First flight with kids

[kiramay]

Our trip is next week and it's my kids first flight. 9, 9, and 4. They're seasoned car travelers but this is a different ballgame. Each kid has a full sized backpack for the flight for iPads, headphones, sweatshirt, books, and snacks. I was going to pack a rolling carry on with fresh clothes, medications, etc that I don't want to check. We're going to the park on arrival day.

However, now I'm thinking that maybe the kids can carry their own clothes in their backpacks so I don't have to use a rolling carry on... Will a standard backpack fit under the seat?

What do you do when you fly with kids?

Thanks!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, a regular backpack will fit under the seat in front of you, unless you are in bulkhead seats.

 

[Mousemommy1]

My kids each carry their own carry-on size suitcase that has ALL of their stuff in it. DH and I only check our stuff.

DH and I also each have a carry-on that contains all of the flight entertainment stuff, plus some clothes for us since we have to wait for ME to bring our suitcases.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

since you are going to a park on arrival day I would be sure to have a change for everyone including adults in carry ons. nothing is worse than needing a change and having to buy an unplanned change of clothes at Disney prices unless it would be going to a park needing a change that you did not have

 

[squirrel]

I pack empty water bottles/sippy cups to put drinks in after clearing security. Stops the kids from accidently bumping the tray table and spilling juice all over. I like the PowerAde bottles as they have a wide mouth and a flip top. I don't feel bad tossing it after the trip either.

When packing mix the clothes in all the bags, that way if one bag goes missing you still have clothes for everyone. I have had a bag go missing on a direct flight before.

I like to fly in the evenings if possible, that way we can sleep some/most of the time and enjoy our first day hanging out at the resort/DTD.

My nieces would pull the small carry on rolling bag at 4 years of age or push the stroller. They would also have a backpack with stuffy, change of clothes and some art activities.

 

[LP808]

One thing I make sure to have is lollipops and gum on hand. Our first flight was last summer and mine were 9 and 4 (and 8 months), and my DD9 was very uncomfortable and whiny while DS4 screamed/cried due to their ears hurting so much during landing (even with gum and pops in tow). However, they did much better on their trip home since they knew what to expect. Still uncomfortable, but more consolable.

I also agree that the kids can carry their own clothes. My 3 have actually fought over who got to pull the rolling carry on this year. DS1 won that fight.

Enjoy flying this time!

 

[ShannyG]

My tip is if you think you have packed enough snacks, pack more. I find my kids are eating constantly during flights. Whatever keeps them happy, I'll do it.

Your plan sounds great with the backpacks. Now I'm thinking about doing that for the next plane ride.

 

[kiramay]

When packing mix the clothes in all the bags, that way if one bag goes missing you still have clothes for everyone. I have had a bag go missing on a direct flight before. .

I read that here and will be splitting the clothes between 2-3 checked bags.

Thanks everyone! I think I need more snacks....

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

One thing I make sure to have is lollipops and gum on hand. Our first flight was last summer and mine were 9 and 4 (and 8 months), and my DD9 was very uncomfortable and whiny while DS4 screamed/cried due to their ears hurting so much during landing (even with gum and pops in tow). However, they did much better on their trip home since they knew what to expect. Still uncomfortable, but more consolable.

I also agree that the kids can carry their own clothes. My 3 have actually fought over who got to pull the rolling carry on this year. DS1 won that fight.

Enjoy flying this time!

Look into getting some earplanes. They are supposed to help a lot.

 

[MSSANDRA]

How long is your flight? Unless the flight is longish, like cross country, you should not need a ton of stuff for your older kids. An ipad, with a few new down loads, a book and some snacks will be plenty for a few hours. Snacks are VERY important too, even for older kids. If the flight is more than a few hours, pack some real food too. Remember that the kids will ramble through their bags to find what they want at the very bottom, so I would avoid putting a lot of stuff into their bags. Maybe one kid could carry the plane bag and the other could carry your park bag and you could carry the other bag. Sweat shirts can be worn onto the plane if the weather dictates at your departure location and tied around the waist if it gets warm. Drinks can be purchased after security and each child carry his onto the plane. With a first flight, they may also be interested in everything going on and need even less things to be entertained.

 

[msmama]

I agree with PP who said don't OVERPACK! That can be worse than underpacking.

I wouldn't make backpacks to heavy (especially for the 4 year old) as some airport walks can be LONG (and you could be rushing to connections).

My son (6) carries a change of clothes (or pajamas), a coloring/activity book and small pencil case of colored pencils, his headphones and a stuffed animal. Maybe I put some snacks in his bag.

I carry the change of clothes (or pajamas), all breakables/electronics (kindle, ipads, camera), the printed trip plans (if any) and snacks.

If going straight to the parks (I usually don't) I'd add a small sunscreen and hats. If necessary, sweatshirts around our waist.

Anything else goes in checked luggage or I can buy in the airport/at the destination.

 

[leahlefler]

Snacks, snacks, and snacks! Especially for the younger ones. I usually get some fun things, like animal crackers in the box, that we don't eat at home. The kids get a kick out of the special treats. My kids read a lot, so I usually pack a book or two - though I am thinking of getting used Kindle Fires for the boys this Christmas.

I also make sure to pack any potentially needed medication in my carryon - from children's tylenol (chewable) to motion sickness tablets. You never know what is going to strike with small ones!

 

[happymommy]

I agree with the PP in asking, how long is the flight? If it's only a couple of hours, you don't need much. I've flown alone with my kids a lot, since they were infants (yes, a breastfeeding 3 month old along with her 2 year old brother alone, but only for 2 hours so no big deal, but alone with them at 4 and 6 to Hawaii was long and we did pack snacks and video games for that).

I just have each child have a carry on backpack (the rolling ones ended up being more of a pain, so regular school ones seem better) with a few items they'll need for the flight and change of clothes (including socks and undies, just in case) is good.

Also, don't stress! Kids pick up on it, and I know some adults are nervous about flying, but most kids find it quite an exciting adventure!

 

[kiramay]

Flight is about 3.5 hours. Right now I only have gum and trail mix, so I need to get more treats. They all have iPads, headphones, and chargers. New books.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Spunky946]

We only pack one bag that we carry and the kids share with all of their electronic equipment.

 

[mjkacmom]

Tell them NOT to put anything in the seat pocket in front of them! So much gets left behind. I agree with others, lots of snacks, less stuff. iPad, book, pad and pencil, and you are good to go.