what to pack in airplane backpack?

[pixxi]

We have 4 children and I'm tired of packing everything except the kitchen sink. Kids are 16,13,9,5 we have a 3 hour drive to the airport (kids will be sleeping since leaving at 2am) and then 2 flights (staying the the plane) to Orlando. We have 2 tablets (maybe have a movie to watch) and they have a game system. I usually make activity books, bring playdough, snacks, gum, sticker books and a bunch of other stuff. I would love to just nap or read my book since I get motion sick very easily. I think I'm going to let them all have their own backpacks.

Any word of advice/experience?

 

[alliecat523]

Let them pick. The older kids should be able to bring their own stuff anyway. I would only plan for the younger ones. A game and a movie on the tablet. One snack each.

I think by age 8 my daughter was lugging her own bag of entertainment on the plane.

 

[ErinInCT]

My girls - 11 and 15 had their own cinch sacs for the airplane AND the parks. They carried their own electronics, books, blankets and snacks. We brought a deck of cards to play on the plane but never used it. They were glued to their electronics or sleeping the whole time!! I love self sufficient kids so I could read on my kindle and listen to my iPod without interruption! In the park I made them carry their own water bottle, autograph book, penny presser money, and lanyard with pins. My bag was getting too heavy having to carry everyone's stuff!

 

[chris31997]

4 kids = 4 mules

Both of my kids by the age of 5 were picking what to pack for entertainment and wear. Of course I got to veto. Have them pick and pack and wear. I would also make the oldest responsible for snacks and if not playing nicely there would be consequences(due to you getting air sick).

For little one: gallon ziplock bags work well to contain legos or cars or whatever

 

[mzsarah10]

My 9 year old carries the backpack for her and her sister (3 yo) I usually end up with 2 tablets in mine. This year we took only the tablets and some sticker books with a few crayons.

 

[Teacup53]

When we went this year both of my DS 3 & 4 carried a little backpack with some treat/snacks, puzzles, coloring, & slinky. They got to wear them and look through them once we got to the airport (I packed them). I had my laptop which we watched a bit of a movie but at 3 & 4 they aren't into electronics yet. We had one other backpack that had everything else (extra clothes for everyone - just in case luggage got lost, snacks, electronics - I had school work to do) we tend to pack light and I have an awesome backpack that can fit the world. Seems like all of your kids should be old enough to carry their own backpack.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

iPad = done

If you want to really go wild bring a deck of uno cards or regular cards. Your older kids should be able to pack what the want by now. My five year old can entertain himself for hours on an iPad or other tablet device. I load it up with TV episodes and he is good to go.

 

[tchrrx]

I always packed a book and magazine for my daughter. This gave her something to do during those moments when electronics are to be powered off. Also, if our early morning flight was less than an hour, I wouldn't allow her to use the electronics with the hope that she would fall asleep.

 

[myrtleturtle]

My 2.5 year old twins each have a back pack. Each has in it a tablet (these are mine and DH's and the only time they ever use them is on a plane), a few small snacks, a small color wonder and markers and their blankie.

 

[Pesky]

Each of my kids carry their own. I help pack (usually telling them they can't possibly bring all that they are dumping on the tiny bag) but that's about it. In their backpacks I have:
* one change of clothes including socks (learned this the hard way when I was a kid and puked over myself on a long flight -- sigh). I usually find something thin and roll it up at the bottom where it's unlikely to be needed
* books -- I take them to the bookstore and let them pick out 1 book, then stash until the trip and they aren't allowed to look at it until we are on the plane. Just like my mom did with me.
* DVD player and kid headphones -- these are relatively cheap and serve to entertain well
* water bottle -- make sure to empty it before security and you can refill afterwards
* food/snacks -- I try to make sure I have filling and non-high sugar ones
* plain paper pads/activity books/coloring books/pencils/crayons/wiki stix
* snuggle toy, which can often be a blankie or pillow pet
* possible toy of choice, depends on how much room I have
* for the next trip they will also carry beach towels to use as a blanket and as a towel when we arrive.

In mine, I have:
* tablet
* sanitizer and wipes (those tray tables are not wiped in those quick turnarounds so clean those every time you put them down)
* meds, both for me and the kids (FYI for your motion sickness, I have the same thing -- take Bonine at least 1 hour before take-off. It doesn't make me super drowsy and helps a lot. I also carry ginger lemon chews and that helps too)
* change of clothes for me
* selection of DVDs for the movie players
* headphones for me
* snacks/food
* water bottle
* books
* purse contents
* cards/game
* tissues
* dry washcloth (this invariably comes in handy for cleaning or if someone isn't feeling well (wet it with cool water and put on the back of the neck))
* lots of different sized plastic bags -- something gets dirty or we can't find a trash, we have some way of keeping it separated from the rest of the goods

Depending on the length of the flight, I sometimes pack a toothbrush and toothpaste. Just depends.

 

[melificent]

I always get some cheap dollar store/Target dollar aisle toys or games to throw in the entertainment bag. The novelty makes them last a bit longer, in my experience.

 

[ALEXandFAB]

Each kid is different in terms of what will keep them entertained, but for my 8 year old son we pack a carry-on backpack with a tablet, playing cards, book, activity/sticker book, and snacks. He carries his own stuff.

I hear you on the motion sickness. I can't even look straight ahead when sitting in a plane because I get woozy. Dramamine has been a total lifesaver (generic or name brand...both work great)! I take 2 tablets about 30-45 mins before the flight and I'm good to go. I still need to remain relatively still and do some deep breathing throughout the flight to calm my own anxiety , but there's no nausea/dizziness whatsoever. That's a big win in my book

Good luck and happy travels

 

[Thing 1]

I would really only plan for the 5, and maybe a bit of guidance or reminders to the 9 year old. Assuming the oldest have phones, maybe a new itunes card to download a couple new apps, and an offer to spring for a new magazine or two would be nice. Give the younger two the tablets with a couple new apps or a movie and bring the game system. If you want a bit more, a new color wonder book is nice, or some other bought fun activity book. I would pick up a bunch of special snacks and allow the kids to pick and pack their bags. A drink purchased after security and you are done!!! Maybe bribe the oldest two to help out with the younger too so you will feel better when you land.

 

[maxiesmom]

Don't forget headphones for each child. If they have a tablet or want to watch movies on the computer, they must wear headphones.

 

[LollieInwonderland]

So far our bags are:

I went to Target $1 spot and stocked up on anything Disney themed- stickers, coloring books, light up toys whatever it was lol
Also packing snacks/gum/their special disney store cups. I made their backpacks themed to the characters they liked as well. My son is really into Miles From Tomorrowland so I got him a Miles figure, the merk watch and binoculars (this should keep him set for a while- he's 3) lol, my daughter got the zip up peas that she has been bugging for in the Disney store- also a doll. The baby is where I am not as sure lol she's 18m and I am worried I won't be able to get her to sit long enough

 

[noahdove]

Next August when I take my grandson, I will buy him a inexpensive robot, along with
cute dinos, dragons... I have taken crayons, small activity pads etc and we have never
used them, so... I am already planning and looking for small little things I know will
entertain him on our 2 hour and 20 minute flight. Good luck and enjoy...

 

[worm761]

We drive but DD is 5 and picks her own stuff. The iPad will be going but other than that she is allowed 2 lovies, 2 books, and a few small toys. She packs it in her backpack. I usually pack snacks that don't get eaten. And everyone has their water bottles.