Starting to get nervous about flying....

[luvmylittleboy2003]

I'm really gettting nervous about our trip and flying, with everything I'm reading/hearing about -- delays, cancellations, ppl getting kicked off the planes, etc...etc... We will be traveling with a 4 year old (who, btw, has never flown) and I'm really hoping we don't have any problems/issues. I'm not sure how my 4 year old would do . Are some airlines more 'kid friendly' than others ? We are flying Delta and I have never flown on them before so I'm not sure what to expect...any tips/suggestions would be much appreciated on things that have worked for you and flying w/children . Tia

 

[pumba]

does your child have issues with his ears? If he or she does.....then ask your doctor about the benedryl liquid to keep the pressure out of his or her ears....that was what bothered our granddaughter when she was young.....if there are no issues.....then get some new things in a back pack for the kids to play with......they are so excited about opening up the backpack and getting new crayons or a new hand held game that they dont bug anyone during the flight......get some gummy bears and stuff like that too......or individual size chips or crackers.....they will be excited I am sure

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I'm really gettting nervous about our trip and flying, with everything I'm reading/hearing about -- delays, cancellations, ppl getting kicked off the planes, etc...etc... We will be traveling with a 4 year old (who, btw, has never flown) and I'm really hoping we don't have any problems/issues. I'm not sure how my 4 year old would do . Are some airlines more 'kid friendly' than others ? We are flying Delta and I have never flown on them before so I'm not sure what to expect...any tips/suggestions would be much appreciated on things that have worked for you and flying w/children . Tia

Our kids are typically good on planes, but we like to make sure that we get to the airport early and get through check-in and security in an easy going manner. As you know, kids sense stress and will respond if they feel like you're nervous/worried/harried and will take their cues from you. You can also make sure that you get the seats that you want, if you already haven't made your seat arrangements yet. If you don't know whether or not you have your seats, I would check with Delta today and get them set. We like to get the seats in the very back row of the airplane. If there are any empty seats, they usually end up back there, so you have a better chance of being able to spread out a bit if you get lucky. There also isn't as many people for your kids to bother if they get fidgety. For the record, I do a ton of flying for work and I can guarantee you, there will be more families with small kids than you can shake a stick at if you're flying into MCO. That's their business!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

If you are flying into Orlando, there will almost certainly be TONS of kids on the plane. Maybe if you are flying really late at night there would be less, but even then there are likely to be kids. Any ariline flying to Orlando knows this. Kids are a big part of their bread and butter.

A general tip would be to minimize the crap you bring through security. Keep it simple. If there is one toy - like a coloring book the child likes. that might be good. Mos airports have a McDonalds. Happy Meals are inexpensive and lots have great toys (Just don't tell your son to expect a great toy, in case it isn't. ) It's also smart to wear slip on shoes like Crocs that slip on (Crocs are more sturdy than those cheap $1 flip flops).

You can bring your stroller right up to the gate and the airline will gate check it - at least most will. When you get off the plane, they will bring it right to the gate, so wait for it when you get off the plane.

Personally, I sort of disagree with sitting at the back of the plane, but I just hate being at the back of the plane while everyone else unloads. If you don't mind tha, then what the other poster said is true; there is likely to be more open seats - unless the plane is full.

 

[bluejaygirl]

I waited until we got close to the security line and then I explained step by step what to expect, for my DD6. I didnt want her to feel afraid or have a lot of questions once we got up there...( she has some anxiety issues). I didnt go into detail obviously about WHy we had to take off shoes, worry about liquids etc.. just that they have funny rules. Once in the plane, I took the safety pamphlet away from her chair while she wasnt looking.

On the plane, handheld games with headphones, a special stuffed animal, crayons and coloring books are all great as are special treats you might not normally buy ( fruit snacks) We also looked at our Disney For kids by Kids book and talked about what we would most like to do when we got there. It was a nice time to just chat and enjoy each other.

 

[ukwildcat]

All good replies so far. As for the circumstances surrounding people getting kicked off planes, that's the exception, not the norm. Most people travel with very few inconveniences. And the vast majority of delays are in the range of 15-30 minutes or so. That will most likely not interfere with your plans.

 

[all4fun]

We have flown numerous times w/ds since he was 13 mos and never had any big problems. We have flown w/Delta most of the time and the FA's are usually helpful and friendly for the most part, but like with any customer facing profession, everyone has their bad days, and FA's are certainly no exception to that. I always just try to have my act together so I don't have to ask for assistance because I know the flight crew already has enough to do.

For instance, when we flew w/the car seat I'd board early and dh and ds would board later so that I could get the seat installed and the three of us wouldn't be blocking the aisle while that was done. This took the pressure off of me to feel rushed to do it, plus it gave ds a little extra time to burn off some steam in the concourse area. Since your ds is four you might not even need a car seat for him though but just for anyone else who may be lurking - this course of action always worked really well for us (as well as carrying the car seat upside down over your arm made getting it down the aisle easier).

