Flying Solo With Kids

Try these tips to help make your flight as stress-free as possible:

Pack smart:

  • Tuck a spare outfit for baby into your carry-on bag.  If you're still in the "spit up" age, you may want to include an extra shirt or sweater for yourself. 

  • Even though the National Transportation Safety Board has eased its restrictions on the liquids, aerosols and gels we can stuff into our carry-on luggage, certain restrictions still remain in place. Liquids must be in containers that hold three ounces or less. The limit is on the container, not the amount... larger containers that hold only an ounce or two of liquid will be tossed.

  • All of your containers must fit into a clear, quart-sized plastic bag that zips. Each traveler is allowed only one, quart-size bag, which must be removed from your carry-on and placed in the airline bin to be x-rayed and examined by TSA officials. The exceptions include medications, breast milk, formula and juice. Those are allowed in "reasonable" amounts and do not have to fit inside the baggie. To keep up with the latest info check out the NTSA website.

  • Take along some snacks.  Most airlines serve beverages but your kids will appreciate more to munch on than those mini-pretzels.

  • A "surprise" toy given out at the airport offers a nice distraction.  The novelty of a new coloring book with crayons, or a magnetic face with "facial hair" shavings will probably keep toddlers and younger kids busy from Phoenix to Chicago.  You'll save money if you shop ahead of time but, in a pinch, those airport giftshops that are notorious for their overpriced souvenirs, will usually have a few low-cost options in the toy section. Magazines are a great way to keep teens occupied. With a copy of Teen Vogue or Thrasher, along with an MP3 player, you probably won't notice your teens are on the plane.

At the airport::

  • Most airlines recommend arriving 90 minutes before departing on a domestic flight and 2 hours prior for an international flight (Check your airline's website for specific times.) but give yourself an extra hour or so.   It's stressful enough slinging around all that baby gear even when you're not rushing to make your plane.
  • All carry-on bags have to go through the X-ray machine.  This includes purses, diaper bags, backpacks, blankets, strollers, car seats and toys.  Use lots of plastic bins, to keep your items visible and zip up all pockets and compartments so small items don't fall out.
  • Tell your kids what is going on.  Reassure them that their shoes and teddy bears will be returned to them on the other side of the X-ray machine.
  • Although, Baby formula, breast milk, juice are exempt from the maximum 3-oz requirement, be sure to tell security about these things when you get to the head of the line.
  • Ask for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
  • If your child, or anyone in your party, has special needs, consult the Transportation Security Administration's website.

On the plane:

  • Relieve ear pressure. With babies and young children, a bottle or a pacifier is usually enough to ease pain and pressure during takeoffs and landings. With older kids, chewing gum usually does the trick. Make your purchases before you get to the airport since some airport gift shops don't carry gum. If your child frequently has trouble with pressure changes on flights, pressure-relieving ear plugs can be found in pharmacies and in some airport gift shops. Most recommend putting them in place about a half-hour before landing. Follow the directions on the package.

  • Bring out toys one at a time and don't swap out for another until your child needs something new to play with.

  • Let your child have the window seat. Most will be interested in the view.