Any tips for flying with kids?

[Flight]

No offense PP, but some things in my mind do not need to be "an offcial" rule. I tend to base my decisions on common courtesy. Sad when common sense and courtesy are no longer used in making basic decisions.

BTW- I work for an airline. First comes safety then pax comfort. If some kid's loud ipad is causing discomfort, which can lead to some crazy pax flipping out, you then have a safety issue. So even if it's not "official" a flight attendent will interfere if they felt needed. It's all about crowd control in a space no one can leave. And there is no way one can set volume low so no one can hear. Jet engine noise is to loud, you have to turn it up loud to override it. As advice for parents. Buy cheap on ear headphones. do not use ear buds on kids!!!!

Agree. It is amazing that some parent can be so clueless that the noise coming out of whatever entertainment system the child is using could be a nuisance to the passengers in the area.

Common sense and courtesy. The only thing needed. Why is that so hard?

 

[Gottahavemorecowbell]

No offense but there really are much nicer ways to say things and I sure hope I'm never on a flight where you are in charge

Oh please, I hope you're joking. That's exactly the kind of person I'd want "in charge" of a flight. He/she has their priorities right. Safety first, then pax comfort. When flying, "nice" is good but attention to pax safety is better.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Our extended family is very much of the 'less-is-more' mindset.

Doodle Pro. One of the best travel devices ever is this simple hand held drawing tablet. They cost $10 or less, are virtually sound-free, and can be used in infinite ways: drawing word games, spelling/reading games, Pictionary-type game, hang-man, dots, other doodle games, math games, and so much more.

Also, talk to the kids about what to expect, and what you expect of them. Getting to travel is a reward. Good behavior will be rewarded with more travel opportunities.

Consider what time of day is best for them, if possible. Some kids do best in am, others mid day. Some kids it doesn't much matter.

One thing to consider...what happens if you lose said item? Losing an I-pad is bad. Losing a $2 coloring book, no big deal. We were also a big fan of buying some small item in the airport- something the kids gets to pick. The novelty will go along way. A book might also be a good option. We had more than one (extended family) flight experience ruined because a child left behind something expensive.

DO be proactive with restroom usage: just before boarding, and maybe again during the flight - just before the descent starts.

I generally find travel is easier when we have less. Carting and unpacking a ton of stuff at security just adds hassle. Kind of like the giant backpack in the parks. Do what ever you can to make life easy: slip-on shoes suitable for walking, no belts, minimal items that will set off metal detectors. If you must bring a carseat, consider one that's easy/light for travel.

 

[teambeaman]

Am I the only one who brings a little benadryl for, uh-ehm, allergies? After my most recent trip with our kids (DD6 & DD 1.5) I will *never* again be without it. The trip there was an early flight with no layover-I was panicked about the 5+ hours straight but the kids were excited enough they did fabulously. Coming home??? I cried. It was bad enough to bring me to tears. Layover got delayed and we got delayed again on the runway. By that time it was bedtime and both girls were homesick and exhausted. They wouldn't give in and fall asleep so they just kept whimpering and flopping around like fish trying to get comfortable. I promise you I almost stood up and asked the entire plane if anyone had any benadryl or dramamine. [ we also gatechecked our bags without realizing it and ended up with no extra diapers or a change a clothes for DD1.5 who peed thru--I fashioned a dress for her out of my oversized nursing wrap and while it looked adorable it was not ideal for the degree weather we came home to. Flight from hades.].

We tried Benadryl once with our DS on our flight to Hawaii. Worst. Flight. Ever. Apparently, benadryl makes him angry, like the Incredible Hulk, and we didn't like him when he was angry. We tried everything, the flight attendants tried everything, and at one point I broke out in tears in the galley. DH took him into the lavatory to try to muffle the sound and it started shaking like he was going to bash through the door. Wonderful older women kept coming up to me and telling me they'd been there and they were sorry. No more Benadryl for DS, instead I pack him a ridiculous airplane bag filled with lollipops, candy, snacks, and dollar store treasures. Also, I load the ipad with disney movies and bring headphones so we don't disturb other passengers.

 

[bumbershoot]

We tried Benadryl once with our DS on our flight to Hawaii. Worst. Flight. Ever. Apparently, benadryl makes him angry, like the Incredible Hulk, and we didn't like him when he was angry. We tried everything, the flight attendants tried everything, and at one point I broke out in tears in the galley. DH took him into the lavatory to try to muffle the sound and it started shaking like he was going to bash through the door. Wonderful older women kept coming up to me and telling me they'd been there and they were sorry. No more Benadryl for DS, instead I pack him a ridiculous airplane bag filled with lollipops, candy, snacks, and dollar store treasures. Also, I load the ipad with disney movies and bring headphones so we don't disturb other passengers.

Benadryl can have the opposite effect that's for sure! Also most syrups are syrupy because of corn syrup, which messed with people far more than people realize IMO. (And in DS's opinion as he sees what his peers eat and sees how they start behaving 10 minute later).

We used a Benadryl like thing for a dental appt once. Never again! It was before we realized his severe problem with corn syrup and I never thought to read ingredients.

