Flying with my 4 yo DD- tips?

[Mimi Q]

My younger DD and I are going to WDW this month. We are meeting family in Orlando as they wanted to drive. Any advice for the airport or the airplane? I am a little nervous about keeping up with her, the luggage, going through security, etc... The Atlanta airport is a huge place to navigate.

 

[texasthree]

My advice is dont overpack. I fly a lot with my 5 year old and I only use 1 piece of luggage that is on wheels then I have a backpack and he has a small backpack. I can roll the luggage, hold his hand and be fine. When we drop off the luggage we just each have a backpack so my hands are free.
Going through security is easy, just take your time and dont get stressed. You will need to remove your shoes and hers so if you can wear something easy for both of you it makes it quick. They have chairs after you get through the line too, just grap all your stuff and move to a chair.

Toys are whatever she likes. If she like to color and such I would pick up a few new sticker books, crayons. They have travle sizes of some games that she may like, connect 4 is a hit for us. I have a son so we bring the matchbox popups sets. They open us to a small set to play with and includes a car. I love Matchbox! Bring a couple of snacks and your all set! Good luck!

 

[goofy4dis]

Having never flown through the Atlanta airport I'm not really sure what you should expect as far as security.

However if your daughter has any ear or sinus infection history or bad problems with sinus (chronic sinusitis, tubes in ears, stuffy head before flight) give her advil, tylenol, or something because I know from experience that the pain during landing can be intense.

Have a great time

 

[MissyPrissy]

My stepson is four and his sister is 7. We just flew from New Jersey to Oregon. They both had ear infections a week before we left!!! The doctor put them on decongestant and they were fine on the plane. We had them chew gum for take off and landing to keep their ears clear. There are also little things called "Earplanes" at CVS or walgreens and they also help with ear popping. They keep things in balance inside the ear and keep fluid from getting built up. Also, if you have your daughter take over the counter decongestant 24 hours before flying that also helps keep the ears clear. (I flew once with an ear infection that I didn't know I had and it was EXCRUCIATING. I was crying so hard, that the flight attendent was crying. It was awful which is why tend to be ear pain focused! )

As for the airport, you are right the Atlanta airport is HUGE. I'd just have a backpack for each of you, keep toys stocked and ready go. Also, you should have a "serious" talk with your four year old about having good listening ears and following directions while in the airport. This is a big deal and she needs to behave like a big girl if she wants to go see Mickey! (this is what we told our munchkins. We also made it clear that any acting up would result in going home and not seeing Mickey at all!) They were very well behaved!

Good luck! It's not as scary as you think. Just keep a hold of her hand and have fun!!

 

[Deesknee]

I have never out of anywhere other than Logan Int. in Boston but, it is a busy and unorganized airport. We flew with 3.5 year olds years ago.
I agree pack as light as possible. I have found having the young one bring there own "luggage" on wheels slows them down abit, but it also slows you down so make sure if you do this you have plenty of airport time!!!!
Our pediatrician always suggest dimetapp for 2 days before we leave. DH & I also take this measure. It has never failed.
The bests prevention for ears we have found is juice boxes. However, I don't know how strict the airports are right now with liquids going in carry ons!
Probably the best idea for the actual flight as far as keeping the children busy I learned on these boards. That is to wrap a surprise and put it in thier carry-on. We usually put it in a side zipper. (Don't forget to put one in your suitcase so you can stash it in thiers for the ride home too). We usually try to get something disney. We started this when my kids first flew at 3.5 yrs old. Even now at 15+ they still look for that little surprise. (now it usually includes Disney Dollars).
Good luck - Relax- Enjoy. If you are really nervous of her wandering off, you could always tie a string to your belt loops.

 

[all4fun]

This site has a lot of helpful info about flying with children:

http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/

If you're at all concerned about the screening process, the TSA website has information about what to expect (as well as what is allowed, etc), which can be helpful. They have a section on traveling with children.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm

The flight from Atlanta to Orlando is very short so I think getting through the airport will be your biggest challenge. It will be an adventure for your dd as well. Because the flight is a short one, I think the advice to pack light (as far as carry on's go) is a very good one. Kids are really interested in what is going on around them so your dd will probably be very entertained while on board the flight just by what is going on around her.

hth and have a great time!

 

[Mimi Q]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. She does want to bring her own rolling suitcase cause it has the Disney Princesses on it, but I think she will be alright with her aunt bringing it to WDW in their car.

 

[littleprissboutique]

I would also suggest shipping things ahead of time. I am right now getting our shipping box together. I am going to ship our shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, ect down. I am also shipping our poncho's, umbrella's, bug spray, sunscreen, a light weight jacket(in case of a cool evening), duct tape( in case of a hole in our suitcase), mini fans, baggies, peanut butter, vanilla waffers, pop tarts, on and on...LOL

The only thing that we are packing is our clothing, shoes, sippy cups, and my makeup, and curling iron.

Kaylee will have a small back pack with her earplanes, empty cup for the plane, video now jr, and her lovie

Hugs, and hope you have a blast!

 

[grlpwrd]

Has she flown before? If she hasn't it might be a good idea to preface her or even role play so she knows what to expect.

I would make sure to bring her favorite toys, snacks, an empty cup (fill with drinks while onboard, of course), and maybe even some surprise toys like from the Dollar Tree. Even if the flight is short, it keeps them preoccupied and makes it more exciting for kids.

GL and have fun!