It is the scenario that all parents dread: getting on a plane with their kids and things going badly—screaming, crying, feeling uncomfortable as others on the flight start to look in their direction.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to make traveling on planes with your kids less stressful for all involved. Here are the most helpful tips for flying with your kids.
Early Boarding
Passengers with small kids need a little extra time and assistance to get situated. Early boarding lets parents get kids situated without feeling like there are eyes everywhere watching them.
Airlines that provide early boarding know that parents are already feeling the stress of the situation. At least with early boarding, it is a chance to get everyone situated and put them in the best position to have a comfortable flight.
Have Activities Ready
For more than 2 hours flights, having something readily available to keep the kids distracted is a must. Small kids especially can get antsy quickly, especially if they are bored. Make sure that you have portable viewing devices, iPods, gaming consoles, coloring books, crayons, stuffed animals, or anything else that is needed to keep the kids occupied.
When they are busy partaking in the variety of activities and entertainment available, it means far less chance of a meltdown. While it may not be the most ideal of situations, it is essential to remember that they are kids, and just about every other parent has had to deal with a similar situation.
Have Snacks, too
There is a pretty good chance that kids aren’t going to like what is on the airline menu unless you have a kid that eats anything, which is why it is imperative to have snacks with you at all times. Make it simple and make it small so that they can have it quickly.
Fruit snacks, small cracker bags like Cheez-Its, and the like are great for a moment’s notice. Before long, your little one can be crunching away on a delicious snack instead of complaining that they do not like whatever is being served by the airline that day.