Fun Things to Do for a Three Year Old on a Plane

The DVD player is a great idea. Add the stickers, crayons, books and blankie & you're all set. Maybe pack on "mystery toy" to break out mid flight--something small & inexpensive.

And for you--might I suggest the in flight beverage service? LOL

I am usually not a fan of the hand held video games, but I advocate for them in these instances! Are there leadpads and such for this age range?

DVD player and/or smartphone/tablet. The DVD player has made my 4yo an awesome traveler.

The other items should help with those times the DVD player has to be turned off (or if she gets bored). But, truthfully, we tended to just use those times to eat snacks. So, be sure to bring lots of fun snacks.

Usborne makes dry erase "doodle cards" that my 2.5-year-old and 5.5-year-old love. They're about $10 and come in packs of different themes (animals, travel, etc.). I also make sure to have drinks (juice boxes) as it seems like it takes forever to get drink service and it helps with the ear pressure during take off and landing as well as keeping them hydrated.

Dvd player for sure! :)

Crayons, coloring books, deck of cards, books and lot of snacks. My daughter is not much into TV, so we don't have a portable DVD player, also she hates the ear plugs. I usually play some games with her on board.

Here is what my 3 yr old loved playing w/ on a recent trip to Brazil:

A caculator.
Playdoh...cafeful, could get messy, but could be worth it.
Angry birds.
My smart phone in general.
Some sleep...hopefully.
A tape measure...seriously, fun and they can learn numbers.
Teach them magic...foound a coin behind your ear...got your nose/thumb...etc.
A deck of cards.
A rosary...count the beads.
Books.

I would also recommend the triangle crayons- they don't roll of the tray even with bumps!

That’s what I have always brought for my daughter when we travel and it has always been enough. I would get the Crayola markers that leave no mess, I have found they are much better then crayons for traveling. Also bring some headphones for her. This way everyone else won't have to listen to her movies or shows. Only once I forgot the headset and the passenger in front of us asked if we could turn it down. I don’t like to carry a lot of stuff to go through the security or onto the plane.
I also let my daughter pick one small toy at the airport, she likes to look around in the little shops while we are waiting to get on the plane.

At three, my daughters LOVED stringing plastic beads on pipe cleaners while on the plane. They made bracelets for everyone we were going to visit, and it took up almost a full hour of the flight.

And make sure you try on the DVD players headphones for your daughter before the flight to ensure they're comfortable.

The only thing additional I would recommend is that you have PLENTY of snacks.

But three hours really isn't that bad. If the flight were longer, I'd also suggest one of those video game systems, like a Leapster or a game on your phone. My son also loved listening to music on a little MP3 player. But you should be fine with what you have.

Um, yep that's about it ... if there are any specific lovies or comfort items she can take as well that will help. Please remind her that the airplane is just like a car, she has to sit in her seat for the duration and can only get up to go potty. Bring some snacks she likes to munch on, make friends with the flight attendants and all will be well. My son is an experienced traveler he has been flying multiple times a year since 3months old, the ears are not a problem, the entertainment needs change as the years go by, but the rules remain the same. If you want to make the flight staff your friend make sure you go over the rules of the plane loudly so they can hear you are understanding of the situation and ask one of them if you missed anything. They will feel appreciated and respected, one of my friends has been a flight attendant for MANY years.