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Air Travel With Children

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For many young children, there is no more exciting way to travel than by air. They love to watch the carts, trucks, and airplanes at the airport. Even better, they may get to ride on moving walkways, trains and trams, escalators and elevators—all that even before boarding. On the plane itself, there are the endlessly fascinating tray tables, window shades, and teeny tiny bathrooms to explore, again and again.
For many young children, there is no more exciting way to travel than by air. They love to watch the carts, trucks, and airplanes at the airport. Even better, they may get to ride on moving walkways, trains and trams, escalators and elevators—all that even before boarding. On the plane itself, there are the endlessly fascinating tray tables, window shades, and teeny tiny bathrooms to explore, again and again.

Parents, of course, may long wistfully for the days when air travel was more pleasant and glamorous, or at least less crowded. But a child's enthusiasm is often hard to resist. Encourage your child's spirit of adventure—and your own—by pointing out the shops, fountains, artwork, and sculpture as you make your way to your departure gate. Notice the other families traveling together, and talk with your child about where they are coming from and where they might be going—a great way to pass the time while waiting.

Here are some more ways to make air travel more fun and less stressful.

  • Try to have everyone get a good night's sleep before your travel day and stick to routines as much as possible.
  • You may save some time (or at least time spent standing in line) if you check in online before you leave home or at a self-service kiosk at the airport. Confirm flight status before you leave home. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, everyone will be happier waiting in comfortable surroundings.
  • A backpack style child-carrier is good for carrying infants or toddlers through airports and allows you to keep your hands free. It does need to be removed before going through airport security, however.
  • Have each child carry a small backpack with a few small toys or books, a non-perishable snack, and a change of clothing in case of accidents.
  • Gate attendants usually offer families with small children the opportunity to enter the plane first. Take advantage of that so you don't have to fight through the crowds to get to your seats and get everyone settled. Exit last for the same reason unless you have tight connections.
  • You can order special children's meals ahead of time through the airline or travel agent, although there is a fee for these meals.
  • Make sure you have enough time between flights if possible. Layovers between flights can be beneficial, as they give the children a chance to walk/run around a bit and expend some energy. If you do have close connections, ask the flight attendant for assistance; if you ask in advance, there should be a cart waiting to take you to the next gate.
  • Check the stroller at the gate so you can use it to get through the airport rather than carrying a child.
  • If you can afford it, purchase a seat for each child, especially for long flights. For information on using a child safety seat or other approved child restraint system, visit the FAA Web site's section on Child Safety on Airplanes.
  • During the flight, for a little break, take a walk up and down the aisle when the "fasten seat belt" sign is off.
  • Don't hesitate to ask the flight attendant or the person sitting next to you for help, especially if you are traveling as a single adult. Many other people have been or will be in similar situations and don't mind lending a hand.
And finally, try not to take out your own fears or frustrations on your children. If your child melts down mid-flight, don't worry about what other people on the plane are thinking—you'll most likely never see them again. Focus on your children and trying to make them as comfortable as possible. Traveling is a great adventure, so have fun!
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