First time traveling with an 8 year old

[went503]

Ok guys so im a very frequent flyer and we are taking a big family trip to Disney in February. However my wife and I (31 & 28) are going to be taking our 8 year old nephew with us since we are the closest relative in distance and meeting the rest of our party there. As we do not have kids i have never flown with kids. Any suggestions or recommendations i should know. We are flying Jetblue so hopefully the tv will keep him occupied. This will be his first time flying as well. Thanks in advance for all the responses.

 

[Huff]

We often travel with nieces or family friends kids to Disneyland and Disneyworld. We always have a letter of consent notorized from their parents. We've never had to show this to anyone but is good to have in case of an emergency or other issue. We get them coloring books, book to read, DVD player/Headphones with movie(s). They have Nintendo DS's but we limit how long they can play games.

CONSENT FOR MINOR CHILDREN TO TRAVEL

Date _____________________
I __(Parents Name)__________________________________________________ authorize my minor child (Childs Name) to travel from (Departure City) to Orlando, Florida (Disney World) on (Departure Date) aboard (Airlines Name) Flight #XXX, returning (Return Date) aboard (Airlines Name) Flight XXX with (Your Name(s)).
In addition, I authorize (Your Name) to consent to any
necessary routine or emergency medical treatment during the aforementioned trip.


Signed _________________________________ (Parent)
Address ________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Telephone ______________________________________


Sworn to and signed before me, a Notary Public,

this _______ day of _______________, 2011
________________________________________
Notary Public Signature and Seal

 

[Kae]

Of course don't forget the gum. If he has a game boy type thing have him bring that. My kids love word searches when they fly. And snacks lots of snacks

Kae

 

[dward1961]

Being its his first time flying talk to him about what to expect beforehand, answer any questions he may have. This is a perfect age for a first time flyer, he is old enough to talk about concerns and also to have fun!!!!

Have a great trip!

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

And always, always have a plastic bag (ziplock gallon size ) handy in case air sickness strikes!

 

[vicb]

deck of cards, a few snacks and a water bottle are my contributions. Good luck!

 

[wgeo]

We traveled with our 8 year old son a few months ago and it was very easy. At this age they are old enough to be responsible, they can follow directions no problem for getting through security. My son was particuarly curious about everything around him, and since we have a digital camera I let him go crazy and he took a zillion pics of the airport and the planes and wanted to know how everything worked. And then of course he had his DS and played it on the plane once he exhausted his questions. He did like having a sucker for take off and landing (my dd preferred gum).

Have fun and relax, you and he will have a great time!

 

[backyardponder]

I always use a permission slip similar to the one posted above. However, I would not include the dates, airline, or flight number. This becomes quite restrictive if there is a need to change a flight.

I've never had to use permission slips we have taken.