Your stress-free family travel guide
by Rhea Seymour
Planes
Does the thought of cramming into a crowded plane with a troupe of hyper tots and oodles of carry-on bags make you want to shy away from flying altogether? Try these tips to keep the kids’ spirits flying high and make the journey safe and comfortable.
Book the best seats
Flights are more full than they used to be so the earlier you can book, the better, says travel agent Kari Thomas. Ask for a break on the price for children and try to get a direct flight so you can avoid the mad dash to meet a connecting flight. "You’ll want to sit together so ask for your seat assignments when you book and be flexible — you may have to fly out an hour earlier or later to get seats altogether." While many parents like the bulkhead row because of the extra legroom, Thomas says sometimes the armrests in those seats don’t go up, your child can’t spread out on your lap. "Keep that in mind while trying to decide on a seat, particularly for a longer flight." With older kids, avoid onboard squabbles about who’s scoring the window seat by booking two windows in front of each other so one parent sits beside each child.
Discuss security measures
Children will have to walk through security without you. To make it easier on them and prevent any temper tantrums beside the X-Ray machine, explain how things will proceed ahead of time, advises Thomas. "And tell teens it’s serious business so they won’t make funny jokes."
Make safety a priority
Children under age 2 are permitted to sit in a parent’s lap on flights however the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that children weighing less than 40 pounds be placed in child safety seats. Bring your own child/infant car seat. The label should state "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts," says child safety advocate Debra Holtzman. "In order to fit on an airplane seat, the child safety seat cannot be wider than 16 inches. It must be installed in a window seat so other passengers are not prevented from getting out into the aisle."
Create a comprehensive carry-on
When traveling with an infant, pack bottles (which can usually be heated on board), formula and pacifiers — the sucking action may help relieve ear pain during take-off and landing. Bring diapers and wipes and a change of clothes for them — and you — so you don’t spend a long flight covered in spit-up. For toddlers and young children, be sure you’ve got a hearty supply of snacks. "Many airlines don’t provide food," says Thomas. "And even if you can see the beverage cart, it could take 45 minutes to reach you. Make sure you have water, juice boxes and snacks in single-serving size baggies that you can easily toss."
Prevent boredom onboard
Unless you plan to spend three hours singing Old MacDonald or chasing your toddler up and down the aisles, don’t forget the in-flight entertainment. Carry baby’s favourite soft toys and books and hand held games, iPods or portable DVD players for older kids.
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