HELP!! Planning for Airplane Travel with an Active 3 Yr Old

Invest in a portable DVD player and some new movies that he would be interested in. It can give you a chunk of time to decompress too. I also pack some new books and little toys that can keep his interest. We also have snacks that are just airplane food.... Gummies, lollipops, candies. A lot of that stuff you can buy in the airport, but I have gotten away with putting that stuff in my carry on too. it usually has to be sealed and in small individual packs. Call the airline and they can tell you what they allow. They seem to be less strict if traveling with a child. Good luck.

I know that everyone is going to give you ideas on activities and snacks but if all else fails Tylenol PM works wonders. :)

If budget allows I'd get a little portable dvd player and a new movie, a new coloring book, maybe an action figure, avoid anything with small parts because when he drops them they'll probably roll and be difficult to locate. They make little preschool video game things too that would probably work as well.

We always took a carry-on with nothing but kid activities. Sounds messy, but Play-doh was a great thing to have - we'd spend lots of time making animals and such. Markers, paper, coloring books, crayons. Favorite toys, things he can spread out on the tray and play with like matchbox cars or plastic safari animals.
Instead of thinking about the consequences, you may want to consider how to reward him for good behavior. It's much easier to go that route when you are confined in a plane seat. So, think of a great treat (something he really likes) and say that he has to act really good to get the ice cream or whatever at the next airport. Or, tell him that the flight attendant needs a special boy to set a good example for the other kids on the plane. Stuff like that. (Get the flight attendant in on it.)
As for snacks, my kids are 6 and 8 now, but I still bring dry cereal on snack bags. Not too sugary, like Kix or Cheerios so it occupies them but doesn't hype them up. Pretzels, carrots, grapes, etc. Just finger food.
And don't forget to show him the clouds!

Good Luck!

I agree with everyone else!! I also suggest sticker books! I am selling Usborne Books and they have (among tons of other books) really cool sticker books - farm/diggers/3 little pigs... If you want to check them go here: www.ubah.com/A3442. You can order them online. Feel free to contact me with any questions. The OTHER thing I did when my little one flew was to get a toy airplane to take along!! Walmart had one and he thought that was so cool! Good luck and have fun!! Make sure you are both rested before you go so you aren't "stressed" about it because he'll pick up on it and behave accordingly! Have a great trip!!!

Hello C.! I understand your concern traveling with a three year old. I honestly am not sure about the current regulations, but I would definitely make one of my carry on a entertainment bag for your son. I would throw in coloring books, maybe playdough (I would maybe bring one color and some shapes/ playdough keeps my daughter busy for hours) Some drug stores carry little books with special paint brushes called WOW brushes. You add water and they "paint" the picture. Once the page dries, the colors go away and he can "paint" them all over again--no mess and endless entertainment. If you have a portable DVD player I would bring that and some of his favorite movies. I would pack anything that isn't loud or messy to entertain without getting him excited. For discipline I would reccomend first trying to explain to him that we gave to be very very quiet in the plane because some people are sleeping. I find with my daughter that the calmer I stay the calmer she is. So when discipline her if I calmly explain to her without using harsh tones she is less defiant and calmer. Often taking them out of the situation helps. I would know where the restroom is at all times! Hope you have a good trip!

We fly a lot and our son has been flying since 3 months old. By far, the best thing we've found is a portable DVD player. You can use headphones if you like so you don't have to listen. You can re-charge the battery on your layover. I always bring 1-2 favorite movies and a brand new one. My son is especially fond of kids' music videos (Laurie Berkner, Billy Jonas, School House Rock) and some Disney (Cars, Robots, Bugs Life). You can pick up some cheap small things at Walmart or Dollar stores like play flip phones, etc., and keep a small bag of new things to keep his attention. My son also loves a suction cup ball to stick to the plane window and mardi gras beads to hang on it and decorate.

We also LOVE our harness from www.kidsflysafe.com. It's airplane approved and provides a 4-point harness to help keep him in his seat. You might want to check it out. That way you don't have to bring a carseat on the plane, but still have more safety than a simple seatbelt. And the harness will fold up tiny and fit in a purse. Have fun!

