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Parenting Guidance: Flying for the First Time with Your Little One
Key Steps to Take Before Boarding
Strategically Timing Your Flight for Optimal Relaxation
Ensuring Smooth Sailing: Tips for Flying with an Excited Child
Opt for window seats close to restroom facilities.
Strive to keep your child away from aisle seats and strangers. Exposing your child to too many unfamiliar faces and stimuli can be overwhelming, and proximity to the aisle can present various unexpected challenges such as snack carts. Remember, families with young children often have priority boarding, so aisle seating shouldn't be a major concern. However, it's wise to consider other factors.
- If your child is enthusiastic about flying and unafraid of heights, aim for a window seat. Avoid the middle section of three-seat rows that lacks window views.
- Restrooms are typically situated towards the front and back of the aircraft. Choosing seats nearby can facilitate multiple restroom trips without inconveniencing fellow passengers.
Consider purchasing an extra seat for children under 2.
Procuring a separate seat for your child provides additional space. While infants under 2 are permitted to travel on your lap, investing in a separate seat is advisable. Not only does it enhance safety during turbulence, but it also affords you the convenience of having a designated space to temporarily place your child.
- However, avoid bringing a standard car seat for your child. If you opt for a car seat on the plane, ensure it's a FAA-approved child restraint system (CRS).
- For children weighing between 22–44 pounds (10.0–20.0 kg), the CARES Child Safety Device is the only permissible 'car seat' for use on flights.
Reach out to the hotel or destination regarding rental options.
Inquire about the possibility of renting larger items you may require. Many hotels, resorts, and travel services offer rental options for strollers, car seats, and other essential equipment. Additionally, you can explore the availability of jog strollers, toys, or pack ‘n plays. This approach could save you from the hassle of transporting bulky items.
- Contact the airlines and airports you'll be traveling with to inquire about stroller rental services.
- If you're staying with friends or family who have children of similar ages, consider asking them if you can borrow some gear.
Travel light by packing only the essentials.
Parents often overpack, but opting for a lighter load will make your journey easier. If you're bringing a stroller, choose the smallest one available. Consider purchasing items such as diapers and formula either at the airport or your destination. Minimize the size of your diaper bag and pack only what is necessary.
- For shorter flights, one extra change of clothes and a small tube of diaper cream should suffice. Avoid overpacking formula; you can purchase it upon arrival.
- Plan for one diaper per hour of travel.
- If your child is transitioning out of diapers, using them during the flight is acceptable and can prevent accidents without hindering progress.
- Exceptions to the 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) rule apply to formula, breast milk, and juice for infants. Bring an adequate supply, but inform TSA agents about these items during security screening.
Ensure you have plenty of entertainment options for your child.
Traveling often involves downtime, so prepare diversions for your child. Pack a variety of toys and activities to keep your child engaged, especially during longer flights. Opt for quiet toys and consider bringing cards or games for interactive play.
- If your child enjoys screen time, bring along a fully charged phone or tablet along with spare batteries, chargers, and child-sized headphones.
- Include crayons, pencils, and paper for drawing, as well as activity and sticker books.
- While certain snacks are permitted through security, you can also purchase them at the airport. Ensure you have enough food for the journey.
Prepare a special surprise for your child.
Bring along one exciting toy or tasty treat as a special reward. Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming for children, so having an extra surprise handy can help in challenging situations. Whether you want to acknowledge exceptional behavior or soothe anxiety-induced tantrums, a surprise can be a useful tool.
- If your child loves trucks, consider getting them a new model to play with. For fans of Paw Patrol, a stuffed dog might be a perfect surprise.
- If you're opting for a food-based treat, choose something that won't cause hyperactivity.
- You could also promise your child a toy purchase at the airport if they behave well. This approach might be particularly effective if you're concerned about security or boarding.
Infuse excitement into the flying experience for your child.
Your enthusiasm will rub off on them. Although flying with a child can be daunting, maintain a positive attitude! In the days leading up to the flight, emphasize how enjoyable it will be. Address your child's concerns and encourage their excitement; emotional preparation can ease the journey for everyone involved.
- Periodically express excitement about the upcoming flight, reassuring your child that it will be fun.
- Encourage questions and reassure your child that it's normal to feel curious or nervous.
- If your child is older, walk them through the entire process so they know what to expect.
- For infants, maintain a calm and positive demeanor on the day of the flight, minimizing stress around them.
Check all your bags thoroughly the night before your flight.
Prepare thoroughly the day before your flight to avoid last-minute stress. Aim to complete all packing tasks at least 24 hours in advance. Before going to bed, double-check your bags to ensure you have everything you need. This proactive approach can help you and your child feel more relaxed on the day of your flight.
- Children are sensitive to their parents' emotions. Checking your bags in advance can help alleviate stress, benefiting both you and your child.
