The Holidays are the busiest time of the year to fly and traveling with kids can make things even more challenging. Here are some tips to make the trip as smooth and easy as possible on everyone involved, so everyone will be in a great mood when you arrive at Grandma’s house.
Despite the long waits at the airport to get through luggage checks, Americans choose to fly when they have to travel long distances during the holidays. This may be partially due to the fact they may not have much time, but often travelers like the convenience of not having to drive to get somewhere.
Flying with your children over the holidays may be a new experience for you. If it is, be prepared for long lines, unfriendly people, and possible delays. Here are some ideas that may help make the trip more enjoyable for everyone in the family.
Make your reservations way ahead of time if you can. This will help you get the cheaper fares. Remember to tell them if any of your children are under two and will be in a car seat during the ride. In most cases they will give you a discounted fare for children under two. Be sure to pay for the seat for the young child rather than holding them in your lap to get a free ticket for them. They’ll be much safer strapped into a car seat on the plane than in your lap.
Pack as light as you can but include some of everyone’s clothes in each suitcase. This way if one of the bags is lost during your travels, everyone will have some clothes to wear, at least for a few days.
Take along books or games for your children to enjoy while you’re waiting for the flight and during the flight. Try to do your best to keep them occupied so they don’t bother other passengers. You may also want to bring along some sugarless snacks your child can eat if they begin feeling hungry.
Don’t let what others think keep you from flying with your children over the holidays. Do your best to keep your children happy and quiet during the trip, but don’t worry too much if they aren’t. It’s unlikely you’ll ever see the other passengers again, so don’t stress out too much about noise.
Try to use smaller, regional airports instead of the larger, international airports. The number of people flying out of the smaller airports is greatly reduced. Because there are fewer people, the people who work for the airlines will be less stressed and friendlier, as well. If you choose this route, be prepared to have to drive a little to your final destination. It’s unlikely you’ll get a direct flight to larger cities from regional airports.
Book your flight so that it’s a direct flight, if you can. If you can’t, try to have a minimum of an hour layover between flights. This will allow you to get something to eat, use the restroom, and get from one gate to the other before your next flight.
Flying with your children over the holidays doesn’t have to be traumatic or stressful, for you or anyone else in your traveling party. Use these ideas to help make your trip more enjoyable for everyone.
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