Flying with Our Two Sons Ages 5 and 3 on American Airlines to Cancun Mexico

We flew from VA to Cancun in November with our 3 kids , aged 6 , 3 1/2 and 17 months at the time , the flight was 3 hrs and we didn't take car seats. I really don't think you need to take them on vacation with you unless you plan to drive at all , even when we do plan to drive we check them in as luggage and never take them on as hand luggage , it's just extra bulk that you don't need.

Take some food/snacks on the flight though because it is really expensive to buy the stuff they sell.

http://www.bigbluetrunk.com/ourcorner/550
here are some ideas to keep them entertained.

They will not need a car seat. The seat belts are lap belts, so they don't need to be higher with the booster like in a car. Kid often have trouble with their hears taking off and landing. I have my kids suck on hard candy. Other moms use gum, but I not think that works as well. They need to be able to pop their ears. I have also used suckers, when my kids they were too young for hard candy, but it makes a mess, pack wipes. It was worth them, not going through the pain. Pack toys they haven't seen for awhile or that are new. Try to relax and have fun on the flight and they will too. Have a great vacation. We were there in Dec. and had a great time with our 2 and 8 year old.

I have answered a lot of questions like this in the past and you will get a lot of different responses regarding car seats. I personally think if you don't want to bring them, don't and you don't have to. It is a lot of extra bulk to carry and with both our sons, 3 1/2 and 1 1/2, we've never brought one on any trip. The oldest one will have his own seat and the youngest I am assuming will as well as I believe they have to after 2. Bring little surprises, cheap toys, games, lots of snacks. Bring books, coloring stuff, and maybe a favorite toy. They are both at a pretty good age for traveling so it shouldn't be too hard. With eating, playing, maybe a little nap if you're lucky, and a movie you should be covered. Have fun, it's really not that bad with a short flight.