First time Flier question

[Abibaby]

Our flight to disney in 18 days will be the first airplane flight for all of us in our party...what do I need to know about flying / amenitites on the plane, how to avoid the ear drum issues, what electronics can be on the plane, can we take food on the plane etc

Our party consists of 7 people - kids ranging from 3-9 (some that cant chew gum), DH & Myself and 2 grandparents- we are flying Airtran (direct flight on the way down but have a layover in DC/ baltimore on the way home)

One thing I am especially concerned about is the ear popping issues...My kids have major ear issues as it is...what can we / they do to avoid the popping sensation??

any help would be appreciated

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Go to your airline's website. It will provide all the information you need regarding food available on the plane and other on board amenities, as well as check-in info, baggage issues, etc.

Also go to the tsa website (tsa.gov) for information about security and what is allowed on the plane.

Ear popping - use ear planes (do a Google search), chew gum, drink.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

For ear popping for those who can not chew gum I would purchase a drink before boarding the flight and as the plane is climbing have the kids take a drink. A big yawn or holding their month in the yawning position with the head slightly titled back helps.

Yes you can take snacks on the plane as long as it not in the form of a liquid because you will not be able to take liquid through security. Once you pass security you are free to purchase any liquids on the concourse and take them on the plane.

 

[fitzpa]

We used Earplane ear plugs for my son when he was young. They have kid sizes. You can find them at CVS, Walgreens.......

 

[ncc1701]

We buy bottles of water after security and drink from it during take off & landing. I find it cuts down on my discomfort from the ear thing.
Before takeoff there will be an announcement saying to turn off all electronic equipment.After you are in the air they will tell you when to power up(except for phones you can't use them till after you land)
We used our MP3 players to watch downloaded tv shows to fill up the time on a cross country trip.
As a PP go to the TSA website to get the dos and don't since none of your party has flown before.

 

[alaska8]

Usually people only experience ear problems on the descent which usually starts around 20 minutes before landing (just before the seatbelt sign comes back on...assuming its been off for the cruise portion of the flight). Suckers or a drink are helpfull. If they have a history of ear problems then consult your pediatrician before you fly, mine recomended a decongestant.
Re food...if your airline has food for purchase also remember that it is usually in limited supply (so if you are sat at the back of the plane.....) I always have a PBJ with me just in case.
Always dress in layers on an aircraft....the temperature can vary and you have no control over that
Now heres my flight attendant safety tips (that my child has been taught and follows everytime we fly which is often)....shoes on for take off and landing (if you have to "leave" quickly) seatbelt always on whenever we are seated, nearest exit pointed out (we do it as a game)

 

[sherreis]

Go to your airline's website. It will provide all the information you need regarding food available on the plane and other on board amenities, as well as check-in info, baggage issues, etc.

Also go to the tsa website (tsa.gov) for information about security and what is allowed on the plane.

Ear popping - use ear planes (do a Google search), chew gum, drink.

I also vote for ear planes. My youngest has horrible problems when he flies and with these there are no problem at all.

I bring some sport water bottles with us and fill them up from water fountains somewhere near the gate we'll be waiting at. Sip during take off and descent. No problem. As for ear problems, call your Pediatrician for some recommendations.

Have fun!!!! When you're boarding the flight attendants it is your first time flying. Hopefully, they'll have some wings or something like that to give the kids.

 

[Disney st8 of mind]

We flew AirTran a few years ago and were really pleased with them. They offered free sodas and juice on the plane. If you have anyone that may lean towards motion sickness I always find that salty snacks help me. A bag of combos and a beer are a necessity each flight!!! Our kids took their PSP and DS to play. They also found that the earbuds for their game systems worked in the armrest radios so they could also listen to music and comedy stations. Also a few pointers about airport security ... Keep in mind that all electronics have to be removed from bags and placed in a bin. Also, everyone has to remove shoes and any jackets, sweatshirts, etc to place in bins. Everything has to go on the conveyor to be scanned (including strollers) so make sure you have it emptied and ready to be folded when you get in line. We laugh now at how green we were our first time flying 5 years ago! It can be overwhelming but just do as much research as possible. Also check your luggage sizes and weights so you don't have any surprises when you get to the airport. A typical checked bag weight limit is 50 lbs. If they weigh it and it's over that it could cost an additional $50! Have fun!!

