| Preparing yourself for traveling with children is just as | | | | get prepared for boarding. |
| important as planning your itinerary. There's nothing | | | | When pre-boarding is announced, and if you are |
| worse than dealing with a hyper cranky child in the | | | | traveling with another adult, have just one adult board |
| middle of an airport or in flight tantrums. Everyone is | | | | the plane to get the carry on luggage organized. Let |
| excited to get your dream vacation started but travel | | | | the children continue to burn off energy. They can be |
| does come with certain stresses so preparation is key. | | | | the last ones to board. |
| The night before your planned departure have all your | | | | Most travelers are understanding to families traveling |
| bags packed and your itinerary handy. Its best to | | | | with children so its not a bad idea for your kids get |
| check in your seat assignment online rather than take | | | | acquainted with the other passengers in front of and |
| your chances when you arrive at the airport. This way | | | | behind them. If you have a window seat let your |
| all you need to do is check your baggage. | | | | children sit as close as possible to it and prepare them |
| Get to the airport early; you might want to consider | | | | for what to expect during takeoff. |
| having a friend or neighbor drop you off since parking | | | | For changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and |
| for extended periods of time at the airport can get | | | | landing allow them to chew gum (sugarless) if they are |
| costly. Plus you get dropped off at curbside saving | | | | old enough. For younger children this would be a good |
| yourself the long walk | | | | time to bottle feed. Swallowing helps relieve the |
| Depending on the ages of your children they may start | | | | pressure. |
| to feel a little scared. Between airport security check | | | | Depending on the length of your flight your children will |
| points, lots of people, and unfamiliar surroundings they | | | | need to have activities to keep them occupied. |
| could start to feel anxious. Get to your terminal as | | | | Perhaps another family who is traveling with children is |
| soon as possible allowing them to settle down. They'll | | | | sitting nearby and they can play together. If you |
| see other families who are traveling with children and | | | | brought toys along for the flight and you should. |
| feel more comfortable. | | | | Introduce them one at a time. Crayons and coloring |
| Most airports have a play area that your children can | | | | book are good too. |
| use to burn off a little steam and you want this. Let | | | | Keep reinforcing to them about how much fun they |
| them get a little worn out so hopefully they'll sleep on | | | | are going to have when you arrive at your destination. |
| the plane. This is also a good time to give them healthy | | | | These tips are no guarantee that your flight will be |
| snacks (non-sugary), take them to the bathroom, and | | | | flawless but it should make the trip much less stressful. |