Tips for flying with four year old

[kt_mom]

We just decided to fly this week and I booked our tickets tonight! I got a pretty good rate I think through Southwest. DH is able to get our rental for almost free when we get there and we will stay at his parents house the night before and his dad will take us to the airport so we don't have to pay for parking. Its really a great deal, I'm so excited, except that I HATE flying, I'm terrified. But this is about saving time and about DD. She has never flown before and REALLY wants to. I can't wait to see her face when we tell her and then when she actually gets to fly. That makes it all worth it.

So, is there anything I need to think about in particular for flying with her? I plan to just take her booster seat as a carry on, its backless. I guess I will need to rethink my packing, but we will be getting there at 9:45 am Sunday morning instead of early afternoon. We can stop at the store and get water bottles and stuff I guess. Any tips for flying with a young child?

 

[Princess Stitch]

Earplugs! Most children don't know how to pop their ears and being in pain will not be a pleasant memory. Most drug stores sell them for under $10. You put them in her ears just before you take off, and take them out when the seatbelt sign comes off... do the same for the landing. You could maybe try them at home a couple times too so that she knows what they feel like. Other than that, carry some gravol with you incase she gets nervous or sick, and bring plenty to do!

 

[pl'smama]

We just decided to fly this week and I booked our tickets tonight! I got a pretty good rate I think through Southwest. DH is able to get our rental for almost free when we get there and we will stay at his parents house the night before and his dad will take us to the airport so we don't have to pay for parking. Its really a great deal, I'm so excited, except that I HATE flying, I'm terrified. But this is about saving time and about DD. She has never flown before and REALLY wants to. I can't wait to see her face when we tell her and then when she actually gets to fly. That makes it all worth it.

So, is there anything I need to think about in particular for flying with her? I plan to just take her booster seat as a carry on, its backless. I guess I will need to rethink my packing, but we will be getting there at 9:45 am Sunday morning instead of early afternoon. We can stop at the store and get water bottles and stuff I guess. Any tips for flying with a young child?

KT-mom, we flew with our almost four year DD last December. On the advice of my doctor and pharmacist we gave her a dose of gravol and a dose of children's Tylenol with some kind of decongestant in it, just before take off. This helped to insure her ears would not plug up and they didn't!! (Mine were a different story!!). The gravol helped her nap for about an hour on the flight there and back, which was great!!

I had brought along the fruit chews snacks for the take off to help with the ears and I brought suckers, a couple of rice krispie squares and bottled water. Oh, and a juice box. All these were to encourage her to swallow. We had no trouble with her ears.

I did not bring a portable DVD player. Far too much to carry for us. We did bring a Game Boy, which my DD does not really know how to play, but she likes to press the buttons etc.. We had colouring books, stickers and other books to look at. I had a few surprises from the dollar store to help pass the time.

My biggest regret was not really preparing her for what the noise of the plane sounds like and making her understand that she needs to stay in her seat. We had some trouble with her wanting to stand on the seat and look around. She also kicked at the seat in front of her. It took the stewardess getting after her to calm her down. To this day she tells me if she ever gets on a plane again she will sit still. I feel bad because I did not fully prepare her, but other than that it went well.

We did not take a booster seat, but we also did not have a rental car. We used the Magical Express. Just plan to have a goody bag of new things to do, even if it is just new stickers, new box of crayons etc.. and some good chewy snacks and she will be fine.

Have a fantastic trip!!!

Suz

 

[Jake & Crew]

Check with SW but pretty sure you can not use the booster on the plane. Against regs.

We have been doing card games with our 4 yo ( and 6 yo) snap and uno are favorites and you can buy a themed one.

Nothing beats a well charged dvd player.

Always have a bag of BRAND new ( coloring books etc) that can only be opened on the plane.......also my kids love reiviewing the Disney Kids book for which rides are scary or rough or fun ( it is written and reviewed by kids).

Gets them excited and prepared at the same time.

 

[justwinnie]

In case you didn't know, you can't use booster seats on the plane for your child to sit on. But it's no problem to carry it on. Only carseats are allowed on the plane.

I think the previous posters gave good advice.

Bring snacks, new things to do, and make your child comfortable.

I make up a little bag for my daughter to take on board. It contains coloring/activity books, color wonder markers and pad, stickers, flashlight for evening flights, colored mini-pens and crayons. I also print out a bunch of stuff from the disney magic artist website. It's an awesome free resource featuring so many different characters.

