Flying with kids...1st time!

[tndisney5]

A little nervous to fly to the world with 3 young children. I am most curious about what can be packed in their carryon bag (snacks, etc.) and how to make it sanely though security . Tips please!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Go to the TSA website and start reading:

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons

 

[GPFirefly]

Getting through security is definitely the most stressful part of the trip for my wife. Prepare the kids for what to expect at the airport. We have packed snacks, entertainment (crayons, electronics, etc.), and their favorite stuffed animal. They know to let all of their things including the animal go through the x-ray machine. My best tip for getting on the plane is to have one adult board the plane with all of the kids bags. The other adult waits with the kids and tries to be one of the last to board. The first adult can get all of their items ready. By the time the kids board, they don't have to wait as long for the plane to start moving and therefore they are not as bored.

 

[summermac]

I had them "practice" walking through the scanner. I explained to them that they would have to walk through quickly and come straight to me. I went through, kids went through, DH went through. We talked about what could happen if they get pulled aside but reassured them we would be there the whole time.

Have all their stuff put away in their backpacks. Also have them remove their jackets/zip up hoodies beforehand. Talk to them about taking shoes off (do they still do this?) and all that.

As for snacks, any food item is fine (but be aware if you have peanuts or peanut products you could be asked to not open them on the plane if there is a severe allergy on board) but NO LIQUID. We each carry an empty water bottle in our bags and then fill it up after security.

 

[momto3pirates]

How old are the kids? Will you be by alone with them or with another adult?
The first time we flew with our kids they were 18 months, 4 and 7. We used the stroller for the little one through the airport and at the gate and gate checked it as we boarded. This was 10 years ago so before ipads. Now each kid has their own device loaded with movies, tv shows, games. We always try to bring something new so it keeps their attention longer.

 

[tndisney5]

Thanks for all the tips. We are flying a budget airline this time and they restrictions on bag sizes are kind of weird. I think we will still be able to let each child pack a small backpack with things. They are all under age 6, but hopefully they will survive security .

 

[laughinplace199]

With little kids, I'd hesitate to have them each have their own bag. Getting through security is stressful and I've always found that having less stuff to lug around (and keep track of) is better when trying to get through the airport, security, and onto the plane.

The kids will not have to take their shoes off, so that's one less thing to worry about. If you have a stroller with you, it will need to be folded to go through the xray machine. I forgot about this once. DH went through first, then DD7 and DS5. I found myself with bags, a baby in a carseat/stroller travel system and no help. The TSA agent held DS (5 mos old) so I could take the car seat off the stroller and fold the stroller.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

I would get a draw string sack and a grab and go coloring pack for each child from the dollar store. Put their sacks inside your carry-on bag until you get on through security or on the plane. I bought iron-on transfer sheets and printed a picture to apply on each bag so that they knew which was who's.