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Family vacations are a time to slow down our busy lives and create memories for a lifetime. But air travel with children can sometimes throw a wrench into the fun. Don’t spoil event- be prepared with these helpful tips from a (Mom/Dad) that’s been there, done that.

 

Schedule flights for the morning. Likely hood for these to be delayed are slim. Plus, your little energizer bunny will be ready to take his or her nap once on board. If you can’t leave in the morning, try to schedule the flight around your child’s naptime.

 

Shoot for direct flights. The chances are better that the child will slept for nearly the entire flight instead of having to get reacquired to a new plane. There is also nothing wrong with booking a hotel the night before instead of going straight to a cruise ship.

 

Get there early if your little one is walking. Let them burn off some energy. Plus, they won’t feel too restricted if they were mobile before getting on the plane.

 

Grab bulkhead if possible. If your infant or toddler will have a seat, go bulkhead. The rows are so narrow that when the passenger who is in front of your child, leans back- forget about it. Your tot who was very content in his own seat is now being knocked over and over again.

 

It is recommended that children sit in their own car seat during air travel even though infants through age 2 can fly free on an adult’s lap. I’m all for taking advantage of the airlines, however, if the flight is longer than 3 hours- I recommend buying a seat.  Happy baby, happy flight.

 

Security checkpoint- go through the family line. This is usually the same line as used by airline security. Also, follow the TSA guidelines for liquids and other essentials and you’ll be golden. Check it out: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children.

Categories: Tips