Flying with a just-turned-3?

[snickerboo]

My ds will be 3 April 6th and we leave for Disney on the 25th. We have to take a small commuter then change planes at a large airport. Anyone have tips for flying with a little guy this age? He can be a little demon if he's unhappy or uncomfortable but is great if he's happy.

 

[lsket]

We have a "video now" that plays a kids dvd. Our 3 year old loves it.

 

[lauritagoddess]

How about a portable DVD player? I just flew for the first time with my 3.5 year old son. I didn't have one, but did bring his Leapster with us, a travel size Magnadoodle and some books. And snacks, lots and lots of snacks, mostly things I don't let him have at home so it was a novelty. We also took several trips to the bathroom (we had an aisle and a middle seat so we didn't disturbe anyone). It got him some time to be moving a little and he was fascinated that the water in the toilets was blue, lol. I also tried and prepare him as much in advance about what to expect (that he'd have to wear a seatbelt, that he could use the Leapster but would have to wear headphones, etc.). Good luck!!!

 

[pezpam]

A cheap DVD player is good - extra batteries are key. My DD loved to read, so a new book or two always did the trick. I'd suggest a new toy or two that will take up some time (and maybe an 'old friend' if he's the type to like that), maybe coloring books (you hold the crayons so they don't go rolling down the aisle) or a small game that has a Mute button on it....... You could bring maps of the parks and ask him to pick out the things he really wants to do and talk about what you'll do, what to expect, etc. Pack some snacks and drinks.

 

[npealer]

I brought my portable dvd player, my older son 4 1/2 had his Leapster! (great buy) I bring lots of snacks, drink boxes, extra clothes. Coloring book and small baggie of crayons, a favorite toy and a blanket!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Definetly a DVD player and lots of snacks. I also pack a few new toys that they haven't seem yet- like a new book, a travel magna doodle, etc. Think $1 store. Also- pack a change of clothes for him for the plane. You never when juice will spill, air sickness will happen etc. You will have a great time!

 

[MoGabsMom]

For our 2 year old we're taking the dvd player and the video now JR (not to mention the gameboy for the 6 year old).

And I can't say enough about SNACKS! And I read that you could get a few new toys that your child has never seen, put them in a bag and keep pulling a new one out. They don't have to be big toys, just cheap things that keep his attention.

And a magna doodle too.

 

[belle&beast]

We always use our carseats on planes because the kids know that when they are in them they have to stay seated. Of course we take all the snacks and dvd player, leapster, etc to keep them occupied. But I know my DS2 would not have traveled well if he was in a regular seat.

 

[iamjkmb]

Meet my best friend...Benadryl (the purple kind-it's like magic). When I told my pediatrician we were flying to Florida he said, "Don't leave home without it!" It helps their little ears, or big ears for that matter. I even give it to my 12 year old. Also, I bring play-do, paint with water books and q-tips to act as the paint brush, suckers and gum (also for their ears). For our trip in November I've tried to find time consuming activities. Some of the things I'm excited to play with on the airplane, I mean that my kids are going to play with are:
window markers (how cool are these!!!)
big Disney comic book
string art
magnet scenes (wal-mart...great for traveling with little kids)
foam stickers

I have a whole backpack full of stuff...we have 5 kids and it's a long flight. And, ummm, the toys keep my mind off the airplane ride.

 

[CanadaKim]

We flew in January just a week before dd turned 3. She wanted to get up and walk around the plane which I was worried would bother the other passengers but finally I gave up. The plane was only 1/2 full and it was headed to Orlando so what do they expect. As already mentioned - lots of snacks! Different treats she normally wouldn't get at home. Plus I packed some new toys/crayons, colouring books and books she hadn't seen before and pipe cleaners (hopefully you're more creative than I am or you'll end up with a lot of stick men!). Actually the lady who sat beside us made some great looking flowers from them which kept dd entertained for awhile.

I also gate checked the stroller so we had it in the airport at each end of the journey. The walk is long and slow with a three year old in the airports. Stopping to look at everything along the way. She wanted to walk but I told her we'd get to see Mickey that much quicker if she sat in the stroller. It was a bit harder on the way home!

It's a magical age. To see Disney through their eyes - everything is so real to them. To see the anticipation and excitment in her face and remembering how memorized she was talking with the princesses - brings tears to my eyes!

Have fun!