, put an elastic around its neck and put your child's wrist through the loop so you won't have to carry it around everywhere. You can also attach a whistle to your child's jacket which they will use ONLY if they get separated from you, or at least that's the idea.

What to Wear Onboard

Layering your clothes is usually the best option. Sometimes those air vents in the plane are quite chilly. Take a change of clothes in your carry on in case you need to change on the plane, or when you arrive complete with soup stains and pudding drips. It's also good in case your luggage gets delayed or lost.

Where Should You Sit?

Bulkhead seats, with the more legroom and room to play, often include other parents with children. However, the armrests don't move, so you or your child cannot lie across the seats like he could in other rows.

On long flights, look for seats in the middle section of seats, because there you would be more likely to have room to stretch out. You can even go scouting with your kids to look for other seats with more room for stretching out.

Getting Comfortable

Lip balm, moisturizer, and even a small spray container of water will take away that awful dry and tight feeling on the very dry-aired plane's atmosphere. Put a light materialed item over your child's nose and mouth, like a bandit, in the dry air makes their throat sore or irritates his sinuses.

Eating and Drinking

Snacks, sandwiches, fruit, and yogurt are all great options to hold them over until it's time to eat. Avoid things that tend to crumble or get smashed up.

Time Zones

Plane trips can often be tiring and disorienting, especially for kids. Try to adjust yourself to the new time zone as quickly as possible, and if the kids need a nap, it's fine, but don't let them sleep until a normal bedtime either, otherwise you will have a wonderful wake up call at 2:30am! If you arrive in the early morning, have the kids sleep an hour or two around noon before waking them up and keeping them up until a more appropriate hour later on.

It's amazing what a little planning can do to help improve your flight! And the best planning you can do for any vacation is too book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!