So, you're gearing up for a family adventure in the air? Buckle up, because we know traveling with little ones can be quite the wild ride. And when you throw air travel into the mix, well, let's just say it's a whole new level of challenge! No matter if you are traveling with babies, toddlers or young kids don't worry and don't panic, Macaroni KID is here to save the day with ten invaluable tips and tricks that'll help you ace those family flights like a pro.
Here is a little extra flying perspective from our publishers:
I can still remember the excitement of my first time on a plane! My fourth grade class went on a super cool day-trip to Sea World in San Diego. We joined up with a class from another school, hopped on a plane to San Diego, and then had a blast taking the train back home to L.A. What a memory! And speaking of memories, I'll never forget the anxiety I felt planning for that first flight with my oldest son. He was just 10 months old, and we were headed to the magic of Disney World in Florida. Let me tell you, nerves were running high, and we faced our fair share of challenges. But here's the key: being prepared is the name of the game.
A few months later, we headed off on a trip to Las Vegas, it was quite a bit easier, I'm sure the shorter trip and air time helped. And then there was the time we went jet-setting off to Mexico when my kiddo was just two – a crash course in understanding that international travel means more time and some extra rules to follow. And then came the time when we went on an adventure to Mexico with my two year old son – I had a crash course in understanding that international travel means more time and some extra rules to follow. The very first time we braved flying with both our boys was when my youngest was around seven years old. Now, even though my boys have grown older, my last expedition was a solo one, and let me tell you, that can be a bit intimidating. But guess what? We pulled it off, albeit with a few hiccups along the way – but hey, that's a tale for another time. Trust me, every age tag brings its own unique must-haves, so being adaptable and really tuning in to what your kiddo wants and needs is the golden ticket.
Think ahead and be ready for action – that's your ticket to success. By planning things out in advance, you'll breeze through those potential hiccups and dial down the stress factor. So remember, as you gear up for these high-flying escapades, with the right approach, the challenges will fade into the background, and your stress levels will take a nosedive. Macaroni KID is here to back you up every step of the way!
Brenna Gutell
My older son took his first flight at just seven weeks old, and we've traveled extensively with him and his brother since, both by car and airplane. That means we have had it all happen: From diaper explosions to crying for hours on a flight to having a 20-something male TSA agent inspect 60 ounces of my frozen breast milk.
Flying with young kids can be fun – on occasion! I loved, for instance, the time we sat in the same row as a grandma flying across the country to see her own grandchildren. She talked to the kids and played with them the entire flight. My kids love their collection of pilot wings, and always consider it a treat to choose a snack offered by a flight attendant. My multi-bag system: I rarely let my kids, now ages 6 and 4, carry their own bag – because inevitably I end up carrying it for them. Instead, I carry one decent-sized backpack with everyone’s stuff. Then when we get on the plane I pull out cheap reusable grocery bags and put each kids' stuff in it. This allows you to keep things separate – especially if the baby can’t have a big sibling’s snack. And it allows the kids to feel like they have some control over their items.
Because of our frequent travels, I am more efficient at going through security than most people. I am absolutely bragging about this because it's a skill I've worked hard on! I also know that by being efficient and prepared I'll be less stressed – which means less stress for my kids and our fellow passengers. Once, when we were at the head of a security line – me with an infant strapped to my chest, a toddler at my feet, a stroller, and a carry-on bag –a very impatient guy behind us said, “Can I please go ahead of you? I know how long this can take.” I gave him my best, "are you kidding me" look, and said, “Sure go ahead, but I bet I’m still faster than you.” And you know what? I was. He forgot about his belt, the change in his pocket, and that pesky laptop computer that needs to come out of the bag.
Jourdan Card
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Here are 10 tips for flying with young kids:
1. Don’t overpack your carry-on
This is hard. You want to be prepared, but lugging too much stuff through the airport can be exhausting. Check as much as you can, but depending on the trip length and ages of kids your needs will vary. My rule of thumb is always one extra outfit per kid and an extra shirt for mom / dad. Then I calculate the travel time and pack for one diaper per hour. I also bring several extra pacifiers – because once those things fall under an airplane seat, you definitely don’t want to stick it back in your baby’s mouth. And of course don't forget snacks, breastfeeding covers, blankets, bottles / formula, and any necessary medicine and comfort items.
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2. Conquer security like a boss
Seriously, don’t get to the head of the security line frazzled and unprepared. Wear as little extra clothing as possible because scarves, sweaters, sunglasses, and belts might have to come off. My travel attire is always leggings, shirt, tennis shoes. Always. Before you get in line, pull out your laptop, tablets, cameras, video games and any other mobile devices. Do not stand in line and do this. Get those shoes off, shoes that slip on and off easily are winner when you want to get in and out of security quicker skip anything will laces if you can. Some airports might make you take out food in addition to liquids. The best thing to do is store everything in a plastic zip-top bag so you can pull it out and make it easy for TSA agents to see. Consider going online and checking for the most up to date TSA rules and airport specifics. Double check for metal items in your bags, I almost missed a plane because of a child size metal spoon in a hidden pocket.
