This is one area I just have to say I may be an expert in. We have traveled by plane numerous times over the past several years with our kids and I think I have some helpful advice. Here are some tips to make your airport and flying experience a good one...
1. Make the Airport part of your vacation. I know you've all heard to arrive an hour or two before your flight, but add even more time if you've got kids. If you're not rushed and you let the kids look around and through the shops they will be a lot better behaved. Most of the airports have added play areas for the kids as well, so let your kids go in.
2. Let your kids carry some sort of luggage. My kids are just getting to the age where they could probably handle a little pull suitcase, but even if it's a backpack or small tote, they will be more excited if they get to carry their own thing. I usually just have them carry their activities for the plane ride in their case. They think it's really cool when they get to put their own luggage through the security belt.
3. If you are traveling with small children under the age of three, don't got through the PUFFER! If you don't know what I'm talking about, some of the airports have new security screeners that you have to walk into a machine and it sprays you with air. We call it the "Puffer". My daughter freaked out when they tried to make her go in one of those and it ruined the rest of our time at the airport.
4. Stand up. You will be sitting in a very cramped space for quite awhile so let the kids run around. Even if you have to go back and forth on the moving walkways. Keep those kids movin' until plane time.
5. Don't check your baby's car seat and stroller. We did this once in Peru and the car seat didn't make it home. Some suggestions are to use the stroller to push the baby through the airport or get one of those car seats that convert into a little stroller. When you get to the gate, ask the agent for a sack to put your seat and stroller in. They will then put your things on board and you will get them as soon as you step off the plane. Some people like to pay for their toddler a ticket and make them sit in their car seat on the plane. It's as easy as that.
6. Board Very Last. Now I don't know why they do this, but they always make the announcement for all people traveling with small children or infants to board the plane right at the first. I don't know who in their right mind thought that was a good idea. It's just more time for your kids to sit still. We board at the last second possible.
7. Don't bring so much stuff on the plane that it is falling all over the place or you can't find anything. Bring a small bag for the kids with a couple of snacks, maybe their favorite toy or coloring book, and that is it. I'm talking even with babies. I was on a plane a month ago and this mother with an 18 month old baby had this amazing bag full of fun and seriously all her baby wanted to do was push the buttons on the ceiling. The bag was in the way and actually causing more problems than it was worth. Make the airplane fun. Let the kids sit by the window and push all the buttons and just experience the plane. Ask for extra snacks if you need to. I've never had one flight attendant, even the snippy ones, tell me, "NO".
8. My last piece of advice is usually one I get some strange looks from. If you are going on a long flight, give your little baby/toddler a tiny sip of Benadryl. You'll enjoy your flight so much more if you little one catches some zzz's.
(If all else fails, marry a pilot so your kids can hang out in the cockpit.)
