bestillandwrite Flying solo with a child, or multiple children is no easy task. We’ve taken several flights with our daughter, who is now four years old, and we’ve learned a few tips and tricks to make the process easier. Read below to discover How to Handle Flying Solo with Kids.
1. Pack Light
Check your larger luggage and only carry what you need on the plane. Things like snacks, activities, electronics and a spare outfit should all go in your carry-on. The less you have to lug around the airport, the better.
2. Get the Wiggles Out
Before we climb on the plane we find an empty area of the airport and get all the wiggles out. We have our daughter run back and forth, skip, jump, etc. We make a game out of it and she actually looks forward to this part of travel. Then when she gets on the plane she doesn’t feel so squirrelly.
3. Use the Bathroom Right Before Takeoff
When there is about five minutes to boarding, I take our daughter to the bathroom for a last minute potty break. If you have time, I recommend doing a couple potty breaks before getting on the plane. It’s not always easy to leave your seat and airplane bathrooms are so tiny, loud and difficult to navigate. We avoid it if we can.
4. Get TSA Pre-Check
One thing that has helped us navigate the airport quicker is getting TSA Pre-check approved. We don’t have to remove our shoes or electronics when going through security, and the lines aren’t as overwhelming. Less waiting is key when traveling with small children.
5. Pack Snacks
You can never have enough snacks on an airplane. It’s also helpful for kids to eat or drink something during takeoff and landing, because their ears will pop. Also, airport food is so expensive. If you pack snacks it helps save money.
6. Bring Activities
We pack a variety of activities for the plane ride, because I never know what will be the most entertaining. I wait until after we are in the air to start working through our activity bag. Things like sticker books, coloring, and toys on this list are helpful.
7. Save the Tablet
If you are a tablet family, we save the movies for a last resort. I find if we bring out the tablet too early then things don’t go so well once we land. There are flights when we don’t even need the tablet, and others when the last thirty minutes are spent watching a show.
8. Remember Headphones
Speaking of tablets, please don’t forget headphones. You are not allowed to play sound without them. Also, some kids have trouble with headphones, so I recommend finding a pair in which your child will feel comfortable.
Bonus Tips:
Other traveling tips I thought I would mention are as follows:
- Get to the airport a couple hours before your flight in order to be ready for anything that might go awry.
- Keep your wallet, ID and boarding passes easily accessible.
- Check any strollers at the gate. You will be able to collapse them at the end of the jet bridge.
- Utilize family boarding if you have a late boarding group. This is particularly helpful on Southwest flights.
- Talk through the day with your child beforehand, that way they aren’t confused and worried on the day.
Thank you for reading about How to Handle Flying Solo with Kids. I hope this information will help you on your next family vacation. For more helpful tips, be sure to read the additional content below:
What You Need to Pack for Winter in Disneyland
Mistakes We Made on Our 1st Trip to Disneyland
Helpful Tips for Bringing a Stroller to a Theme Park
If you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message on Instagram. Follow @gentryjourneys on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and don’t forget to subscribe below for new content every week!
Safe Travels,
