Tips for flying smarter with children
Pack kids’ favorite toys, give yourself plenty of time, and keep your cool. Credit: AP Photo
Given the spike in stress associated with flying this year - more invasive security screenings, higher checked baggage fees, wrangling for overhead bin space - passengers hitting the skies with small children in tow have even more to handle. If you're traveling with little ones, the following etiquette may make for a less chaotic experience for you, your kids and fellow passengers.
1. Keep them happy and comfortable Happy, comfy babies cry less. Bring more toys, food, milk and diapers than you think you'll need. And break your rules about treats and cartoons, if necessary. If your kid is old enough to have candy, load up at the airport gift shop. And while you may loathe Dora the Explorer, she could be the perfect thing to deploy on a portable device at 30,000 feet.
2. Use common sense If your son gets fussy after dinner, fly earlier. If you know you'll be changing lots of diapers, choose an aisle seat. If your daughter won't sleep without her favorite stuffed animal, bring it along.
3. Avoid red-eye flights A 2 p.m. meltdown is easier for other passengers to tolerate than a meltdown at 2 a.m.
4. Don't cause traffic jams When you travel with a baby, you're juggling tons of stuff (stroller, car seat, diaper bag, etc. - plus the baby!). If you're taking a long time in the security line, let other passengers go in front of you. When it's time to deplane, let others leave first, so you won't be blocking people in the aisle or on the Jetway while you're trying to organize all your things.
5. Remain calm and polite If you're stressed, everything will seem much worse. And sure, other people might be rude to you if your baby is bothering them, but don't sink to their level. Just be the bigger person and apologize - the rest of the flight will be much easier.
