When Flying with Children

    No matter how you travel, when you’re accompanied by one or more infants, kids or teens, the experience becomes that much more stressful and potentially frustrating - especially if your travels include a long car, bus, train or airplane ride where your kids will have to sit still for extended periods. If you’ll be traveling by air with multiple kids as a single parent, the challenges can be even greater.       

To help make your holiday travels a bit easier, especially if you’ll be traveling by airplane, take advantage of the following 10 tips: 

1. Book your reservations early and schedule non-stop flights whenever possible.
When making your reservations, explain you’ll be traveling alone with kids. Insist that the airline reserve your seats next to each other. This is important, since most flights during the holiday season are sold-out or even oversold. If you’re booking your travel online, you can typically select your own seats. If not, call the airline directly after making your reservations. You’ll want to confirm your seat assignments the day prior to your flight, and than again as you check in at the airport.

2. Before leaving home, have each child pack a backpack filled with a few toys, books and activities to keep them busy on the airplane.
Also, consider bringing your own portable DVD player and several movies, or a video iPod loaded with programming for your kids to watch. Don’t assume the onboard entertainment during a flight, if available, will be appropriate for your kids. Aside from backpacks, kid-size versions of carry-on luggage with wheels is available. This makes it easier for a child to carry their own stuff through the airport and onto the airplane.

3. In addition to allowing your kids to pack their own activities, in your own carry-on, pack a few surprise toys.
These can include drawing materials, books and/or activities to keep them busy during a long flight. Expect that they’ll eventually get bored with what they’ve brought themselves and the novelty of being on an airplane will fade quickly.

4. Be sure to pack a selection of your kids’ favorite pre-packaged snacks.
Keep in mind that liquid or gel substances can’t be brought onto an airplane (such as juice boxes or bottled water). Baby formula, however, is permitted, but must be declared as you pass through airport security. Most airlines no longer serve meals or even snacks. If snacks are served, chances are your kids won’t like what’s offered. Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and milk should be available on all flights. As soon as you board, however, ask the flight attendant for milk, since this is often the first drink they run out of, especially if a handful of kids are flying on the same flight.