- If your child is enthusiastic about flying, involve them in the pre-flight preparations by asking them to assist you with checking bags. This engagement can be exciting for them.
Establish flight expectations early.
Clearly communicate your behavioral expectations to your child. Tailor your approach based on your child's understanding. Clearly outline expected behaviors for the airport, gate, and airplane. Given that this might be your child's first flight, explicit instructions can significantly ease the experience for them.
- For example, you could say, 'At the airport, I expect you to stay close and hold my hand when necessary. Although it might be noisy, we still need to use indoor voices. If you need a break, just let me know. We can relax once we're on the plane.'
- Offering a clear reward for good behavior can be effective, such as promising to buy them a specific toy upon landing or granting extra tablet time during the flight for exemplary behavior.
Show your child videos depicting the flying experience.
Help your child understand the flying process through visual aids. Flying can be daunting for children, especially if they're unfamiliar with takeoff, turbulence, or the confined space of an airplane. Show them entertaining videos of people enjoying flights to familiarize them with the experience, which can facilitate better behavior at the airport and during the flight.
- YouTube offers numerous airplane-themed songs for kids, providing toddlers with a glimpse into flying activities.
- If your child struggles to grasp the concept of flying, you can use analogies such as comparing it to driving.
- This is particularly beneficial for older children with a fear of flying, as witnessing others' positive experiences can help alleviate their apprehensions.
Arrive at least 2 hours before your boarding time.
Allow extra time to handle potential challenges. Children move through security slower than adults, and calming them down if they cry may require additional minutes before heading to the gate. Aim to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your boarding time. If you have spare time after clearing TSA, seek out the airport's play area to let your child expend energy before the flight.
- This also provides an opportunity to purchase snacks if you didn't bring any from home.
- If your child behaves exceptionally well during security, consider allowing them extra time to select a reward from a shop.
Prepare for ear discomfort and turbulence by packing a bottle or gum.
If your child is old enough to understand, explain potential experiences. For children over 5, provide gum to chew during takeoff. Alternatively, for younger children, offer a pacifier, bottle, or carton of apple juice to alleviate pressure changes. Regarding turbulence, reassure your child that it's normal and nothing to fear.
- For babies, holding them securely during turbulence is advisable. For children over 2, it's safer to secure them in a seat.
Help your child release excess energy if they become restless.
Children may struggle to remain seated during long flights, so allow them breaks. Eventually, your child is likely to become restless. If the flight is stable and comfortable, take a stroll down the aisle with them to stretch their legs. Alternatively, engage them in physical activities like bouncing them on your knee or playing active games from your seat. Whatever you choose, encourage them to burn off some energy.
- Consider skipping pre-boarding if the airline offers it for families with young children. Allowing your child an extra 15-20 minutes of movement before boarding (unless it's open seating) can be beneficial.
- If your child is older, providing them with a tablet and an interactive game can keep them occupied if they can't leave their seat.
- Ensure you monitor the games they play to prevent unauthorized downloads. Pre-install games before the flight and ensure the device is in airplane mode.
Soothe your child if they become unruly.
Take appropriate measures to calm your child during the flight. It's natural for children to become restless over time, resulting in whining, crying, or loud complaints. Respond according to your child's needs, whether it involves offering reassurance, affection, distractions, or even a harmless fib about the remaining flight duration. However, ensure your actions do not disrupt other passengers further.
- When uncertain, prioritize encouragement and affection. Save firmness for when it's necessary, as introducing consequences too early may complicate future calming attempts.
Offer apologies to fellow passengers if things become messy.
A simple apology can help ease tension if your child causes disruption. If your child throws a tantrum or cries excessively, consider apologizing to nearby passengers if they appear inconvenienced. While it's not a catastrophic situation, extending an apology can help diffuse any tension.
- Engaging with fellow passengers while waiting in line or at the gate can foster goodwill among them.
- It's important not to feel guilty about traveling with your child. While others may express annoyance at noisy behavior, it's a common occurrence, and you shouldn't feel ashamed of flying with your child.
Indulge yourself once everything is settled.
Air travel can be stressful when accompanied by a child, so take some time for self-care! If your child falls asleep during the flight or becomes engrossed in a movie on the tablet, treat yourself by watching the in-flight movie or reading that book you've been eager to dive into. Whatever brings you joy during a flight, embrace it. You deserve it!
- Don't hesitate to seek assistance from airport or airline staff. Many people understand the challenges you're facing, even if you encounter a few disapproving looks.
Helpful Tips
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If your child has special needs, you can contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 for assistance at the security checkpoint.
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Children under 12 are allowed to keep their shoes on at the security gate! You don't need to worry about removing their shoes while going through TSA screening. However, this policy may vary at different airports, so it's advisable to check beforehand.
Important Warnings
- Remember to bring your passports if you're traveling internationally. Even toddlers need passports to fly out of the country!
- Consult your doctor before giving your child any medication to induce sleepiness on a flight.
