Air Travel with Kids

Air Travel with Kids

• Practice at home. Show them pictures of the airport, the security line, the airplane, and the final destination. Talk to them about check in, going through security, and waiting at the gate. There is so much to air travel than just the airplane! And of course, set up chairs and have them play “airplane” at home.
• Discuss the rules before- and stay consistent. Some of the rules can include: no running in the airport and stay close to adults at all times, “we are a troop, travel in a group!”
• Let them pack their carry ons- reasonably. Let them each back a favorite book, playdough, doll, cars, and crayons. Things with small pieces get lost easily, so edit their choices accordingly.
• Bring a change of clothing (or pajamas) in each carry on, and an extra sweatshirt. Planes are freezing! And spills will inevitably happen, so it’s best to be prepared.
• Pack snacks- double what you think. Make sure to include some protein and vegetable options; sugar high kids in a closed metal box in the sky is a recipe for cranky, over hungry, undernourished temper tantrums. Some of our favorites include hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks, crackers with peanut butter, snap peas, baby carrots, apple slices.
• Make sure your kids know their home address and phone numbers for adults traveling with them. Having a bracelet or necklace tag or a clothing label in a hat or sweatshirt works too for younger kids.