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Viewing Top 10 Travel Tips for Flying with KidsTop 10 Travel Tips for Flying with Kids
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Start by checking out the facilities offered by your airport and airline. Then follow the tips in this article - which offers suggestions for travel preparation and for keeping children occupied during their time at the airport and on the flight. By Paula Garrett If traveling on public transport is a nightmare with children, how bad can it be when flying with young children or a baby? Yes, air travel with kids can seem daunting, but the secret is to be prepared. Start by checking out the facilities offered by your airport and airline, and follow the advice below, which offers suggestions for travel preparation and for keeping children occupied during their time at the airport and on the flight. 1. When booking flights try to book the seats at the same time. I've found it better to book two seats of two with two window seats, allowing the children to have a window seat each. It helps to keep them occupied while waiting to take off. Most children, especially the younger ones, are fascinated by watching the other planes, the luggage being loaded, and refueling. 2. Try to avoid changing planes and book a direct flight. If a stopover is unavoidable, allow plenty of time to change planes, allowing for delays and time for the kids to run about and let off steam between flights. 3. When organizing hand baggage, give each child a small bag with a selection of things to keep them occupied during the flight. A small cuddly toy, playing cards, and colored pencils are good. Sorry, but you can't beat an electronic game or portable DVD player. If your children love reading, allow them to buy a book at the airport; the excitement and novelty of a new book can keep them engrossed for ages. 4. Take snacks for the airport and water (bought after security), include chewy sweets for takeoff and landing. 5. Make sure you pack enough supplies for the flight. If you have a baby or young toddler, pack plenty of diapers and a change of clothes. Do not forget to change the baby's diaper before boarding. If you are trying to toilet train your child - give up on the flight and use 'pull-ups'; 'big kid underwear' is just not worth the hassle! 6. Try to arrive at the airport early, allowing plenty of time to get to the airport. Aim to leave half an hour before you need to, plan for unexpected delays, and do not forget about parking. If you are stressed because you are running late, your children will get stressed too. 7. It is advisable to take your buggy or stroller to the gate - most airlines will let you take your buggy to the plane's door and will then put it into the hold. It is a good idea to take an inexpensive, umbrella-type buggy, as they do get thrown about in the hold. 8. Book-meet-and-greet airport parking. This is a stress-free, time-saving, ultra-convenient method of airport parking, especially when travelling with children. All that is involved is driving directly to the airport terminal, where a driver is waiting to collect your car, get your kids and cases out of the car, hand over the keys, and walk into the terminal. The driver parks your car in the secure car park, and when you return, he brings your car back to the terminal for you. You just walk out of the terminal building, load up your luggage and kids, and away you go! It really is that simple. 9. Draw your children's attention to everyday life in the airport. Chat to them about what is happening throughout the journey. Even the very young find things we take for granted, such as checking in hold baggage and passing through airport security, fascinating. 10. Dress your children in loose, comfortable clothing. Kids are more likely to get irritable and complain if they are wearing tight, restrictive clothes. By following these tips, you should minimize the strain on you and your children. Remember, a holiday is for relaxing - so focus on the destination, not the journey, and above all enjoy your holiday! About the Author: Paula Garrett is an experienced traveler and mother of two keen to pass on her travel tips for flying with children. Check out the Heathrow Information website for more hints and tips about flying with children and up-to-date security arrangements. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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