In Flight
To reduce stress, get to the airport extra early. Get checked in and pass through the gauntlet of modern-day security specialists. Remember that everything gets examined, including the baby strollers and the babies! (Believe it or not, some real stunts have been attempted with kids as unknowing participants.) Make sure you collect everything from the security checkpoints. Do yourself a favor, and warn your kids that there is to be no joking around about bombs, weapons, and terrorists while in the airport or on the plane. Security personnel will respond first and investigate later.
Getting On and Getting Off
When you're traveling on a plane, you've basically consented to spend your time locked into close quarters with a lot of strangers. This, plus the fact that traveling makes some people tense or otherwise nervous, means that the best possible situation is one where each person considers the comfort of all.
Most airlines have a family-friendly boarding routine that invites those traveling with small children to get on the plane ahead of other passengers. It's a good idea to take advantage of this option, because small children and their accompanying gear usually require a bit of sorting out. You should be able to use an umbrella stroller to roll your young child and paraphernalia up the jetway. A flight attendant will help you stow the stroller in a closet, overhead bin, or will check it at the gate.
You should avoid the experience of blocking the aisles while a line of anxious travelers grows behind you if at all possible. Anticipate what you need to have handy, get the baby or kids comfortable, and hope for the best. In the same way, it might be wise to wait until most people have gotten off the plane before getting up to go. It will allow you more time and room to gather the kids and their items.
TRAVEL TIP
Make sure that you have most of the items you might need during the flight handy and stowed in a bag under your seat to avoid repeated trips to the overhead bins. Heavy items stored up above may fall out and strike a passenger down below, so if you need to open one of those things, do so with utmost care.
Keeping Your Kids Occupied
Attention spans vary with the age of the child. Wide-awake kids are going to need to be entertained, so bring along a broad selection of distractions. Activity books are great as are age-appropriate reading materials. And there are always the classic diversions such as the Game Boy, Etch-a-Sketch, and other solo amusement toys. A deck of cards can be versatile, and older kids might enjoy sinking into their own world with a Walkman or CD player. Of course, there's the in-flight movie and sound programs that may or may not be appropriate. Some airlines now feature individual movie screens with a variety of choices, including cartoons and movies for children. Whatever entertaining distractions you choose, make sure there is at least a small variety at hand, and be sure to ration them out throughout the trip for maximum longevity. Snacks are another great diversion, and you might need them for basic nutrition purposes if Junior rejects the airline food.
If you took a poll of well-seasoned travelers, most would have some sort of story about annoying child experiences on a plane. Sure, your little darling wouldn't think of pulling such antics, but just for your information, here are a couple of the common irritants that you should make sure your children avoid:
Seat-kicking. Younger children in their animated enthusiasm often like to exercise their body parts. This can result in the repetitive kicking of the seat in front of them, a practice that will guarantee an irate neighbor.
Peek-a-boo ad nauseum. Even a grumpy passenger will likely be delighted by the sight of a gleefully smirking child looking back over the seat and then ducking down. It's amusing up to three or four repetitions. After that, the cuteness dwindles exponentially.
Runaway toys, runaway children. Kids love toys like balls and toy cars. When they get loose on a plane, however, it can cause some serious distress. Between the child who lost the rolling item and the parent desperately trying to recover it, it can be bad scene. It might be best to keep those kinds of toys for another setting. Likewise, runaway children fleeing down the plane's aisle can be disruptive.
Bathroom Trips
Bathroom timing is a very important issue on the plane. Although it would be nice to get up and go at your leisure, the seat-belt sign is the dictator, and the pilot decides when it is safe to move around the cabin. Remember this when calculating your child's known processing time. Suggest or insist upon a trip to the restroom before you get on the plane and then at regular safe intervals during the flight. If the plane is taking off, landing, or going through some rough air, it's possible that a child will be unable to dash to the facilities. A spare change of clothes is a good thing to have in your carry-on bag in case of such emergencies.
FAST FACT
You can learn a little something about your fellow passengers by how they react to a crying baby on the plane. Those with the infuriated look have probably never had kids. Those who have been through the experience will no doubt feel a sense of compassion for the little one in distress.
Airplane Maladies
While traveling on a plane, expect to be in an environment characterized by cold, dry air. Be prepared with a light garment such as a sweatshirt or an airline blanket. And the whole family should drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. Never pass up a chance for some water or juice when the cart rolls by, but avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Some passengers, especially kids, can experience some nasty ear pain from pressure changes, especially during takeoffs and landings. Chewing gum, yawning, and moving one's jaw from side to side will help.
Some children (and adults) are very susceptible to motion sickness. If your child has trouble riding in cars, make sure that the complimentary white, plastic-lined “airsickness” bag is in the seat pocket in front of you. Have it ready to go at the first sign of distress. By the time the kid utters the words, “I think I'm going to …” it's often too late. The resulting mess and the smell can potentially bring on similar “sympathetic” responses from others nearby.
JUST FOR PARENTS
While you're monitoring the health, well-being, and behavior of your child, don't forget to take care of yourself, too. Dress for comfort. Stretch your legs, drink plenty of liquids, and take a walk down the aisle if you can manage it.
Jet Lag
If you're traveling from the West Coast, you're going to be encountering two to three hours of jet lag. From the east, it will be five or six. It may not sound like too much, but you might find that it requires a bit of adjustment for both you and the kids. While it may be 8 P.M. and bedtime for the kids back in Los Angeles, or 11 P.M. and bedtime for the adults in New York, it might be just 5 P.M. in Honolulu. It's often hard to adjust if your vacation is short, but take advantage of the opportunities. An early morning wake-up might allow you to visit some sights and beaches before it gets too hot.
