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Written on November 3, 2008 by Katie

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5 Airplane Travel Tips for Sharp Moms

Travel TipsI used to think traveling was a romantic endeavor, whether it was for business or pleasure. I loved the idea of changing my routine, seeing new places, and leaving the stress of work behind. From bizarre museums in flyover states to insanely overpriced room service, I used to enjoy everything about traveling. Now that I’m a mother of four, I cringe at the thought of traveling with kids in tow, particularly if it includes flying.

The challenges of airplane travel shouldn’t make hermits out of us all, though. Families need to vacation together, not to mention visit out-of-town loved ones. Below are five helpful tips for flying with little passengers.

  • Find a Kid-Friendly Airline – If you have flown with more than one commercial airline, then you probably know that each company can offer a very different experience. By conducting a little research, you should be able to find the most kid-friendly airline to travel with.

    • British AirwaysInformation can be found online about various family programs, such as the Skyflyers service from British Airways. Skyflyers is an interesting program, offering special gifts to young passengers to keep them busy, as well as a “feed kids first” policy. With an airline that keeps families in mind, you are more likely to enjoy your trip.

  • Consider a Flight With Stopovers – The longer the flight, the more likely a young passenger is going to become restless. The monotony of a long road trip can be broken up by rest stops, so it isn’t a bad idea to consider this for an airplane trip. Stopovers usually last just long enough to stretch your legs and grab something to eat. If you are on vacation, a stopover will also present a fun opportunity to visit another new area.
  • Speak to Your Children About the Flight – If your children are old enough to understand, then it is vital to discuss the flight with them. They need to know what to expect before and after they board the plane. This will not only make them feel safer, it will educate them about proper airplane conduct.

    • The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that you explain to your children that they should not joke about things like bombs or weapons in their luggage. This can be tempting for tweens and teens who witness their luggage going through an x-ray machine. However, even jokes from children could delay your flight.

  • Pack for the Flight – If you are too consumed with packing for your destination, you may forget to bring the right provisions for the actual flight. Toys, coloring books and other distractions may help your children deal with boredom on the flight. Certain snacks and drinks may also be appropriate, though you should refer to TSA guidelines where liquids are concerned.

    • As for helping a child with any kind of nervousness on the airplane, you might consider bringing his or her favorite stuffed animal or blanket. There are other products available that can make the flight more comfortable, such as neck pillows or earplugs that protect children from painful ear popping.

  • Arrive Early – This is sound advice when you travel anywhere with your children, as they can really slow you down. However, it is never more important to arrive early than when flying on a plane. You never know what might delay you while trying to board a flight. The more people in your party, particularly young children who may not understand what is going on, the longer it could take you to get to your seat.

    • Flying in an airplane can be exciting for children, although it can also present an opportunity for fear or boredom. Before giving up on the idea of putting your family on an airplane, consider the tips above and you might find the trip to be more bearable.
    As I said, some airlines really cater to passengers with children. I highly recommend British Airways if you are headed to or from the . At the moment, they are even offering a special promotion to business class travelers, which could earn you a complimentary ticket. You can find out more about British Airways’ Club World promotion at www.ba.com/eccompanion/ .

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