Another thing we usually bring is a the portable DVD player and a couple of movies if the flight is going to be 3 or more hours and/or the plane isn't equipped w/ screens on the backs of the seats (only the old Delta Song planes have those as far as I know). That usually will entertain ds for at least 1-1/2 to 2hrs and helps kill some time. Also, if you're on a rather long flight and your ds might want to sleep, you might consider bringing a regular size pillow or a horseshoe travel pillow. On our last flight my ds did sleep (our return trip was at night) and he had a hard time getting comfy w/the tiny airplane pillows. Our next trip is a red-eye so I'm bringing a regular pillow because while the airplane seat can feel cramped for a regular size adult, it's pretty big for a preschooler so I know that will help him be more comfy and hopefully sleep a little better. Just a thought.

I also agree w/trying to keep it simple although I know its hard. Don't bring a dozen different activities in the bag (unless they're in a small bag your ds can carry) - I have actually found my ds isn't too interested and usually is entertained by the least expected thing. Our last few trips, I've actually let him buy a small toy at one of the airport stores which keeps him entertained for a while (the happy meal toy idea a pp mentioned is also a good one - although if you're departing in the early AM, they probably aren't serving happy meals yet). The downside of the airport toy store is most stuff is usually pretty overpriced so it's hard to find a small toy for under $5.

Oh and bring a spare shirt and maybe even pants for your ds (and having a clean shirt for yourself isn't a bad idea either). On our last trip home ds got sick and threw up on the plane and unfortunately for some reason I had forgotten to bring a spare set of clothes (that was a 1st time experience for us too). So I had to rinse what he had on out as best as possible w/out getting it totally soaked, and put it back on him (and covered him up w/blankets which thankfully there wasn't a shortage of on that flight). It wasn't a fun experience anyway and the fact I didn't have clean dry clothes for him to wear made me feel even worse! Fortunately he slept for the remainder of the flight. BTW, someone else mentioned Benadryl which the regular stuff actually is an antihistamine (allergy med), not a decongestant. It won't do anything to keep the ears clear (unless you buy the kind that is for colds too). It can make one drowsy or wired, depending on how it effects you (it can have either side effect so best to try it out first if the child has never taken it before). It also has the same ingredient as anti-motionsickness meds have so it can help w/motion-sickness as well.

hth

 

[luvmylittleboy2003]

Thanks everyone for the great replies - I have printed them off

 

[DisneyRockStarMommy]

We were actually in California right when my kids got out from school and on the plane ride there we were delayed for 3 hours so our 6 hour flight became a 9 hour flight...then coming back we were forced to take a red eye...but then in the end we got vouchers for our next flight so our disney trip in November will be ((((((($12 for the round trip for all of us )))))
During that three hour wait sitting in the runway...
I was lucky I always plan for extra waiting time so I started to pull out some of the little gifts I give my kids...
Like 6 gifts...i.e. cool things under 10 dollars
It keeps them from conplaining

 

[MickeyMamma]

Just be prepared to keep your 4yo busy. Take lots of snacks and activities. Coloring books or a magnadoodle are great to have with you. Snacks are good to help pop ears during takeoff and landing. Maybe a Leapster if you have on too. Just stuff to keep busy.

Also, I would agree - take a full change of clothes for your 4yo just in case. You may also want an extra shirt for yourself.

Be prepared for your trip, but do not make yourself feel too stressed about problems - most people's flights go without too much issue. You tend to hear more about the ones that do have problems then the ones that don't.

 

[DragonFox98]

Don't be too nervous. My first piece of advice is to check your flight before you leave the house and give yourself plenty of time at the airport to get through security and deal with anything else at the gate (checking a stroller).

Also, when we fly, I pack a special bag of goodies for my children. Remember, there's usually pressure upon take off and decent. You may want to let him eat gummy bears or something chewy to get his jaw moving (kind of like an adult popping their ears). If you have a DVD player, he will probably be like any other child and watch his movies/cartoons in rapture. Or you can get a $10 CD player at Walmart and he can be a "big boy" and listen to a CD or two. Coloring books work well as do handheld games (we use Yatzee and Hangman in our house).

Last April was my children's first flight and they were just in wonder as to how the airport looked and what was there and what everyone's job was. Honestly, I just let them explore. I followed behind them as they checked out the restaurants and stores in the terminal. Curiosity breeds wisdom.

Hope this helps!!

 

[Siouxstone]

You might try going to a bookstore or library and finding some age appropriate books about flying. I know there are quite a few out there, but can't think of titles off hand. If your child is/was a Wiggles fan, they have a great song about riding on an airplane. We sing it at every take off. But the best advice I have ever gotten: RELAX, YOU WILL PROBABLY NEVER SEE THESE PEOPLE AGAIN!

 

[luvmylittleboy2003]

Thanks again everyone, def. printing off your notes and tips to have handy. You guys are the BEST!!!

 

[annie1995]

We were actually in California right when my kids got out from school and on the plane ride there we were delayed for 3 hours so our 6 hour flight became a 9 hour flight...then coming back we were forced to take a red eye...but then in the end we got vouchers for our next flight so our disney trip in November will be ((((((($12 for the round trip for all of us )))))
During that three hour wait sitting in the runway...
I was lucky I always plan for extra waiting time so I started to pull out some of the little gifts I give my kids...
Like 6 gifts...i.e. cool things under 10 dollars
It keeps them from conplaining

Gosh, that would be soooo worth the hassle for some vouchers!!!