 

[BensDaddy]

Now heres my flight attendant safety tips (that my child has been taught and follows everytime we fly which is often)....shoes on for take off and landing (if you have to "leave" quickly) seatbelt always on whenever we are seated, nearest exit pointed out (we do it as a game)

Excellent advise. As a former airline pilot I always cringe when I see people board wearing open-toed shoes, and then immediately pop them off. First of all... yuk. You're sharing this space with other people who may not have the same interest in your feet. More importantly though, if you did need to "leave" quickly (I like that) you want protection on your feet in the event that you are stepping over and through debris, metal, etc.

General etiquette is nice as well. Remember the days when people dressed in suits and ties to fly? Well those days are gone, but a "wife beater" is not really appropriate either. Dress how you might to visit a good friend. Practice good parenting, and save the chili-dog with fries and tomato juice for some time when you're NOT sitting next to the businessman wearing his suit and trying to get some work done...

Oh... and never. NEVER change a diaper on your seat or tray table. Come on, gross. (yes, it actually happens...)

Flying is fun and exciting for kids, so don't allow your apprehensions to poison their minds. No reason to talk about crashing, accidents, etc. They will key off on your emotional state. Be calm, enjoy the flight and they will too!

Have a great trip!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Also a few pointers about airport security ... Keep in mind that all electronics have to be removed from bags and placed in a bin. Everything has to go on the conveyor to be scanned (including strollers) so make sure you have it emptied and ready to be folded when you get in line.

This is incorrect. All electronics do not have to be removed from carry-on luggage.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/sop/index.shtm

What Needs to be Screened Separately

Laptops
Full-size video game consoles
Full-size DVD players
Video cameras that use video cassettes
CPAP breathing machines

Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases.

Also, all strollers do not go on the belt to be scanned, only those which will fit.

 

[maxiesmom]

Did you buy seat assignments? Air Tran is one of the airlines where you can pre-purchase an assigned seat, they do not inclue them in the base cost of your airline ticket. Otherwise your family may be scattered all over the airplane.

 

[MissManda]

As others have said, earplanes will really help with the altitude changes. I have found them to be a lifesaver. After my first flight my ears stayed closed up for two days. I used the earplanes on the return flight and didn't have any problems at all. Never fly without them.

I find that flying makes me really thirsty so I always bring my own drink to sip throughout the flight (buy it after you go through security). Plus the constant sipping can help with the ears as well. Also if anyone is nervous, having some salty snacks handy is helpful.

With this being your first flight, I would suggest giving yourself extra time at the airport. It can all seem kind of overwhelming at first and you don't want to feel the pressure of running behind. I would rather sit around for an hour than have to rush through the airport. Plus, the kids will enjoy watching the planes while waiting.

Someone above mentioned dressing in layers. Thats true, but be prepared for the plane to be stuffy when you first board until after take off. After that it will cool off.

I hope you and your family has a great flight and vacation.

 

[Nadjalu]

You mentioned that your kids already have ear issues. It is VERY important to ask their doctor what precautions you need to do for flying.
They may need more than the "average" flyer needs to maintain hearing and no pain.

Those things do NOT work for me, as I have sinus, inner ear issues, so my doctor and I discussed different meds to achieve good ear pressure while flying.

So please ask their doctor what you will need to help them on the flight, don't just try things that work for others.

 

[tink15823]

Some of the things I have found that worked are suckers Great for little ones and Braces) . We bring balloons the when you blow the balloon up it helps with the air presser .I have also used airplanes found our at Walmart. I always bring snacks for my kids because of allergies. Air Tran has a list of what you van bring. I pack a bag of new toys they have never played with before. Just a reminder you can not have play dough on an airplane. You can bring DVD players Ipod cards coloring books crayons and ds and games.

 

[Tink575]

You mentioned that your kids already have ear issues. It is VERY important to ask their doctor what precautions you need to do for flying.
They may need more than the "average" flyer needs to maintain hearing and no pain.

This is wonderful advice, I am an adult with ear issues and I have to take a decongestant prior to flying. The best advice for your own family is to ask your doctor.

