5 Tips for Flying with Young Children

Airport security, cramped seating, and limited entertainment can make flying a frustrating experience for anyone. However, traveling with toddlers and small children doesn't have to be all bad news. In fact, many small children enjoy flying. Proper preparation and planning are key to success. Whether you're taking a short flight to a state nearby or embarking on an international vacation, these five tips can help you create a journey that is as enjoyable as the destination.

1. Dress Your Child in Comfortable Clothing

Comfort is an important part of airline travel, and the right outfit for your small child can go a long way toward convenience, too. Temperatures can change drastically while flying, so it's important to prepare for whatever you and your little ones will face on the journey.

• Dress small children in layers that can be put on or taken off easily.
• Avoid complicated buttons and fasteners that could turn a potty emergency into a disaster.
• Have them wear slip-on shoes to make airport screening easy.

2. Plan your Carry-on Contents

When traveling with toddlers and small children, plan to have more supplies on hand than you usually need. Toddlers and small children need comfort and entertainment to get through the day. They also need to eat and drink more frequently than adults. A checklist for your carry-on can help ensure you don't forget any of these vital items.

• Comfort Item: Pacifiers, blankets, small toys, bottles, etc. can be items your child can't live without for more than a half hour. If this is true for your child, have their favorite comfort item in an easily accessible bag. If it's a pacifier, make sure to bring more than one.
• Snacks & Water: Your toddler's favorites may not be available in flight, or may be served too late to avoid a meltdown. Pack a few low-sugar snacks to keep your little ones from getting 'hangry' during the flight.
• Hand Sanitizer and Antibacterial Wipes: Children will come into contact with every germ in the airport and on the plane. Come prepared and wash frequently.
• Diapers & Wipes: A diaper per hour of travel is recommended. It's also not a bad idea to consider using pull-ups for children who no longer use them. Having too many supplies here is better than not enough.
• Air Pressure Rx: Changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and descent can cause ear pain that can make your child cranky. If your children are accustomed to chewing gum, chewing a piece during and after takeoff and during the last 30 minutes of descent can relieve the pressure. Sipping water can offer the same relief from the swallowing action.
• Plastic Bags for Trash: Children will accumulate trash. With plastic bags on hand, you can dispose of it without creating an icky mess in your travel bag.
• Distractions: Smartphones and tablets loaded with your kids' favorite movies can be a lifesaver on the plane. Be sure to invest in appropriately sized headphones for maximum comfort. Other supplies to have on hand include art supplies and hand-held games or a favorite toy.

3. Seek an Airline that Caters to Kids

All airlines strive to keep all passengers calm and happy throughout a trip, but some do better than others in handling child & family needs. This is why many leading airlines offer perks designed to keep kids comforable and calm throughout the trip. Before traveling, ask your airline if it offers extras like priority boarding for families, booster seats, stroller and car seat gate checks, activity kits, kid-friendly headphones and movies or free wi-fi, snacks for children, or other useful items. Some airports also have kid-friendly play areas for little ones to burn off some energy between flights. You can check with your credit card issuer for access to members-only lounges, too.

4. Book an Early Morning Flight

Delays make for cranky travelers, and this stress is doubled for small children. Early morning departures limit the potential reasons for a delay to occur and are often less crowded as well. This time of day is usually quieter at airports and on planes. As a bonus, if you start the day very early, your little ones might settle down for an in-flight nap which will limit the need for entertainment.

5. Talk About the Trip Before You Go

For children, a new activity can be exciting. However, unexpected experiences can also be scary. Begin preparations well ahead of travel day:

• Tell your child about the airport environment and what to expect while riding on an airplane.
• Explain requirements like waiting in line at security and remaining seated during certain parts of travel.
• Practice for the security check with shoe removal drills and pretend bag inspections.
• Share videos with your child that provide realistic images of the situations mentioned above.

Traveling with small children shouldn't be a daunting task you face with dread. It can be a lot of fun for the whole family. No matter when or how you travel, preparation is key to a happy and safe trip. In the same way preparing your children for a flight protects them (and you) from a day full of tantrums, travel insurance can protect you from unexpected disasters. Any time you travel, don't forget to protect your trip investment, and yourself, with travel insurance.