This post was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.
My son was just 9 months old when he boarded his first airplane. In theory, I should be an expert. But despite the frequency of our jet-setting, I still find flying with kids a bit stressful. Just recently, the three of us took our first trip together and after a few minor hiccups, I thought I’d share my best tips for flying with kids.
How to Make Flying with Kids Easier
Whether you’re flying out of LAX or a smaller regional airport, aviation today in the light of 911 requires patience, knowledge, and compliance. But despite the amount of extra time it typically takes, the ability to get to your destination in a few hours is well worth the effort. Here are 5 Tips For Flying With Kids.
- Allow extra time…and then some! LAX is likely one of busiest in the country and thus requires extra time. If you consider the fact that you’ll have to park and then get to your terminal (typically by shuttle) and go through security (which can experience significant wait times), you’re easily looking at about an hour to an hour and a half. I always allow for at least 2 1/2 hours before our flight which also gives us time to have a somewhat leisurely meal.
- Pack only what you need. It seems counterintuitive when kids require so much, particularly when they are little. The burden of carrying too many items can increase stress levels while attempting to keep up with a child (or children) and all of that stuff. When possible, I pack the 3 of us in one suitcase and allow each of them a backpack for toys, books and other activities. Remember that you’ll likely have access to laundry facilities at your destination, and the worse case scenario is that your kids will have to wear the same pair of pants 2 days in a row.
- Anticipate messes. On our most recent flight, both of my kids ended up spilling their food. If it isn’t food or drink, it could be markers or any number of things they can come in contact with. I like to bring a pack of WaterWipes on the plane and keep a pack in our suitcase. These chemical-free wipes are comprised of pure Irish Water and grapefruit seed extract and have tackled everything from fruit and dark sauces on clothing to hands and even airplane tray tables. You can find the world’s purest baby wipe at your local Babies”R”Us retailer.
- Anticipate hunger. Despite eating breakfast an hour or so before we arrived at the airport, my kids were bordering on hangry. Perhaps they also feel some of the stress of travel and burn through those calories just as quickly as I do. I always pack a variety of their favorite snacks in their carry-ons to help satiate them when we’re waiting in the security line, attempting to board the plane or any other time when grabbing a bite to eat is inconvenient. Once you are through security, I also recommend picking up a few snacks for the plane, even if you’ve eaten a meal, since the options are often very limited in-flight.
- Anticipate boredom. Flying is defined by the hurry-up-and-wait phenomenon. In addition to packing a few of your child’s favorite toys and books, I also like to pick up a few new items. For our most recent trip, I scored a $1 magnetic bingo game that entertained my kids for the duration of the flight. If you are a technology family like we are, you might think about bringing a tablet or portable gaming device for the in-between times.
Despite the challenges of flying with kids, the rewards are immense and lifelong. Travel bonds families in ways that no other activity can. Exploring new destinations leaves kids with indelible memories and lifelong moments of discovery. Exposure to new cultures and foods teaches children to embrace differences.
“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
Win It! You can enter to win one of 5 $100 Babies”R”Us gift cards through August 18th, 2016. Simply enter via the form below!
WaterWipes Babies”R”Us Giveaway
Note: “I-C will randomly select winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes (5 winners).”
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Leave a Reply