It sounds like I pack a lot, but her little bag isn't very large. It's just a very small, flat zippered tote that has an easy carry handle. My daughter just loves all the unexpected goodies!

If your child has a "lovie" or blankie, be sure to bring it on the plane.

One tip to keep your child from kicking the seat in front of them-- remove their shoes.

Good luck!

 

[Schmeck]

Find the banned items list before you shop/pack, to make sure you don't spend a fortune on toys and drinks that you can't bring through security. Can you even bring water through?

 

[pl'smama]

Find the banned items list before you shop/pack, to make sure you don't spend a fortune on toys and drinks that you can't bring through security. Can you even bring water through?

Unless things have changed since December you can bring on a water bottle, but you have to purchase it in one of the stores after you check in for your flight. In other words you can't bring it from home. Going from Canada there are the restrictions with size (can only have containers smaller than 3 ounces ) ,but I took on about four of the junior juice boxes and they were fine with it.

Suz

 

[Princess Roo]

I really don't think there is any need to medicate your child, unless they have a cold. With my 2-year old I can already tell him to drink some of his water to make his ears feel better and he does. Starbursts or lollipops are another great option.

I agree that the more you can tell her about the experience, the better...like the noise, needing to stay still, talking quietly, not kicking, etc. Since she's already excited, she will probably be thrilled by the novelty of the whole thing. PLUS, she's headed to Disney and knows that. You can talk about what you're going to do on the flight down and what you have done on the flight back. Looking through the digital pictures on the camera can take a good chunk of time. Just do your best to keep YOUR apprehension to yourself (my mom wasn't good at that and TERRIFIED me on my first flight) and she'll be fine!

 

[all4fun]

Here's the link to the prohibited items page on TSA.gov the pp mentioned.

We are leaving on Saturday w/our just turned 4yr old and flying cross country. We'll have the DVD player of course which will only entertain him part of the time. I'm also bringing a few inexpensive Dollar Tree toys that I've stashed away and he doesn't know about yet and a while back I was at Costco and they were selling a huge Wonder Colors kit which I've also stashed away. I'm going to pick out some of the coloring paper and probably the pens to carry w/us. I might pack the rest for the trip home. We were on a 5hr drive a few months back and the Color Wonders paper and pens entertained him for quite a while. I'm hoping since he doesn't normally play w/those at home that it will somewhat fresh and new for him again on this trip.

hth!

 

[MNdisneymom]

Earplugs! Most children don't know how to pop their ears and being in pain will not be a pleasant memory. !

We used the ones called EarPlanes (they come in adult and kid sizes) on our trip in September, when I took my now 4 yo ds. They're not regular earplugs (like you use to keep out noise, or for swimming)--they're made for use on the plane--there's a little valve to equalize air pressure or something like that. They look a little silly (they stick out of the ears a bit), but the relief is worth it.

I took a solo trip in March, and didn't use them on the way down. Well, I spent most of the first day in pain, and saying "Huh?" a lot, until my ears finally popped. (Which was a whole new level of agony, let me tell you!) Needless to say, I bought a pair for use on the way home.

 

[Not so Dumbo]

The biggest problem we had with our 4yo was just keeping him still. We had people infront and in back of us "comment" on what an active child he is. We brought coloring books and books we could read to him, but he wasn't interested in them. Giving him the window seat worked best and lots of snacks helped too. As for the change in air pressure, we brought gum for both of the kids, but the both said they didn't want any.
In retrospect, we should have layed down the law before we left so he knew what kind of behavior was expected of him on the plane.

 

[kinntj]

We'll be flying next year with a 4 and 6 year old and plan on buying the ear planes. Definately practice with them before you go, so the kids know how they feel and they know it'll be good for their ears. Keep them in for some time, so they know they'll have to be in for awhile during take off. We plan on buying a couple of pairs each, so we can have one for practice. Definately worth the pain if you're prepared.

I already started to gather up some things for their surprise backpacks filled with goodies. A small blanket (not new) for the 4 year old is good for comfort on the plane. We have bought a small sticker book (princess kind), color wonder princess packet, a small stuffed animal/character to hug on the plane. Princess fruit snacks that they don't get at home. Our 6 year old will get a Nintendo for Christmas, so we'll get her new games for the trip. Our 4 year old will have a new Leapster, so she will also have new games to play on it then. DH and I will have a portable DVD player with us and have a couple of their movies to play if they want it. It's important to have headphones for the electronic equipment and that they know they can't play it when the airplane is taking off and such.

