Hi everyone! Just want to put it out there that I would appreciate any and all advice that any of you have for flying with little ones. My kids are 3 and 5 and we will be flying with them for the first time in February. It's a 2 hour and 15 minute flight for us, so not too bad. We have taken two road trips to Massachusetts (9 hours) and one trip to Myrtle Beach (13 hours) and they did great. Obviously I know to bring lots of distractions/things to do in their carry ons, but does anyone have any other advice or things to bring?
Thanks so much!
As a seasoned WDW traveler and a seasoned flier, both with children, here are my experiences and tips:
1. Be sure to give yourself enough time at the airport: checking bags, getting boarding passes, getting thru security, and picking up goodies before boarding the plane can all eat up precious minutes. There are fewer things worse than having to rush 2 small kids and stressed parents around an airport!
2. Know before you go: 3-1-1 rule in carry-ons...be sure to empty the kiddos cups prior to security...know your airlines' baggage limits...and, keep any photographic or video equipment
(including their batteries; lithium batteries are considered a fire hazard in checked bags), in your carry-on as well.
3. Getting thru TSA with few-to-no tears, but maybe a little perspiration:
-Keep the attire of all travelers casual...nothing with a lot of metal or gels (
I.e. shoes, bras). Considering it will be cold from where you're coming, leave room in your checked luggage for your "winter gear." Besides, don't be surprised if you have to bring said items out while in WDW that time of year!
-Organize your carry-on in layers & have your 3-1-1 ziplock baggies readily available. Also, know that you can place pills
(I.e. Advil, Claritin, chewables), in a not-so-obscene amount, in your carry-on. Lastly, any pertinent medications
(example: my oldest DD7 has asthma & DH needs to carry an epipen) are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, and said items must be labeled or have it's original prescription box handy, and put in their own Ziploc bags.
-Prior to getting to security: organize your travel party (
I.e. everyone has a boarding pass, adults have IDs); decide which adult will be in charge of your carry-ons and who will wrangle the kiddos; and remove everything from your pockets, any heavy jewelry, excessive hair accessories, belts, watches, coats (
even sweatshirts), AND place in your carry-on. All of this will help expedite the security process.
-Practice these questions with your kids (your 3 y.o. might not know all): "What's your name? how old are you? where are you going today? who are the people with you?" Reassure your children that it's OK to answer the TSA agent...but let them answer before you chime in.
-Once in the security line: Keep your family together...it's OK to let the TSA agent know y'all are traveling as a family, so you don't get split up. Have your 3-1-1 baggies ready, remove shoes (
kids 12 y.o. and younger do NOT have to, including lighter coats), collapse stroller
(all compartments should be empty), put your IDs away and place boarding passes in an acessible pocket of your carry-on, and grab a bin for the above items
(unless the item is too big). Also, if you have a laptop or portable DVD player, remove said item and place in bin
(iPads, etc. are exempt).
IMPORTANT: no one can be holding anything while walking thru the detector (sorry lovies)!
-My family's order: I go thru first, followed by my youngest when prompted, then the older child, with my DH bringing up the rear. This may seem silly, but practice this at home once or twice, so your kids get the idea. Then, we somewhat quickly grab our belongings off the belt and find a nearby bench to re-organize, put shoes on, and hand out lovies. If for some reason, your significant other gets separated at security, have your older child walk thru first, then your youngest, then you...instruct your kids to wait on the other side by the TSA agent...not all TSA agents are "scary" and will most likely aide you in the process.
4. Yay! You made it thru security!: Next, find your gate, use the restroom, and grab goodies and water for the plane ride. I pack dried snack goods in my carry-on
(any foods with peanut butter, jelly, etc. are not allowed thru security, but can be bought "on the other side"). If you did bring a stroller thru security, grab a "Gate Check" tag for it from your gate agent, then leave it at the end of the walkway.
5. On the plane:
-Sit the kiddos on the inside of your row.
-Good time to break out the gum, lollipops, crackers, and cups. Administer right before take-off and landing to keep the ears popping. I tell my kids to sit back in their seat and hold my hand and my DH's...it has become a ritual.
-Locate your nearest Exit and restroom.
-Keep electronics turned off until instructed.
6. In-the-air activities:
-New coloring/activity books and crayons for
each child.
-New apps or movies on your tablet or smart phone if you have either.
-More snacks.
-One or two travel games
(check Toys 'R Us, Target, etc.).
Before you know it, you'll be arriving at your destination! And now you can check your first family airport adventure off your list!
Sorry that this response turned into a short novel, but it's what I tell friends and family traveling with kids...it hasn't failed yet! Have fun!