And even without the reaction , drugging a kid for a flight isn't something that's in my personal arsenal of appropriate things to do.

Not to mention that the last thing I'd want in case of emergency is a kid who is passed out or nearly so (my own personal reaction to even a half dose of antihistamine) and is now a dead weight who can't pay attention.

 

[tinkerhon]

Benadryl can have the opposite effect that's for sure! Also most syrups are syrupy because of corn syrup, which messed with people far more than people realize IMO. (And in DS's opinion as he sees what his peers eat and sees how they start behaving 10 minute later).

We used a Benadryl like thing for a dental appt once. Never again! It was before we realized his severe problem with corn syrup and I never thought to read ingredients.

And even without the reaction , drugging a kid for a flight isn't something that's in my personal arsenal of appropriate things to do.

Not to mention that the last thing I'd want in case of emergency is a kid who is passed out or nearly so (my own personal reaction to even a half dose of antihistamine) and is now a dead weight who can't pay attention.

Our DD3 has really bad allergies--- he has had all of the tests, and he is allergic to peanuts and eggs (and some other things, but not to the same extent) - We carry the EpiPen wherever we go-

There are times when we have to give him Benadryl (liquid) (we have gotten to the point when its easy to see when an "attack" is coming)

That being said, we never give it to him when we fly--- as others have said... Benadryl has the opposite effect on many children (and adults) - It can lead to heart-racing and sleeplessness. Last thing we need on the flight with him. He usually falls alsleep on his own whenever we fly

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Not the OP, bu thank you all for your advice. I'll be heading down to WDW with my sis and her fam at the end of Oct. Kids (2 aged 6 and 1 age 5) have never flown. They are very excited though and are genetally well behaved. I just hope I can answer all their questions.

I do know that Lavender essential oil has been known to calm down kiddos on flights too. I'll be bringing mine with me just in case.

 

[tinkerhon]

Not the OP, bu thank you all for your advice. I'll be heading down to WDW with my sis and her fam at the end of Oct. Kids (2 aged 6 and 1 age 5) have never flown. They are very excited though and are genetally well behaved. I just hope I can answer all their questions.

I do know that Lavender essential oil has been known to calm down kiddos on flights too. I'll be bringing mine with me just in case.

Do they make that in a GelCap form !!!???

 

[disneycraz]

Earplanes definitely. We didn't have them for the trip down, and on the decent, the kids really had a tough time. We purchased them for the trip home, and they were a lifesaver. We also had little snack bags with some of their favorite treats, but not sugar. We also had the small etch-a-sketch, sticker books, I think that kept my grandaughter busy for the entire flight. Small coloring books and crayons. We even took our mousekeeping envelopes to decorate.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Do they make that in a GelCap form !!!???

Not that I am aware, but I think you can make your own. The oils I use are food grade so no problem ingesting them....you just have to make them and that can be a pain. I do worry about the scent b/c I am VERY sensitive to smells. Like I believe it should be against the law to heat up fish in a microwave especially at work. But have found you can put on bottom of feet and then with shoes n socks on it doesn't stink up the place.

 

[Rose23]

http://www.highlights.com/

Stop at a Barnes & Nobles and pick up a Highlights for Children activity book and a High Five and perhaps a Seek & Find and your kids will be busy for a week!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Enough. Really. If someone has a link to an actual rule, I would like to see it. So that I can read it and be sure to follow it correctly. Otherwise, yes, I plan to have dd wear headphones on future flights because she is now old enough to cooperate. So continued flogging is pointless.

Luckily, I was on a Southwest flight today. I don't know if it's a rule, or policy, but clearly stated in their onboard magazine, Spirit, it says: "Please use headphones for all audio and video."

Here's a link to the online version. Page 171, in the far left column under the headline "Please abide by public announcements from Flight Attendants concerning electronic devices."
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/spirit_201407/#/172

(I also enjoyed the article in there on One Hit Wonders. It was pretty interesting.)

 

[RysMomma]

Very helpful tips! Gonna look for earplanes this week! And I have some bags made up for them of dollar store stuff. They also have headphones all set for them. My husband loved the idea of a ziploc bag with a change of clothes!

Thanks everyone!!

 

[docmcstubbins]

I got some cards from amazon "100 things to do on a plane" or some,thing like that. Wipeable, puzzles etc. small size. Have another pack for "long journeys"

 

[docmcstubbins]

I should also say that I took travel sickness tabs, iPad, trent charger, ziplock bag with full change of clothes, afore mentioned puzzle cards, pack of wipes, antic bac hand gel (and wipes, some airline tray tables are vile) couple small toys (those mini lego sets are good, but watch the losing small bits), headphones. We were trans atlantic so it is a fair bit. On the way home (night oem flight) ziplock with clothes was substituted for jammiesand bedtime story. Oh, favourite ted has to be in bag too.

I think next time I will bring some small bags (he threw up everywhere when it got turbulent) and one of those little travel pillows.

To be honest he was quite happy watching the inflight kids channel but I suspect on domestic flights the iPad would be the only option. We also loaded lots of books onto the iPad to save lugging bedtime reading with us.