Have a great trip and part of the fun is preparing ahead of time and your child knows what to expect.

 

[tjmw2727]

I have been flying withy my dd's (now 10 and 12) since they were infants - don't worry she will do great and have a good time flying.

You can carry on or gate check the carseat but as pp's have mentioned you can't use it onboard. A 4yo should be able to sit in the regular seat fine, remind her that like you she has to keep the seatbelt on and stay seated. A small bag of fun snacks that she normally can't have will help as well as a sippie cup or water bottle with the sport top. The cup/bottle needs to be empty going through security but you can purchase a beverage after security or get one onboard. The sucking of the sippie or sport top will help the ears as will lollypops or my dd's favorite - gummy candy or starbursts. Anything that they chew and swallow will help the ears and the sugar helps with potential air sickness.

I have never medicated my kids to fly, a normal healthy 4yo should do fine wihtout medicine. IMHO the dangers and side effects are not worth it - esp Gravol which can cause drowsyness, dizzyness and blurred vision and is addictive. Rather than medicate consider bringing some toys and activities and do them together. If ears are a concern esp if you or your dh suffer with blocked ears when flying then try some earplanes for kids. Found at your local pharmacy they are placed in the ear like earplugs and help equalize pressure. My sil uses them for my nephew but neither of my kids or my neice have had problems.

My kids are older but my 5 yo nephew loves color wonder, a couple favorite books and on longer trips the portable DVD. My kids liked books on tape, pipecleaners and my youngest once played with a roll of scotch tape for an entire 4 hour trip. Perhaps a trip to the dollar store for a few new things you think she would enjoy.

I also recommend keeping up to date on the latest TSA restrictions and recommendations especially with regard to carry on items and liquids here:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

TJ

 

[Mkrop]

We just got back last week for DS4's first flight. He did great, I was so nervous about him but once again he surprised me. He did find the plane noisy and covered his ears at first but then he got use to it.

We brought his Leapster (try headphones beforehand so they can hear over the airplane noise) although he would not wear them but still played and that kept him very busy. DS9 allowed him to watch a video on the Gameboy so that helped too.

Now the way home he was not as interseted in the Leapster so I also had packed Colorwonder, just be careful if your child is like mine, I thought I was being smart and putting the caps on the back of the markers, haha no way, he took them all off and either dropped them or they rolled off his tray before I could catch them so they were probably in the back of the plane by the time the flight was over.

Another thing he loved was I bought a whole packet of stickers and he just loved peeling them off and putting them into a little spiral bound book. That was a big hit for the ride home.

I read a tip on here of a mom playing security with their kids and also playing airplane. I thought that was great idea because you can not touch them when they walk through so the suggestion was to have Mommy go through first and then have child walk through to Mommy and then Dad follow.

As for SW, make sure you get your boarding passes 24 hours before your flight online so you are in the "A" group so you can all sit together. On most flights they allow families with 4 and under to preboard (which we got to do on both flights) but sometimes if there are too many families you want to get the "A" so at least you get on first.

Sorry so long. Hope this helps and have fun.

Also Sudafed always helped my ears, DS9 had real problems with landing and the Earplanes did not help at all. I wished I had some Children's Sudafed for him.

 

[princesskimberella]

We flew with our children 3,4 & 6 this past January and it was a breeze I was very nervous but they did ok. I took Coloring book - princess of course - for the girls and my son worked on his homework once we were up in the air. I also took the leapsters but they really has any interst in them.
They were so excited by everything from take off to reading the seatbelt signs and my 4 year old was mesmorized by the exit instruction booklet and the attendant explaining everything.

My kids did have a little problem with the ears but what worked better than gum was to save a little of their on flight drink and have then take tiny sips.

