Flying with kids is no child’s play, but with proper preparation you can navigate the challenges and conquer the skies. These tips will help you buckle up confidently for your next family adventure.
Book wisely.
- Flocal! Consider using a smaller airport that’s close to home as your starting point. Rochester, MN dad-of-three Neil Moeller says his family prefers flying out of nearby Rochester International Airport when possible. The short, traffic-free drive from their home to the airport, convenient parking, and ability to breeze through security provide a calm and positive beginning to their travels. “It’s 1,000 times easier and less stressful to start at RST,” Moeller says.
- Pick good seats. Book seats toward the front of the plane and in a configuration that allows kids to easily switch seats or be handed between parents. “The biggest thing is to get your seating right. You need a little buffer if your kids get antsy and need to move around a bit,” Moeller says.
Plan to the max.
- Pack like a pro. Become familiar with TSA rules for carrying liquids, breast milk and formula, and use a carry-on checklist so you remember essentials:
- Snacks and drinks
- Diapers, wipes, changes of clothes
- Beloved comfort items
- Travel-sized first aid kit
- Switch things up. Rochester, MN mom-of-three Bekah DeYoung packs surprise snack bags as well as new toys and activities to hold her kids’ attention. Bonus pro tip: “Our kids each get to pick their own favorite kind of gum for the trip. This helps keep their ears from hurting and it’s a special thing because they don’t usually have gum at home.”
Ace the airport.
- Use airport amenities. At RST, there is a Books on the Fly free little library with children’s books along with free coloring activity books by the gates. RST also has three ‘Quiet Rooms’ available to nursing mothers and other passengers needing a quiet space. The rooms are private with a bed or recliner as well as private adjacent restroom.
- Board early. Your boarding process will be smoother if you take advantage of the early boarding that airlines offer to families with young kids. Airline staff are usually very accommodating about assisting families in getting on board and settled.
Two quiet rooms with recliners and private restrooms are available post-security.
Conquer your flight.
- Have these items handy on the plane:
- Tablets or phones with downloaded movies, shows, games or educational apps.
- Noise-canceling headphones to help block out airplane noise.
- Extra clothes for everyone – Accidents happen!
- Ask for help. Flight attendants are often happy to assist with warming bottles or finding a quiet place to nurse.
- Encourage movement: Get up and walk around with your child when possible.
Turn your layover into a playover.
- Explore the airport. Many airports have play areas, observation decks or shops to explore.
- Get the wiggles out. Play games like I Spy or Simon Says. “The main thing with little kids is just getting their energy out before a flight as much as possible… We try to let our kids run around where it’s okay to do that,” Moeller says.
You made it to your destination!
- Pat yourself on the back. You’ve no doubt discovered that attitude is everything when traveling with kids.
- It’s worth the effort. “It’s always going to be an adventure and not as much a relaxing vacation when you’re traveling with kids. You just have to go with the flow,” DeYoung says. Adds Moeller: “It’s not always perfect but you just have to roll with the punches and do the best you can. There can be a few hiccups but usually you are going to have a lot of people around you trying to help.”
