I have a feeling this will be the first of a couple of “traveling with kids” posts that I will write. Since we recently did a 6 hour flight from AZ to NYC, I wanted to share some tips and observations from this time around. Luckily I had Kimball with me and we had a non-stop flight that wasn’t too long, so the odds were in our favor.
For this specific flight, I wanted to stay away from screens. I knew Elle would be excited to be on a plane so I didn’t want a screen to rob her of the experience (she tends to get pretty into whatever she is watching). Now had this been a 20 hour flight, we all know screens would be used to their fullest potential an hour into the trip. Survival mode kicks in the moment you buy those tickets;). But for this mere 6 hour trip, I knew it wouldn’t be a problem. So, no ipad, iphone, or airplane tv distracted our 2 1/2 year old during this flight.
Tips for a medium long flight with 2 kids:
- Gate check your stroller! I learned the hard way that all airports don’t have this service, but it makes a huge difference if you can take advantage of it where they do.
- As little carryon items as possible (less is more!)
- Do not board early! I have heard many other people suggest the opposite, but it is my opinion that letting them run/crawl around at the gate those extra 20 minutes, matters! The less time spent on the plane, the better! If the seats are assigned, it really doesn’t take that long to get on the plane. Not sure why they always want families on first. We always board last!
- Let the toddler get the window seat! I know we all want it, but give it up! Easy entertainment throughout the whole flight.
- Keep the trash! I was very surprised at how long Elle stayed entertained with the little straws they give you. She had two that she kept sticking in every little space she could find. Then she moved on to the empty cups, ice cubes, making flags with the napkins…endless possibilities for a creative mind.
- Bring baby wearing (wrap/ergo) I wasn’t sure how Alice (9 months at the time) would do, and if she would nap during our flight. But I did know that if she was in the ergo I would have a much greater chance of her sleeping. And it worked! Because of turbulence I wasn’t able to walk around with her. But she still fell asleep just from being in the ergo, while I was sitting down. She knew she couldn’t move around or get down, so she settled. Wearing your baby as we all know, also lets you move around more freely. Obviously helpful anywhere you are.
- Wrap snacks and old toys (and possibly new ones) I have done this many times and it’s such a great idea. It doesn’t have to be new toys for it to be a fun activity. Part of the fun is the process of opening. And finding some crackers or cucumber sticks can be surprisingly exciting. I throw in a new book or an easy puzzel occasionally, among some of their own books I know they like.
- Bring a lot of snacks! No one wants to deal with grumpy kids, and especially not on a plane. So lets just avoid it shall we:)
Overall this flight was a success for us and the kids did surprisingly well. When the “unexpected” happens (meltdowns/blowouts/whining) I always keep in mind that we all have the same right to be on this plane. And before you know it, it will be over. People are usually nicer than you think. The changing tables aren’t as bad as you fear. And time does fly. So enjoy making the memory with your little ones:)