Coloring books, small toys,and music/videos are all good ideas.
Also, keep in mind that he can get up and walk to stretch his legs once the seat belt light goes off - you'll just need to get up with him to make sure he doesn't bother other passengers.
If he does have a meltdown, the only thing I can think of for you to do is hold him in your lap until it's over. No one likes traveling with a crying child, but the reality is that all children cry sometimes, and you just do what you can to deal with it if it happens.
As for snacks, packages of peanut butter or cheese crackers are a good idea. So are dried fruits - if you read labels, you can find them without added sugar. Some dry cereals make good snacks - my daughter loved dry Cheerios and Frosted Mini-Wheats when she little.

I fly to New Jersey once a year and my daughter has come with me since she was born. The best way to keep the child occupied is to have quiet games, coloring books, and let the child have the window seat. If you have headphones with music that helps too. Almost any hard food is allowed through security. It's only the liquids you have to worry about. You can buy drinks before you get on the plane and after you go through security so you don't have to pay for them on the plane. My daughter has held up ok on plane rides. It all boils down to how well your child responds to threats of being in trouble.

Hi C.,
Here are some things that we've used on the plane:

Bring a 1 or 2 favorite toys and then buy a new toy that you surprise him with when you are mid-flight. Preferably all the toys should be as engaging as possible (we have so far avoided electronic toys but obviously that's your choice).

Bring a few favorite books and then buy some new books for the flight. A favorite is Richard Scarry's Cars, Trucks, and Things that Go.

If he has a lovey (teddy bear, blankie, etc.) make sure to bring that.

Also, crayons in a zip lock bag and paper. You can draw pictures of airplanes, clouds, etc.

For snacks try raisins and whole wheat crackers (Annie's makes Whole Wheat Bunnies and Cheddar bunnies--very cute), I also like to cook pasta the night before and bring it in a bowl with a cover.

As far as meltdowns, well, they happen. Try to have a sense of humor about it and take a deep breath. If he screams just remember that a lot of people on the plane will be parents and they'll understand and for those who don't understand then at least you'll give them a good story to tell to their friends when the plane lands. Don't stress about it, the flight won't last forever.

Your son might also nap on the plane (even if he's dropped his naps at home). Airports are big, travel can be tiring to kids as well as adults. He also might be thrilled by the plane and you may find that the new experience is enough to keep him occupied.

Good luck and happy travels!
M.

C., You got lots of great advice to help with keeping your son occupied and I agree- the DVD player, toys, books and coloring are all excellent ideas. If you can't afford a DVD player, see if you can borrow one from a friend along with some movies. You can also check out DVD's from the library. My son is 2 1/2, very active like yours, and won't watch movies yet so we bring lots of books to read together, coloring pages and small toys. There aren't any regulations or limitations on solid foods. For such a long flight, bring plenty of healthy snacks and also try to eat a full meal before you get on the plane in the airport. I like to bring different 100 calorie packs, yogurt raisins, chewy granola bars, trail mix, stuff like that. Maybe even have a small stash of candy & gum if you get desperate! :)Don't forget to pack snacks for you, too! You can bring empty water bottles through security and fill those up before getting on your flight. Also, bring comfort items that might help him nap like a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
Your stress level will reflect on him so be prepared for all the things YOU have to deal with while traveling. Most airlines let you check into your flight online 24 hours in advance- do this and print your boarding passes! One less thing to do at the airport. You will still have to check bags but you will more than likely have booked your seats which allows you to choose better seats in many cases and checking bags is easy. You can even reprint boarding passes when you get there if you need to. Pay the fee to check all your bags so you don't have to haul them around the airport and onto the plane (except for your purse and his entertainment items). Also, less to worry about. I always carry a file folder with all of my boarding passes, checked bag stubs and copy of birth certificate for my little man so they are easy to find. Put any liquids you might have in your purse in a quart size ziploc baggie (this includes lotion, lipgloss, hand sanitizer) and pull out the bag when it goes through security. All items have to be in bottles smaller than 3 oz. Practice "going through security" with your son at home to prepare him- it can be a little scary for kids. Take off your shoes, put your items in a bin, and push it down the kitchen counters. Run the items under a make believe scanner and even "wand" him down. Make it a game so he knows what to expect when you get to the airport. Also, now is a good time to practice riding in an airplane when you are driving and he is in his carseat. Its fun to pretend and gets him ready for what is coming. This has always helped with both of my boys so much! We talk about how we have to be quiet on the plane and how we have to listen to the flight attendant and captain and how plane rides take a very long time. Also, how we will have to wait in lines to get on the plane and take turns to get to our seats. Once on the plane, ask the flight attendant if the captain gives cockpit tours or has any small giveaways for kids. Your son and him might just become buddies in a few minutes and this will also help with his behavior. He won't want the captain to come back and have a talk with you, right! :) Stay calm and don't plan on having much time for yourself. Sorry this was so long, but after flying with an active one myself, I've learned that being prepared is the best thing for both of us. Good luck!

