The flight was packed full of kids buzzing with the excitement of going to Disney World. Sitting on the tarmac waiting patiently for the airplane to take off, the air was punctuated with the repeat bings of the flight attendant call button.
Just as I thought to myself, “Oh great. Two hours of kids playing with the airplane’s gadgets.”, I looked down to see my then one-year-old eyeing the big red button with a curious finger poised on the ultimate temptation.
That was 9 years and 22 flights ago and since then, I’ve learned how to navigate airports and airplane adventures with children in tow.
7 Simple Rules for Traveling with Kids
#1: Give yourself plenty of time – You will likely be advised to arrive at the airport about three hours before your flight departs to allow time for lines. And there WILL be lines. Allow about 30-60 minutes in the airline kiosk to check your luggage and retrieve your boarding passes; 10-30 minutes in customs if you are travelling out-of-country; 10-30 minutes in security.
#2: Plan ahead – Know what you are getting into ahead of time so you can prepare. Remember the saying, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. For example, you will be asked to fill out a customs card so bring a pen. Security requires you remove your shoes and that includes children so wear easy shoes. You want to travel in comfort and ease.
#3: Do as much at home as you can – Try to complete as many of the steps at home as possible. For example, get a customs form ahead of time so you can complete it at home rather than standing in line and rounding up your children at the same time and check in and select your seats in advance so all you have to do is show up and drop off your luggage.
#4: Schedule your pre-flight potty break – Planes start boarding 30 minutes prior to the flight time; therefore, it’s wise to head to the restroom 40 minutes before your flight time to avoid a line.
#5: Know your game plan – Figure out your divide and conquer plan with your spouse ahead of time. Assign who will carry the passports, who will bring the kids to the restroom, who will talk to the airline staff, security and customs, and who will take first shift with the kids on the plane.
#6: Know what you have control over and what you don’t – You can’t control with weather, airplane mechanics or other people’s kids so why get your panties in a bunch about it? If twelve kids run up and down the aisle on the plane singing “It’s a Small World”, you either have to join in or turn up your iPod.
#7: Pack the favorites – No one knows your kids better than you. Bring favorite games, books, snacks, toys and blankies. It’s a good idea to throw in a new novelty or two to get you through a long wait. A few essentials are gum or candy for clearing ears during take-off and landing, and headphones or ear buds for listening to in-flight entertainment.
Most importantly, pack your sense of ha ha and Zen attitude. Bite your tongue during tempter tantrums, tell a joke during meltdowns and you will be on your way to successfully traveling with kids. I can’t wait to see your postcards!
A little bit about Sandra…
Sandra Clarke sandraclarke@clickthemouse.ca channels Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother every time she plans a Walt Disney World vacation. Whether planning her own family trips or designing itinerary for others, Sandra gives 100% Disney magic to every client!
The City of Mississauga in Ontario recognized Sandra’s knowledge of Disney and enthusiasm for helping others. Together they created “How To Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation” workshop. Sandra taught participants how to get the most from their vacation plus tips and secrets to make magical memories. Sandra is currently working on her book “Walt Disney World Planning Guide for Canadians” so she can enhance your enchanted vacation beyond your imagination!
Sandra’s enthusiasm for Disney World started when she was a child. Is it a coincidence that her children were born on Walt Disney and Roy E. Disney’s birthdays….or was it magic!
Do you stories about traveling with the little ones that you’d like to share? Share them with MOMeo and your story could be featured in an upcoming issue!
