Prepare Kids for Plane Trip

[jjaly94]

Does anyone have any tips for preparing my 12 and 9 year old for their first trip on an airplane? We leave on Friday. They have never flown and I want to prepare them a little about what to expect.

Thanks in advance

 

[all4fun]

There are a number of childrens books on the subject although I'm not sure if most of them are aimed at younger kids. You might look at the public library first. Just a thought. Also, you can go to www.tsa.gov under the travelers section and read up on what to expect when you go through security just so you know what to prepare them for (ie you have to take shoes and jackets off, be prepared to turn on elecrical devices such as laptops or dvd players, know the 3-3-1 about liquids, etc.) I like being prepared just so there are fewer surprises and that way hopefully everything goes smoothly. I'd also explain how the air pressure changes can effect the ears and bring some gum (or something to chew on) during take off and landing.

hth

 

[minnierocks]

Mine flew for the first time last October...My 13 year old had no apprehension whatsoever, but my 11 year old daughter was a little anxious. We talked through what to expect in the airport (security, check-in, boarding...), what to expect on takeoff (loud noise, being pressed into your seat, ears popping...), what might happen on the flight (turbulence, warning lights going on and off), and what it feels like to land (like the sudden braking).
We had plenty of gum (for popping ears), new CD's for their listening pleasure and each of them had a carry-on with things for them to do.
They did great!
The funniest thing was my son, when offered a drink and a snack by the flight attendant, asked, "Is it free?"
As long as they know what to expect...and are occupied, they should do just fine! Have a great trip!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We'll be flying in a couple of weeks. It'll be our kids first plane ride so I've gone over what to expect, bumpy at times, bubbles in ears - we chew gum or lollipops during this time (raisins or fruit snacks work too), seat belt lights, no kicking seat in front, etc.

We have been playing airport every once in a while. We use the kitchen table as the security table/belt - the kids have their shoes already off & they place their shoes, coat & carryon on the table. On the end of the table I have a plastic bowl where the empty their pockets (which will be empty on the real day we leave). I slide the stuff through and put it at the end of the table - they go through the doorway into the living room which we pretend is the metal detector then gather their things & go sit to put on their shoes. Sometimes I make a beeping noise as one of our kids go through the doorway and have them put their arms out to the side and I use a lint brush to go over their clothes like the wand they use at the airport. They love it! Sometimes they get carried away wanting me to beep as they go through and then I have to tell them again "you don't want to beep!"

Anyways good luck to us w/our kids first airplane ride. I'm bringing lots of snacks and activities. Have a wonderful vacay!

Forgot to mention - we're going to line up chairs the next time we play airport and pretend we're on the plane. My DS8's idea.

 

[homedad]

since your children are older they may notice some sounds, prepare up front-whining engines, flaps, klunky land gear.....enjoy!!!!

 

[drivencrazy]

My kids all did great (12, 9, 4, 2) we talked about what some of sounds we would hear... it's a bit like a car just bigger and louder. My 9 year old was probably the most worried... "what if we crash..." and we just told her that if it were ment to be then there is nothing we could do about it... just like if we were driving... but not in such blunt terms. We talked about it and she decided that she wanted to fly (she had been asking to fly for YEARS)... once we were in the air she said that she was really glad that we got to fly and after landing she said that she would deffently want to fly more.

You just have to feel out your children, if they have conserns then you address them. I thought my kids might be frightened more than they were, they all loved it and always ask now when can we fly somewhere again.

 

[jjaly94]

for your responses. It really helped. I talked to my kids this morning about what to expect for security and flying. Thanks again!! Happy Disneying to all!!!

 

[prekteacher]

How about a note book to write down what they hear and what they may want to know about the plane. They the flight attendence and anwer some of them for them before take off. make sure to tell then that it is the childrens frist time. Have a great trip.