Ever fly with a sick toddler?

[RysMomma]

So my son just woke up this morning with a runny nose. We are flying in 6 days. I'm definitely going to the doctor towards the end of the week to see that his ears are ok for flying (since he has a history of ear infections). Anyone else go through this before? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Hannathy]

Well 6 days for a runny nose in a toddler is an eternity! even if it is a cold that is a long time and should run it's course by then. A runny nose can be so many things from a cold to allergies, to he rubbed his eyes too much last night, to dust, to who knows! I'd just keep getting ready, not worry about it and if he does seem stuffed up, not running, on the day of departure give him some decongestant. Runny nose I'd do nothing. Kids are resilient and tough so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[mommy2paris]

On one of our last trips, both of my dd's (1 yr and 3 yrs), had ear infections when we left. They were on antibiotics and did fine during the plane ride and during the trip. They had been taking the meds for 2 whole days before we left, so I think that helped a lot. I just made sure the little one had a sippy cup and let them both have a lollipop during the flight to help combat any ear pain.
Hope your little one is feeling better and you have a great trip!

 

[kevschickee]

I would start giving him some benedryl to dry the snot and fluid up.

 

[btwitkin]

6 days is a long time, don't start worrying yet. Are you sure it's not allergies?

BUT, if in 6 days your son is still sick, then you may have to think about things. For instance, if you get on the plane and your son is coughing and sneezing A LOT, you may be asked to get off the plane by other passengers, especially with swine flu out there

 

[mbass01]

Don't be silly..asked to get off plane by the passengers if your child is coughing or sneezing?? I am sure that would not happen and I have never heard of anyone being asked to get off a plane because of this.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I would err on the side of caution - have him looked at now and right before you leave.

 

[2binak]

3 hours before our flight for Disney last Fall, we had DD at the pedi's office - she broke out in a fever the day before and was cranky - it was an ear infection, the start of many unfortunately. We gave her a dose of the antibiotic right away and gave her some Motrin just before the flight per dr's orders. We kept water & juice in the seat pocket and kept refilling her bottle as we took off and landed. She did great and in fact, she slept for 1/2 the flight.

Here's hoping your little guy improves as the week goes on

 

[pixiewings71]

6 days is a long time, don't start worrying yet. Are you sure it's not allergies?

BUT, if in 6 days your son is still sick, then you may have to think about things. For instance, if you get on the plane and your son is coughing and sneezing A LOT, you may be asked to get off the plane by other passengers, especially with swine flu out there

Seriously? I highly doubt any passenger could ask another to disembark.

OP I'd give it a couple days, if he's not feeling better by Wed call the ped and let them know you've got a flight coming up, ask them what they suggest. Good luck!!

 

[kevschickee]

it would be a cold day in H E double hockey sticks before I get off a plane because another passenger asked me too.

 

[Ariel8676]

I would go to the docs as soon as possible, if it is an ear infection you can start a round of antibiotic now, so that way you know it is done before you go. A little benedryl will help if he is still a little runny(before boarding the plane), your ped will give you the correct dosage and when to give before the plane.

 

[btwitkin]

Seriously? I highly doubt any passenger could ask another to disembark.

OP I'd give it a couple days, if he's not feeling better by Wed call the ped and let them know you've got a flight coming up, ask them what they suggest. Good luck!!

I HAVE been on a flight where there was a person sneezing and coughing uncontrollably, and they WERE kicked off the flight....and this was several years ago. So, yes, I am serious and have seen it first hand.

 

[btwitkin]

it would be a cold day in H E double hockey sticks before I get off a plane because another passenger asked me too.

Well sure, if the passenger asked you directly. BUT, if the plane staff were to tell you that you had to leave and you gave a problem, it would be a cold day in a jail cell. People in recent years have been kicked off flights because other passengers think they look suspicious. Passengers can get other passengers kicked off a flight before it takes off.

 

[jaysbabe]

I have heard that some airlines are being more cautious about the flu-like symptoms with the swine flu ...so you never know. You may want to check the airline website to see if they have anything posted about prohibiting travel under certain medical conditions. I am sure a cold is not an issue but if there is fever or any other flu-like symptoms there may be an issue.

 

[cart-mom]

I doubt the doctor would prescribe anything since he just got the runny nose. I would keep an eye on him and if it seems to get worse, give him benadryl to dry it up and it will do double duty of clearing up any ear fluid. You may not even need a scrip but ask the doctor for one just in case since he has a history. Don't fill it unless you have to (check your plan to make sure you can fill in another state). As a precaution, I would always give my little one a little Benadryl before a flight. It clears their sinuses and may help them remain calm and maybe even sleep during the flight. good luck.

 

[jasmom]

My kids have been on Flonase in the past and their dr aways says to give it before the flight. I would give my kids benadryl to dry the snot up before the trip if they had a runny nose. They willl be happier. One way to get kids to "pop" their ears and move any fluid in the ear around is to have them blow a ballon while you are watching them. Not to be done on the plane, but helps if they get fluid in the ears that leads to an infection. My dr told us to do it. It works he has a tympanogram machine which reads pressure in the ear and it will change after blowing in a balloon. It does the same things as when you plug your nose and blow out to pop your ears, which my kids can't seem to do yet.
You could try ear planes as well.
It sucks when the kids get sick before the trip. Last year we were flying to visit my in-laws and my dh and I had just gone to bed after finishing packing and my ds came in complaing of not beeing able to breath out his nose. He had been fine when he went to bed. He did okay on the flight but ended up with a fever mid flight.
Good Luck

 

[Dancing Queen]

My whole family had colds at the 7 day mark - the cold seemed to have passed but I took the kids to the ped today to get their ears checked - sure enough my daughter had an ear infection.

Hope your little one gets well soon (like my children)!

 

[Nicoleclaw]

I would take him to the dr, maybe 3 days before. Don't want to go too early and then have it turn into an infection right before you go. based on my experience with my kids, they hardly ever seem to have anything other than a runny nose and they have an ear infection. They seldom get fevers with their ear infections. My son did come down with a double ear infection, diagnosed I think a day before we left. Everyone at work FREAKED and told me he could not fly. I told them the dr said it was ok, just give him motrin. I even called and asked the nurse on duty and they said it was ok, and even asked another dr in the practice as well to double check. he was fine on the plane...well fine ear wise...lol everything else is another story!
Hope it clears up!

 

[pixiewings71]

I HAVE been on a flight where there was a person sneezing and coughing uncontrollably, and they WERE kicked off the flight....and this was several years ago. So, yes, I am serious and have seen it first hand.

Yes but was a fellow passenger who asked or an airline employee? Those are 2 different circumstances.

 

[btwitkin]

Yes but was a fellow passenger who asked or an airline employee? Those are 2 different circumstances.

It was a couple of passengers who informed the crew of the situation. Of course, no passenger can directly ask or make another passenger get off the plane...but the crew can. And passengers can ask the crew, they shouldn't go to the person directly.