How to Fly With an Older Child

Taking a plane trip with an energetic preschooler or young school-aged child can be a challenge, but there are many things you can do ahead of time to make the trip comfortable, pleasant and fun for everyone.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Pillows
• Crayola Magic 3D Coloring Books
• Coloring Books
• Colored Crayons
• Inflatable Pillows
• Pez Candies
• Chewing Gum
• Granola Bars
• Trail Mix
• Airline Tickets
• Travel Toys

1. Ask for input. Even a preschooler is old enough to help choose his own outfits for a trip (within reason), and to suggest toys he might like to bring.

2. Prepare your child for the trip by explaining a few simple facts about flying, and by reading stories and picture books that cover the subject of air travel.

3. Lead up to the trip by discussing rules and appropriate behavior in advance. Make it clear that your child will need to remain in his seat unless he needs a trip to the bathroom, and ask him to suggest some activities (such as coloring) that he likes to do sitting down.

4. Try to prepare your child for the length of time he will be on the plane, in terms that he can understand. For example, you could tell him that a 6-hour flight takes about as long as the time between lunch and dinner.

5. Bring along simple, fun toys and games that will hold his interest. Simple card games for young children, coloring books and crayons, and "I spy" types of games work well.

6. Pack healthy, nonperishable snacks and drinks. Half-frozen juice boxes, trail mix or granola bars can keep a hungry child happy while he waits for the food cart.

7. Bring a surprise bag containing some new toys, a small amount of hard candy or gum (to relieve ear pressure during takeoffs and landings), and a new book or two; pull something new out of the bag every time your child gets restless.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a flight attendant or airline employee if the airline offers a kids' program; many do. If the flight is quiet, your child may even get a tour of the cockpit. (It's best to ask about this when you're out of your child's earshot, to avoid disappointment if nothing is forthcoming.)
• When shopping for small treats, check out your local dollar store. The toys you bring don't have to be expensive ' just interesting and fun.
• Be sure to arrange an emergency plan in case you get separated from your child. Tell him to approach someone wearing a uniform or a name tag, and make sure his name and emergency contact information are pinned to the inside of his clothes.
• Make sure you do a toy count before leaving home, then again when getting ready to leave the plane. This will prevent the inevitable fuss when a toy is missing.

on 11/22/2005 Parents, remember to tell your children never to hold a bag or package for anyone. You don't know what may be in the package.

on 11/22/2005 While traveling with my two children (9 and 12 years old), I find it very nice to have them sit next to each other. State a time when each child switches seats (usually, children like to sit next to the window). Firmly explain to them that if they start to quarrel, each child will sit next to a parent. Children find it very boring to sit next to an adult (especially a parent) on flights. Supply the older child with a number of snacks equal to the number given to the other child. If one child gets something the other child wants, they start to fight. Usually, the only food airlines give you are peanuts or pretzels. Half frozen juice boxes are perfect. Supply your children with small toys and things to keep them occupied. Some examples include: a hand-held game with no sound, or the sound turned off, (the flight attendants will tell you that you cannot use the object if it has a noise). For older, more responsible children, let them use your lap top for games and such. Books tend to be boring to even the best readers in your family, they may also cause a stomach ache. If that is not a problem for your child, and if they are missing school, have them do their missed schoolwork. Walkmans are great for any age, just pop in their favorite CD, and let them listen. Card games are fun, too. You can find activity books for the youngsters, and mad libs for the older kids. Do not promise your child a visit to the cockpit, some airplanes will not allow it. Dress your children in layers, such as a tee-shirt under a long sleeved shirt, and a jacket.

on 11/22/2005 Please check with you personal doctor before using this tip (or any tip concerning medications). I learned a great tip from my child's dentist (a military traveler like our family). Give a child one teaspoon of Benadryl two nights before the day of travel, again on the night before travel, and once more on the morning of travel. One teaspoon is good for most two year olds through forty pounds. The Benadryl will ward off minor problems from unexpected allergic reactions and heat sensitivities, and it will calm the child. It may make some children sleepy. Also, always carry Tylenol for ear pain or fever, and instant children's cold packs (like the gel ones) are great when feeling cramped and uncomfortable. For children too young to chew gum (or wanting to swallow it), things like Tootsie Rolls are good to chew during altitude changes.

on 11/22/2005 Giving a child motion sickness medication can make rough trip much more tolerable. It also helps them to sleep. But please, consult your doctor beforehand.