How to Explain Air Travel to Children
Air travel can be a challenging experience when you fly with children. Airport crowds, security checks, engine noises, turbulence, takeoffs and landings can all be scary experiences for kids. Children who have never flown before may be frightened or burdensome if they are not properly prepared. Take the time to explain the basics of air travel to children beforehand to help your flight go more smoothly.
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Instructions
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Helping Kids Understand Air Travel
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Explain each stage of the process to children before ever setting foot in the airport. Start by talking about where you are going and how an airplane is going to help you get there faster and more safely than a car. Make it sound like a fun experience so the child feels less apprehensive.
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Communicate the importance of staying together and having patience in the airport terminal. Tell them about the lines and airport security. Explain to them that they have to let their bags and belongings be reviewed by security personnel so that everybody can have a safe, happy flight.
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Fill your kids in on the safety regulations onboard the plane. Tell them that they have to a wear a seat belt, just like in the car. Explain to them that it helps the captain of the plane fly better if they keep quiet and stay in their seats.
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Make sure children know that the engine and landing gear sounds during the flight are perfectly normal. You can try drawing a picture of an airplane and showing kids how the different mechanisms work to help you fly through the sky and touch down at your destination.
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Prepare children for turbulence by explaining what makes the plane ride bumpy and why it is no cause for alarm. Turbulence makes many adults nervous, and it is to be expected that most children will be frightened if turbulence occurs. Make sure to pack some distractions to be used during the flight to keep children calm and focused. Bring along items like a favorite toy or a portable DVD player that you can use to distract your kids when necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider putting up a calendar in advance and marking the date of the flight. Put it somewhere the children can see, and explain to them that this is something to look forward to. Letting the anticipation of air travel build up for kids may decrease their nerves when the day finally arrives.
Never leave your children alone in the airport or aboard the airplane. Too many things can go wrong when kids are left unattended. An adult should be supervising at all times.