 

[buckeev]

I ruptured my left eardrum in a scuba "event" almost 30 years ago and ever sense, I have to deal with issues when I fly.
For ME...TWO WORDS....
CERTS AND LIFESAVERS....
I board with about 4 or more rolls of them, and "chain-suck" them ...
Pert-near the whole flight.
Same principal as gum.... Stimulates the saliva production and makes you swallow....(which equalizes the pressure in yer coconut!....)....plus no messy disposal issues.

Best of luck!

 

[Disney st8 of mind]

Sorry for the misinformation as far as the kids electronics. The first time we flew we were told all electronics had to be placed in a bin so that's what we have always done. I can tell you for sure first hand that the last time we flew with a stroller we thought it would be too big for the scanner but we were told it HAD to go through so we squished and pushed it through. Maybe it depends on the airport or the individual guard because they didn't want to have to personally inspect it, so take that info for what it's worth. Also surprising to me was last year my carry-on suitcase had a container of Gold Bond and security opened the bag and brought out a special test kit to test the powder. They were also swabbing my shoes and stuff. So I guess beware of traveling with body powder in your bag as well!

 

[crashbb]

Sorry for the misinformation as far as the kids electronics. The first time we flew we were told all electronics had to be placed in a bin so that's what we have always done. I can tell you for sure first hand that the last time we flew with a stroller we thought it would be too big for the scanner but we were told it HAD to go through so we squished and pushed it through. Maybe it depends on the airport or the individual guard because they didn't want to have to personally inspect it, so take that info for what it's worth. Also surprising to me was last year my carry-on suitcase had a container of Gold Bond and security opened the bag and brought out a special test kit to test the powder. They were also swabbing my shoes and stuff. So I guess beware of traveling with body powder in your bag as well!

We had the same experience at Logan Airport in June. Of course, the TSA agent we had was not the most pleasant that I've ever had (nothing awful, just kind of jerky).

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Well said BensDaddy!

I wanted to chime in about shoes. Not only the odor that you subject fellow passengers to, but that fact that in an emergency if you had to find your shoes to put them on, your feet may be a swollen and you may not get them on.

Excellent advise. As a former airline pilot I always cringe when I see people board wearing open-toed shoes, and then immediately pop them off. First of all... yuk. You're sharing this space with other people who may not have the same interest in your feet. More importantly though, if you did need to "leave" quickly (I like that) you want protection on your feet in the event that you are stepping over and through debris, metal, etc.

General etiquette is nice as well. Remember the days when people dressed in suits and ties to fly? Well those days are gone, but a "wife beater" is not really appropriate either. Dress how you might to visit a good friend. Practice good parenting, and save the chili-dog with fries and tomato juice for some time when you're NOT sitting next to the businessman wearing his suit and trying to get some work done...

Oh... and never. NEVER change a diaper on your seat or tray table. Come on, gross. (yes, it actually happens...)

Flying is fun and exciting for kids, so don't allow your apprehensions to poison their minds. No reason to talk about crashing, accidents, etc. They will key off on your emotional state. Be calm, enjoy the flight and they will too!

Have a great trip!

 

[tink15823]

Excellent advise. As a former airline pilot I always cringe when I see people board wearing open-toed shoes, and then immediately pop them off. First of all... yuk. You're sharing this space with other people who may not have the same interest in your feet. More importantly though, if you did need to "leave" quickly (I like that) you want protection on your feet in the event that you are stepping over and through debris, metal, etc.

General etiquette is nice as well. Remember the days when people dressed in suits and ties to fly? Well those days are gone, but a "wife beater" is not really appropriate either. Dress how you might to visit a good friend. Practice good parenting, and save the chili-dog with fries and tomato juice for some time when you're NOT sitting next to the businessman wearing his suit and trying to get some work done...

Oh... and never. NEVER change a diaper on your seat or tray table. Come on, gross. (yes, it actually happens...)

Flying is fun and exciting for kids, so don't allow your apprehensions to poison their minds. No reason to talk about crashing, accidents, etc. They will key off on your emotional state. Be calm, enjoy the flight and they will too!

Have a great trip!

Too funny on our 1st flight with our youngest Ds we had a women get mad at me because he messed his diaper during descent and taxi . I WOULD NOT change him on my lap or tray. We waited the the few minutes and changed him asap in the airport. I no it was not the most pleasant to sit by for a minute but who wants to eat after someone changed there kid on the tray.