Children, Toddler and Infant Flying in a Plane for the First Time!

Hi B., We fly at least once a year on a 6 hour flight with a 2 year old and 4.5 year old. Give them each a back pack filled with things they enjoy (toys, snacks(no sugar snacks). Leave yourself with free arms as much as possible so that you can pick up the slack. I have also found that the middle row is the best since you don't have the ceilings and walls at an angle. Good luck.

Give them each a small backpack with stuff they will like to play with and snacks they like. For the two younger ones pack a full change of clothes just in case, I usually put them in one of the bags you can roll the air out of so they don't take up much room in their backpacks. Before you take off locate the sickness bags "just in case", my youngest (age 3) does not usually get motion sickness in cars trains etc but always gets it when we fly. Make sure you have plenty of diapers and more if you still use them. I always like to get an aisle seat so that I can get up and down with the kids whenever I want and not have to worry about other people being disturbed. Are you renting a car the other end. If so don't forget carseats, you can take the one year old's carseat on the plane and strap her into it, I find that stops my little one from wanting to keep getting up, it's like the same rules as the car. I hope I have helped somewhat, we travel at least once a year to England (8 hour flight) with my five and three year old boys. If you need anymore advice just send me a message.

I think the advice of bringing things with you for the kids is always a good idea. Bring books, snacks and make sure the baby has something that he or she likes (favorite blanket, crackers, toys, etc.)
When I traveled with my boys now 4 and 2 I always liked to sit in the very back of the place or in the emergency exits (more room). That way I don't have to constantly keep them from kicking the seats in front of us.

The worst part for me is going through the metal detectors with the baby. We had to recline the stroller and put it up on the belt, take off all our shoes (including the baby's) All while still holding him. We always got the boys their own seats so then when we get on the plane the seat needs to be attached into the airplane seat (which is always a pain) It seems like we always have a long line of people waiting impatiently for us to get done (LOL)

And they will ask you if your car seat is approved to travel in an airplane. There is posting on the carseat that says so.

Hopes this gives you some idea of what to expect.

Good Luck!!

Just flew with a 4 month old and a 3 1/2 year old - portable DVD with favorite movies is invaluable. Aquadoodle travel board, color wonder stuff, new little treats and toys to use as bribery if going gets tough. The one year old shouldn't be a problem, just remember that the baby (and probably 4 year old - maybe special gum?)should be sucking on something during takeoff and landing because of the ear thing. A seven and ten year old can bring books, favorite toys, video game (DS?), IPOD, and aforementioned DVD player. Agree that extra clothes are important as well as generous supply of diapers in case of flight delays, etc. This saved me during nightmare return to Detroit from Montana this past weekend. Also agree that you should pare down carry on items because you will end up carrying some of that stuff. A backpack for you might be a very good thing to leave your hands free. Consider curbside check in and pay a porter to take care of your bags - definitely worth paying someone to take your load off even though it is hard to part with the money - it will greatly reduce your stress. Good luck - just remember to relax and give yourself plenty of time to get to airport/get to flights because your anxiety will definitely be passed to kids and they will react.