Flying with kids can be a real challenge. When I took my first solo flight with my eight-month-old daughter, it went something like this:
- I handed her a supposedly engaging toy designed for travel, only for her to launch it three rows back with a precision that could rival any professional athlete.
- I tried to cuddle her to sleep, completely forgetting that our sleep training was meant to ensure she would fall asleep independently in her crib. Instead, she wailed and squirmed as if I was attempting to smother her with her blanket.
- The moment I detected a foul odor, I ventured into the cramped airplane bathroom, discovering what it feels like to be trapped in a cool box with a diaper explosion and a tiny, flailing octopus.
After nearly seven years of airplane adventures with my two kids to visit distant family, I’ve gathered some survival tips for navigating air travel with children. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Try This: If you have a toddler, subtly suggest that they will feel very tired once they board the plane. I whispered calming phrases to my daughter all morning, and to my surprise, she dozed off almost immediately upon takeoff! This was a stark contrast to our previous flight, where I felt like I was wrestling a hyperactive monkey for the entire journey.
- Pack Plenty of Familiar Snacks, Milk, and Diapers: Air travel can be unpredictable, and you never know when you might find yourself stranded in a remote airport. I once found myself in a situation where my toddler rejected three different meals I bought at the airport. She only wanted the warm cheese I had packed hours earlier, and I was desperate enough to let her have it.
- Don’t Let Cranky Passengers Get to You: Some travelers may not understand why your baby is crying during takeoff, and they might blame you for not controlling your child, but remember – karma has a way of evening things out. That annoyed passenger may end up sitting next to a crying child on their next flight!
- Avoid Dosing Your Child with Benadryl: I once knew a mom who tried this with her three-year-old twins on a long flight, only to find that the medication had the opposite effect on them. The last thing you want is to be stuck on a plane with wide-awake kids bouncing off the walls.
- Bring Hand Sanitizer: It provides peace of mind, especially when kids do things like putting random objects in their mouths. I once caught my son trying to chew on his seatbelt, and I questioned my parenting sanity when he licked the handrails in the terminal!
- Keep Toys to a Minimum: Kids often lose interest in toys when they’re focused on creating chaos. Instead of bringing a ton of new toys, just ask your flight attendant for a couple of plastic cups. They’re free, and once they fall on the floor, you won’t have to worry about them anymore.
- Pack Lollipops for Meltdowns: When your child is in full meltdown mode, a lollipop can work wonders. A kind stranger once handed my daughter a lollipop during one of her tantrums, and it helped calm her down. While it’s generally wise to avoid taking candy from strangers, I was grateful that day.
- Let Older Kids Use Electronics Freely: Sometimes survival means allowing your older child to watch any show or play any game on any device. You’re already managing one child’s antics; you don’t need to answer countless questions about how planes fly or why farts smell.
- Accept Help, Even When It Feels Condescending: I once struggled to maneuver through a crowded airport with a mountain of luggage and two kids. A woman offered assistance with an expression that suggested she thought I was foolish for getting into this situation. In hindsight, I should have accepted her help; it would have saved me a lot of stress.
- Don’t Envy the Carefree Traveler Across the Aisle: It’s easy to feel envious of that calm woman sipping her drink while reading a magazine. Remember, one day you’ll travel without kids and can reflect on these chaotic days with a laugh. And when that happens, I plan to toast my past self with an extra martini!
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Summary
Traveling with children can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can make the experience more manageable. From packing familiar snacks to accepting help, these tips will help ease the journey and keep everyone (including yourself) a little bit happier.