3. Keep your hands free
You can babywear through security and you can gate-check your stroller for free. Either way, you’ll go through the metal detector, then a TSA Agent might swab your hands. If your stroller is small enough to fit on the conveyor belt, it has to go through it. If not, it’ll go through the metal detector and then will be manually screened. Know how to fold up your stroller ahead of time. Remove any accessories, I found this out the hard way when I lost my cup holder.
4. Potty break and diaper change
Allow yourself extra time to get through security and hit the bathroom before you get on the plane. It's not so easy to try to change a baby in a tiny airplane bathroom. Please know you can if you need to and on longer flights you might not have a choice.
5. The multi-bag system
If kids are big enough I let each one bring a small backpack they can easily wear and carry with their own stuff from snack to books, toys and tablets anything they need to feel at home or entertained. What we pack depends on the length of travel and the ages of the kids. I bring a larger backpack for myself with larger items or extras. Take along some empty bags for trash just in case and maybe one small blanket for each kid or one big enough to share. Mine wouldn't share.
6. Bring your kid's favorites
My toddler loved milk. We learned the hard way that they don’t always have milk on planes. You can buy some after you get through security to take on the plane if it will keep your child calm. Keep in mind although they have snacks, drinks and sometimes meals onboard it often takes a while before you are served, your kids might not be able to wait, consider picking up a bottle of water after you pass through security I also pack or pick up their fav snacks. My mom used to pack gum or chewy candy to help our ears when the pressure changed during takeoff and landing.
7. Bring kid-sized headphones
Many airlines have little TVs in the seat backs and will give you free earbuds. While this is really nice, the earbuds are big and might fall out of little one's ears. Bring some kid-sized headphones to use with either the airplane TV or their own electronic device - which you made sure was fully charged before getting on the plane, right? This will help kids hear their show without having Mickey Mouse at max volume disturbing nearby passengers.
8. Car seats on airplanes
Double check that your car seat is TSA approved – it will be on the little sticker in the back or on the side. If it is, it is legal for you to bring this car seat on the plane. You might get eye rolls from some flight attendants and definitely other passengers, but you do you, momma. We use the rolling car seat carts and treat them like strollers. This allows us to strap each kid into his car seat and push him through the airport. Keep in mind: If you are planning on using a car seat for a child under 2, you will have to purchase the seat. Most airlines let kids under 2 fly free as long as they are "lap-held." I always purchase a seat and used a car seat or special harness for little ones, it's safer, if there is rough turbulence unsecured children can be injured. Here are some FAA tips for flying with children.
9. Proof of ID – for the kids too
Once, when my child was flying free because he was under 2, an airline employee asked for proof of his age. After that, I always carried a copy of my kids' birth certificates in case the issue came up again. Also know if you are flying solo with kids you might need ID or additional paperwork and if you are leaving the country you will definitely need it.
10. Be prepared for some dirty looks . . .
Don’t sweat it! Kids and babies have a right to fly! If you have an older kid, talk to them about the process and “rules” of the airplane. For younger kids, try to be as calm as possible to keep them calm as well. If all else fails, be prepared with some bribes – toys, candy and iPads work wonders in our family – and remember that rather than being annoyed, many people on the flight are actually feeling empathy for you.
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Just a few more thoughts before you go:
Arrive early and also ask about pre-boarding, especially if you are traveling with a car seat or a stroller, the extra time can be a lifesaver. Many airlines allow people who need extra time or assistance to board first, just ask. If you're traveling with babies / very young children they may nap on the plane - mine did. If you are nursing, nursing during takeoff and landing helps relive the pressure in their ears, if you are not nursing a bottle or paci may do the same. If you have older kids enlist their help with carrying things and managing little one.
I like to bring along extra treats as a surprise. Maybe some special candy, snacks or toys. Consider leaving their most cherished items at home or in the luggage so they don't get lost. The dollar stores are great for picking up small cheap toys and games for the trip. My kids loved to color I picked up those things where the marker reveled the colors magically. The plane can be cold so bring jackets or blankets. As much as I wanted off the plane I found it helpful to wait for most everyone to exit, then we would grab our stuff and disembark without the felling like we were holding people up.
This is worth repeating, visit both the airport and TSA website for all cities you are flying to, see what their protocol is, what you can and can't bring and if you need birth certificates / passports for children.
