Tips for an infrequent flyer

[goodferry]

We are leaving Friday for our first flight since Feb. 2000 We are flying with four children. Any advice for me?

 

[dcfromva]

goodferry,
Get to the airport early, it will save stress and worry if there is a backup getting through security. Bring entertainment and distractions for the kids whilst they are waiting at the gate.
From which airport are you flying?
And which airline? And how old are the children?

-DC

 

[ducklite]

Lots. Try to book seats in the rear of the plane cabin. You'll be closer to the bathrooms, and will board first, so you can take time getting settled in without holding up the process for everyone else.

Pack a small backpack for each kid with some quiet things, books, caloring supplies, etc. If you have Gameboys (etc.) buy headphones, do not let the kids use them with volume.

Earplanes are a lifesaver for earpain.

Do not try to carryon everything you own. Check it! Carry on your camera, medications, a change of undies and clean shirt for everyone, and that's about it.

Each kid should also have a snack, something without peanuts or peanut butter please.

You didn't mention the ages of the kids, that would help for more ideas.

Anne

 

[NotUrsula]

Right before leaving your car (or your house if you are being taken to the airport by a car service or a family member) do a pocket/backpack check on all of the children. Make sure that they are not carrying any metal in their pockets (change, toy cars, etc.), and that they are not carrying any forbidden items in their toy bags (penknives, pointed scissors, etc.) Kids have a tendency to pick up items and put them in their pockets at the last minute.

The TSA list of items which may not be taken in carryon bags is here: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=40&content=0900051****a91aa
(Click on the link for prohibited/permitted items)

Be prepared to remove your shoes at security. You cannot be forced to remove them unless you beep, but you'll get through much faster if you just take them off and send them through the scanner in a bin. I recommend doing the same with belts that have metal buckles. Children should not be dressed in overalls w/ metal shoulder buckles, and be wary of letting them wear zip-off trousers if the leg zippers are metal.

For pocket things that are metal but OK to carry, put a ziploc in the outer pocket of each carryon, and empty your pockets into that ziploc as soon as you arrive at the airport. Keys, sunglasses, change, wallets, all of it. Metal watches should go in, too. Then put the ziploc into your carryon, in one of the outer zipper pockets, or inside; someplace where it won't fall out. You can get the items back out and put them back after you have cleared through security.

 

[meaneausindisney]

I haven't flown since 1998 and I always have terrible ear problems the first couple hours. Saw on an earlier posting Earplane - what is that and where would i find it!?

Thanks. We leave Thursday!!! Heeeheeeheeee!

 

[Eeyore1954]

Call drug stores in your area and ask if they carry Earplanes. There are lots of online shops that sell them, but since you leave Thursday, you'd never get them in time ordering online.

If you can't get these, carry some gum and chew it during takeoff and landing. It's not the ideal solution, but it can help.

 

[goodferry]

Thanks for all the replies! The kids are 12, 8, 5, and >1