How far away is the trip? Have as many practice "flights" as possible. Meaning start by sitting in a chair or on the sofa for an hour increase it by an hour at a a time. You can use a the belt from a bath robe as a seat belt. You will sit next to him while the two of you pass the time reading, playing travel games, watching a movie or playing a game on hand held dvd player or a leap frog travel just like you would on the plane. Fit it all in a backpack, snacks included.
Then see how he does.
If you need more help you can ask your pediatrician for a sedative. I STRONGLY URGE you to try it out a day or two before. I have a niece who bounces off the walls when she has benadryl and it is supposed to knock her out. I take dramamine for motion sickness. If you have never had him on a boat before either, you may not know if he will get motion sick. You may want to be safe than sorry and talk to the doctor about the right dosage for that as well.

The time to find out what does or doesn't work is days before the flight.

As far as snacks so long as it is not wet it will be o.k. to take on the plane. NO jello, pudding, fruit cups, tuna salad, chicken salad, dressings or dips or gravys. I take trail mix and you HAVE to buy drinks on the other side of security. Some good options would be dried fruit or nuts and seeds. My favorites are dried cherries, cranberries, raisins, banana chips, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, and almonds. Peanuts can be dangerous for other passengers with allergies and so as a courtesy I will not bring them on a plane, especially with so many other options it is an unnecessary risk.

If I or my child had a lethal allergy I would want the same courtesy and respect extended to me.

Airplanes and airports really dry me out, so I always have a water bottle. I find it difficult to stay hydrated and sometimes get bloody noses. They do not serve meals or snacks on most flights any more even on long ones and if they do you will need cash to pay for them. They are still serving drinks, it's about half a can over ice. That's why I have a water bottle.
You may also need $1 to $5 dollars to buy "special" earphones to watch an in flight movie depending on the airline.

When you do get a break at the airport find a corner or area away from traffic to play relay games to use up some of that energy or if you can find a ball on a string you can even play catch.

As far as discipline, all you can do is take away his toys if he doesn't listen. You must keep him buckled no matter what and if he is throwing a tantrum stand up and apologize to the plane and let them know you are doing you best to calm him down and that you understand they want him quiet. You will have more support if they know you are trying and you empathize. Yes, there may be people who don't care and are not particularly nice about it but most of them will understand.

You are going to have a great trip,
L.

C., bless you and good luch...i never experienced that issue...hope it works well. R.

Silly Putty! I have been keeping it in my purse for the last year and it has been a life saver. It is amazing how long my now 4 year old can be entertained by it.

bring his carseat! you'll need it when you land anyway and if you use it on the plane it'll give him something he's use to. he should know that when he gets into a car he gets buckled into a carseat and but doing the same thing on the plane he'll understand that he just has to sit there in his harness and wont be able to be all over the place either. also definitely bring a portable dvd player, some movies and headphones. and lots of snacks.good luck!

I would go to a dollar store or Wal_mark and get some little new toys and book that can be use on the plane . I would then put them in little bundles but not wrap because a warping them would cause problems when you go thought check in at the airport. I would give them to him a little at a time so he will have some new to interested him for a while. I also take his little pillow and blanket if possible so he can take a nap if he needs to. I would try some some crackers, make cheese. Also you can call the airport and ask they help on this. I had to take a plane in February the first one I had took since my back operation so I had a lot of questions the people in was