Traveling with energetic young children can be quite the adventure, especially when confined to an airplane. If you’re planning a family getaway soon, here are some clever strategies to help you survive the flight.
1. Consider Packing a Relaxant for Yourself
While the thought of using an antihistamine on your little ones might cross your mind, I’m actually referring to your own sanity. You might need some calming assistance if your kids start to unravel before the drink cart makes its way down the aisle.
2. Avoid Early Boarding
It might sound counterintuitive, but don’t board the plane until the last possible moment. Why would you want to add extra minutes of confinement in a cramped space? Instead, let your kids burn off some energy in the terminal. Think of it as a pre-flight workout session—who says you can’t get a head start on fitness?
3. Opt for Comfy Clothing
Everyone in your group should wear elastic-waisted pants. You’ll frequently be getting up and down, plus those in-flight snacks can be a bit much. Trust me, no child wants to be stuck in jeans when they could be comfortably lounging in stretchy pants. And speaking of comfort, avoid any footwear that requires lacing—this is not the time for shoe-tying lessons.
4. Choose Aisle Seats
If possible, snag aisle seats or politely ask someone to switch with you. Once you’re airborne, your children will likely be in and out of the restroom more times than you can count. And if you have a little one who’s intimidated by the airplane lavatory? Get ready to join them for a rather chaotic bathroom experience. You might earn a newfound respect for aviation veterans after trying to balance a toddler over an airplane toilet.
5. Don’t Forget the Wipes
Just when you thought you were done with diapers, reality hits—those wipes are crucial. After a few hours in the air, you’ll probably find remnants of every snack your child devoured stuck to your clothes and hands. A quick cleanup will save you from stepping off the plane looking like you just survived a food fight.
And don’t be fooled—while others may tell you not to worry about what other passengers think, you can definitely sense the collective dread when you board with your little ones. They silently wish for a smooth flight, and let’s be honest, if things go awry, you might just find a few glares coming your way.
Safe travels!