Air Travel Tips

Travel by Airplane presents some special travel concerns. Here are some tips:

Make sure your carry-on bag is really a "Carry-on". Airlines are becoming increasing vigilant in sizing allowances for carry on luggage - Click on the Link for a great carry-on bag for travelling with children.
Book seats as far in advance as possible, ask for seats near the washroom or bulk head. Get a window seat. Seats near the washroom will provide some inflight entertainment for the kids and some distraction for the people lining up to use them. If the airline offers the service of prebooking seats, take it.
Avoid air travel if child is under 3 months of age - air quality has become a concern and young infants are more susceptible to infections.
See Special Tips for Air Travel if travelling with a Child that has severe allergies in Travel Tips - Children with Severe Allergies
Use a baby carrier or umbrella stroller (check with airline for instructions on boarding and storage)
Space is limited in what you can bring with you, so pack carefully
Tell your children what to expect, what you expect of them and to respect other passengers. Don't let them kick other seats and ask them to use their quite inside voices on the plane.
Supervise your children when using washrooms on the airplane and in the airport - see Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms
If your kids are old enough give them a watch with a timer and they can time the flight and calculate how much time is left.
Dress comfortably and take an extra change of clothes for each kid. If you are flying to a warm destination, put shorts and a t-shirt under a track suit. This makes the holiday fun and provides a distraction when it is time to change. Have a extra bag inside your carryon to put the clothes in.
book your children's meal well in advance but pass on ordering hamburgers, even if your kids really like them, just in case they aren't cooked thoroughly.
always bring lots of crackers or bread with you just in case - filler foods
Seriously consider purchasing a seat for children under two years of age, even if the airline doesn't require a seat and if you buy a seat and/or your child is under five, consider taking a car seat. Clear air turbulence can happen at any time when you least expect it. See Tips on Flying with Children and Car Seats from the National Safe Kids Campaign
Some airlines offer skycots that can be used in the bulk head. The will fit infants up to 20 pounds and 28 inches in length. If you want to use one, book it well in advance, however, we recommend a car seat as they are much safer and you don't need to disturb your child for landing until necessary.
check to see it is an approved seat. See Airplane Safety News Article for more information about seats on airplanes.
Click on the following to view Car Travel Safety Tips:
Take a favourite blanket or toy
If possible, book travel times for nap times and you might get some rest or be able to watch the movie
Books take up little space but can occupy a mind for a long time - see Kids Travel Products - Books for Children
For additional suggestions for travel activities:

Ask attendants if the airline offers any surprises for kids
Take walks through the plane to relieve boredom.
Ask for a drink for the kids about a half an hour before landing and then hit the washrooms
To help avoid pain in children's ears from air pressure, have children drink or chew during take off and landing, or have small children eat crackers.

For more travel tips go to www.flyingwithkids.com.

All Tips are offered as suggestions only

While we have tried to provide you with a list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t think of everything and it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children’s safety.