Tips For Traveling With Kids On Airplanes
Traveling on an airplane with your kids is a totally different experience than taking a road trip. First of all, you’ve got a public audience who is likely not to be that thrilled to be trapped in the skies with kids. No matter how adorable you think your children are, other passengers won’t be sharing your sentiments. The thought of crying kids, talking kids and kids getting out of their seats are likely to shake their nerves and cause a few frowns. Thinking ahead and proper preparation will help everyone avoid an unpleasant flight experience.
Set the Rules and Explain the Experience
Kids need to know the expectations when traveling on a plane. Make sure you brief your children on what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Keep it simple. No fighting with your siblings, no yelling, no crying and no getting out of your seat except for the bathroom ought to do the trick. Even if it’s not your child’s first flight, it’s always wise to explain the sensation of take-off, turbulence and landing. This will help prevent any outbursts due to being frightened. Simply put, it will keep the other plane passengers happy.
Idleness is the Devil’s Workshop
If you don’t give young ones something engaging to do, you can be sure that they will find something creative on their own. Cartwheels and somersaults in the plane’s aisles are a definite no-no and are certain to garner a scolding. Make sure to think ahead and pack reading books, coloring books, games or simple crafts for the flight. MP3 players are ideal for older kids who like to pass the time listening to their favorite tunes. You may even choose a flight that offers Disney movies to keep the young ones quiet and absorbed. When it comes to traveling on planes, silence is a wanted virtue.
Choosing a Flight Time
The best thing that can happen for a parent is that child falls asleep during the plane flight. That being said, flying at night can be a godsend. Just make sure that your child has had a good night’s sleep the day before and a good nap during the day. Typically, crying and screaming occurs when kids are over tired. If you can’t book a flight at night, make sure to pack a cozy blanket for your young one to relax in for napping during daytime flight. You can even ask the stewardess for a comfy pillow. Remember, it’s all about keeping the ruckus down for the other passengers.
Expect a Minor Illness
It’s not uncommon for kids to all of a sudden come down with a headache, ear ache or minor nausea on a plane trip. Packing the right over-the-counter medications can be a lifesaver. Simple aspirin, Tylenol and nausea medication should suffice if things go awry. Of course, you want to keep your child comfortable during the flight, but you’ll also want to ward off those glaring looks from other passengers if your child starts to cry.
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