How to Fly With Kids

Flying has always been a bit of a test for some people, but now days it can be incredibly stressful in general with all the new security measures being put in place to keep airline travelers safe from harm. Following the December 2009 attempted airborne terrorist attack air line security went into overdrive with rules ranging from no blankets and books to hand swabbing before passengers board the plane and no airline seems to be quite the same in their methods.http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/new-rules-for-flying-with-children/

Flying with kids was of course an extra challenging experience even before these precautions, but now many parents would rather just not fly than face this circus act of safety before a possibly long and trying flight.

However, parents shouldn’t just call off their travel plans just yet. Like with any trip, there are several steps that can be taken to make flying with kids much easier. This simple, step by step guide on how to fly with kids will provide you with a flight plan as fail proof as any plan involving children can be to a hassle-free flight as well as a plethora of useful tips to help out along the way.

One of the most important first steps to flying with kids is to find out the security measures, rules and regulations regarding the particular airline or airlines you will be using during your flight.

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does set some general guidelines such as that children as well as babies and their luggage will be screened the same way an adult would. This includes strollers and car seats as well. All items will need to have the child removed and be run through the x-ray scanner. Special conditions do apply to children with disabilities which you can read at the TSA website sourcing this sentence of the guide.http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm Baby formula, food, breast milk and medications for your child will need to be declared but can exceed the 3.4 oz limit as long as it is not excessive. It’s recommended these items are kept to only what your child will need during the flight.http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

Other than that, rules, regulations and even security measures will vary by airline. You can look on your providers’ website or simply call them ahead of time to obtain more information. An airline directory listing can be found at the source following this sentence.http://www.flyingwithkids.com/airline_directory.htm

Some airlines for instance will provide a child safety seat, some will not. Some allow car seats for free, some charge for an extra seat. Some have regulations on where a safety seat can be placed. Some airlines don’t even charge for children under a certain age. All of this will affect your travel plans and knowing it ahead of time will make you and your kid's flight easier.http://www.faa.gov/passengers/media/childsafety.pdf

Second, as with any trip taken with kids, it is very important to come prepared. Also keep in mind that packing for a flight with kids is not like packing for a car ride. You will not be able to take just any and everything along and may have limited carry on space. Use an extra large purse and also use it as a small diaper bag. What would regularly be in your diaper bag can be checked as luggage.

Some things you may want to put in this carry on bag for your kids:

• -Wet wipes
• -Baby formula or food.
• -Toys or a form of entertainment (see step three)
• -Just a few diapers if needed. You know about how many diapers your child goes through, estimate just a bit over the flight time needs.
• -Disposable bib
• -A small blanket from home (The smell can be comforting and far more comfortable than airline blankets.)
• -A leash. This last one sounds odd but losing a child in a busy airport is a terrifying experience. Even a string tied to your child’s wrist to yours will help. You may also want to dress yourself and your child in distinctive clothing so you are both easy to locate in a crowd.

You may also want to include items you as a parent know you will need, for instance, if your child has motion sickness issues a sick bag with an odor neutralizer is a great idea. Anticipate problems and bring items to solve them but don’t over do it. The less stuff you have, the less stuff you can lose. As an extra tip, if you do lose something don’t freak out about it. Try to only bring items that are disposable to you.http://www.flyingwithkids.com/travel_tips.htm

Finally, the hardest part of traveling with kids, the actual flight. You can try to book your flight during a time your child may be asleep. In some cases this works like a dream and the kid sleeps during the whole flight; in others it backfires and you end up with a whiny, tired child rather than just a kid to deal with. This would be where your judgment comes in, if you think your kid is likely to have no trouble falling asleep on the plane go for it, if not, you may want to do the opposite and book during one of your child’s active time periods.

In the event your child is awake, you’ll need to keep him/her busy. Consider lifting your usual movie and or game system restraints for the flight. Let them watch the in flight movie and wear the headphones or play their Gameboy as long as they want in the case of older kids.

In all age cases, remember to bring things that will entertain them but don’t take up much space or make a lot of noise that will aggravate other passengers. Coloring books, favorite toys, etc are a great plan. You should keep these items and bring them out one by one, that way each time your child becomes bored you can offer something new to distract them.

As a final tip, if you are traveling with another adult willing to help with the kids, consider getting seats away from one another in the event of extra long flights. This way you can take turns. One person can sleep or just take a break from the stress while the other deals with the kids a few isles away.http://www.flyingwithkids.com/travel_tips.htm