 

[mylilnikita]

I started playing security and airplane with DD when she was about 5 and that is because when she was 4, we went on a 2 day cruise to nowhere on Carnival and she had a hard time letting the security officer see if Fluffy the stuffed cat was all right for travel.
I made them into games so now even though DD8 has been on a few flights, when the time is near to travel, she wants to play airport security and airplane, I pretend I am a security guard and she takes off her shoes and pretend to put stuff on x ray machine, then for airplane, I put her in a chair and pretend I am the flight attendant doing the pre flight instructions( I once wanted to be one) and then take off, I gently pull the chair back to simulate take off and then we pretend snack time. We also practice turbulence,I have her sit in a chair and I start bouncing it around, which she loves in real life.
That way your little one will know what to expect.
I also suggest as another poster about giving her plenty of stuff to occupy her time. My DD just falls asleep if we do the WDW thing non stop flight. We are going to Hawaii this year, so I have to pack a little more things for her to do on the flights.
I have not tried giving her Ear planes except this year I think I may try since the flights are longer than she has experienced, usually give her Children's Benadryl, she is not a good gum popper to pop her ears and the pinching the nose thing she doesn't like.
Have a great flight, I love SouthWest. They have given the little ones sticker like "wings", so you might want to mention it is her first flight.

 

[pl'smama]

I stand by the suggestion and use of Gravol and a children's decongestent, especially if you or your spouse are prone to getting bad ears while flying. That is why I gave the stuff to our DD. This was after a discussion with our family doctor. I explained about the agony I was in for several days after flying not too long ago and I did not wish to see our DD suffer the same fate. Fortunately she did not suffer any adverse affects like becoming addicted. We used it on the way down and on the way home. That's it. Yes, stuff to amuse them works well. That much would be pretty obvious to anyone with a small child, I should think.

However, not everyone knows how their child, let alone themselves, will react to flying so I think an ounce ( or 2.5 ml) is worth the huge cure!! My niece went to WDW world last year, her second time flying. She suffered so much on the flight down that it ruined her trip for her. To this day she does not have fond memories of her time with the mouse. The stewardess's were very helpful, but they could not fix the problem, just put a bandaid on it. They gave her two cups with hot towels inside and she held these to her ears. I am not sure what this does, but it did not give DN any relief. What a sin.

Have a wonderful time!!

Suz

 

[kt_mom]

Thanks for all the tips. The booster seat is for the rental car not for the plane. I just don't want to check it and risk it not making it. Its not huge so it should be fine as a carryon. I am unfamiliar with gravol. What is this and what exactly is it used for? I don't have bad problems with my ears. They plug up and then I pop them and I'm fine, but I don't know how DD will do.

She is very excited about flying. Its only a two hour flight and I think she will be pretty content to look out the window but I do plan to bring a coloring book and a few little things for her to play with. I have kept my fears to myself, I definitly don't want to pass those on to her, I would rather her completely enjoy her experience. She is too young to have the worries that I do!

 

[tjmw2727]

I am unfamiliar with gravol. What is this and what exactly is it used for? !

Gravol is an anti nausa medicine aslo known as Dimenhydrinate and its a pretty powerful drug:

" What is dimenhydrinate?

Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine agent, used to treat or prevent motion sickness and drug-induced nausea and vomiting. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor."

It is also not to be used in conjunction with any other OTC medicine like tylenol and especially an decongestant or antihistamine as it already contains an antihistamine.

Reference:
http://www.crha-health.ab.ca/clin/sac/dimenhyd.htm

Suz - I am not trying to be argumentative but I feel differently. IMHO the dangers of OTC drugs for children are not worth the risks especialy when children are healthy. Most healthy children who fly don't have trouble. I respect your opinion and I hope you will respect mine.

TJ

 

[mommytoe]

We just decided to fly this week and I booked our tickets tonight! I got a pretty good rate I think through Southwest. DH is able to get our rental for almost free when we get there and we will stay at his parents house the night before and his dad will take us to the airport so we don't have to pay for parking. Its really a great deal, I'm so excited, except that I HATE flying, I'm terrified. But this is about saving time and about DD. She has never flown before and REALLY wants to. I can't wait to see her face when we tell her and then when she actually gets to fly. That makes it all worth it.

So, is there anything I need to think about in particular for flying with her? I plan to just take her booster seat as a carry on, its backless. I guess I will need to rethink my packing, but we will be getting there at 9:45 am Sunday morning instead of early afternoon. We can stop at the store and get water bottles and stuff I guess. Any tips for flying with a young child?

My dd was 4 when we went last Fall. She did great with the flying. I brought her colorwonder markers and coloring book, snacks, polley pocket type princess doll, and magnet princess dolls. She had her own bag to carry and loved that. People around us thought she was a regular traveler.

The only problem we had was the restroom. She was not able to go on the plane (a line the whole time the seat belt sign was off) and even though I took her before boarding she was still in tears when we landed for needing to go. Of course, we ended up being among the last off the plane so she almost didn't make it.