There aren’t many more stressful, frustrating, and embarrassing situations than trying to parent your screaming child on a flight. Whether you're making a military move or traveling for fun, traveling with small children requires some effort.
Thankfully, there are techniques to help cope with air travel with kids and avoid an entire plane of people shooting annoyed looks your way—and a few things passengers can do to alleviate some of the stress, too.
1) Come prepared.
Make flying fun for your kids—an exciting adventure with snacks and screen time! Even the longest flights filled with Goldfish and Gummi Bears do not equal a lifetime of bad habits and tooth decay.
New books, games, and cheap toys that won't cause tears if they roll under the seats and out of sight are great ideas to help entertain traveling kids.
Some entertainment ideas include:
- Window clings
- Tackle box snacks
- Water wow coloring books
- Busy boards
- Sticker books
For longer flights, consider purchasing an inflatable footrest (if your airline permits them) to allow your kids to stretch out and sleep comfortably. Children’s melatonin gummies are a fantastic option to help your little ones ensure proper rest and ease the stress of red eye flights.
2) Give yourself time and more time.
The airport is rarely a quick exchange. Add dozens of suitcases, three kids, and a dog into the mix of travel for a military move, and you have a recipe for disaster, starting at the check-in counter.
There are some things you can’t avoid. However, you can significantly reduce stress by budgeting enough time. Plan for the worst-case scenario. Expect delays and prepare to extend your travel day by showing up well before you need to, to avoid missing a flight.
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3) Accept help when it's offered.
Childcare is not part of the flight attendant's job description. That said, it's not uncommon for them to show interest in your kiddo. If they're willing to pop over and talk to your kids for a minute or take them on the lap through the cabin, welcome the assistance. Sometimes, all kids need is a change of scenery or a new face for a minute to reset.
If you’re the one flying without added parental responsibility, sometimes all you have to do is offer a smile. It’s enough to catch a child’s attention, and a friendly face to a struggling parent eases stress for people-pleasers, making it easier to stay calm and parent more effectively.
4) Be respectful of others traveling.
Respecting your fellow passengers when you're traveling with kids goes a long way toward earning their patience. Reminding your kids to keep their feet off the seat in front of them and use their inside voice teaches good etiquette and communicates to those around you that you value their comfort and space. If you do your best, people will usually recognize it.
On the other hand, if you see a parent struggling to get their kids settled into their seats, offer to stow their luggage or distract the toddler with a little peekaboo game through the seats so the mom and dad can get things sorted.
5) Ask to trade seats.
More often than people realize, airlines split parent’s and children's seat assignments. While it can be a welcome break for tired parents, it doesn’t always work well, especially with small children.
If you find yourself in this predicament, remember that other passengers do not have to accommodate, so leave any entitlement you feel at the door. Be gracious, explain the situation, and ask them if they will switch seats to allow you and your child to sit together.
6) Pack noise-canceling headphones.
Most people have them, but noise-canceling headphones are the way to go. They offer a peaceful oasis from an upset toddler, give parents a mental break, and show other overstimulated parents that you’re not bothered by the chaos. They’re a win-win.
If you come prepared, bring all the toys, offer every kind of candy, budget all the time in the world, and your children still struggle to sit calmly without drawing attention to themselves (and you), remember, the plane will land. It doesn't matter how bad it is, it will end. And you will learn something new to help the next time be easier.
