Hints for Flying with 3 Kids

Get a Magna-Doodle! It let's the kids draw forever without worrying about dropping crayons in tight quarters.

We just did the same trip in May. We were lucky to have a direct flight to Baltimore, then to VA (my parents), then to Nags Head NC. It was so much fun. My kids are 3 and twins 9 months. I was really worried but it wasn't too bad. My 3 year old was the hardest. A little young to read to herself and do the activities in coloring books on her own. I did bring a sippy cup for her drinks. She tried and was really good. The twins had binkies and food. I brought a few toys but they really only one played with one toy each. I would say healthy but fun snacks. We don't have electronic toys-but my niece and nephew use those to pass the time. Enjoy the trip.

Hi R.,

I am a travel agent as well as a mom and grandmother. I have a whole article on my website as to how to fly with children.

Here are the tips, sorry it is so long, but this is a big subject as far as I'm concerned.

1. Check in for your flights online the day before you travel. Most (if not all) of the airlines now have online checkin 24 hours prior to flight departure. This will eliminate standing in one long line if you have someone take you to the airport or using the long term parking shuttles as you will be able to check your luggage at the curbside checkin. Be prepared for this curbside check as the airlines have found they can charge you $2.00 per bag for this service (this may have been repealed in the last few weeks,in addition to the tip for the attendant).

2. Arrive at the airport 1.5 to 2 hours ahead of flight time. Yes, I know that when traveling with the little ones there is going to be some real downside to this tip, but you will be able to get through check-in and security with little to no stress if you arrive early. Take things for the kids to do in the airport or plan to get some exercise and tire the kids out by walking the terminals once you find your gate.

3. Make sure you have all required travel documents, and be prepared to show them to the airlines agent. If you are flying out of the country, including Mexico and Canada, you will need a passport for each member of the family flying. Domestic flights will need photo id. According to the TSA, you will not be allowed access to the secured areas of the airport without your ID (plus, if you are checking bags they will need to see your id or they may refuse to allow you to board).

4. DO NOT take any liquids, except those allowed by TSA in your carry-on! You are allowed one quart sized plastic bag per person containing 3 oz bottles of liquid in your carry-on bags. Exceptions to this will be:
• Baby formula, breast milk, and juice if a baby or small child is traveling;
• All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
• Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
• Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
• Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
• Frozen gels/liquids are permitted if required to cool medical and infant/child exemptions. Frozen gels/liquids for any other purpose are not permitted. Check Transportation Security Administration website for complete prohibited items list.

5. Be aware that everyone has to go through the metal scanners. If you are carrying your laptop (if you are on vacation, shame on you), be sure to remove it from your case. You must also remove your shoes. Knowing and complying with the TSA agents will make your progress through the security lines a lot easier on everyone.

6. Carry everything you will need for your children with you. DO NOT assume that there will be something to entertain your children on the planes. One suggestion, bring a new or unfamiliar toy with you so the children will spend time exploring the toy during the flight. In addition, bring their favorite snack foods. With the airlines cutting back on free snacks this might be the best way to make friends of people sitting next to you who aren’t too happy to see you with your children. If this is a long flight you may need to bring a meal onboard—check your flight information to see if meals are being provided. Make sure you have something for the kids to suck on--this is really important so that they can keep their ears clear--my daughter got a sever ear infection the first time we flew and I still believe it was because she didn't keep her ears clear.

7. Boarding the plane - If there are two adults traveling with the children, have one of you board the flight early to get bags stowed and everything prepared for the flight while the other parent remains behind in the boarding area giving the child as much time as possible before being confined to their seat. If you are traveling alone with your child, board as early as you can to get comfortable in your surroundings and get set up.

8. Car Seats vs. laps – Car seats are NOT required for young children, but the Federal Aviation Administration does recommend buckling your children into child restraint systems or a car seat. You may find your child is much more comfortable and likely to sleep if they are in their own car seats, however, realize that you will be required to pay for the separate seat for your child. If you do hold your child in your lap, avoid strapping both of you with the single seat belt as that is unsafe.

9. Dealing with other travelers – it is no secret that some people just do not like flying with children next to them. As long as you show that you are trying your best to control your children, most of these people are more likely to extend their sympathy. If the children are misbehaving, gently but firmly admonish them to behave and doing so in an audible way may win you more friends and make the flight more bearable. If you are defensive and angry it is more than likely going to annoy them more.

10. Check out the airlines before you book. If you can, book on one that has in flight TV or movies, or carry your own portable DVD player to entertain the older children. Hand-held games are also a great way to keep the children engaged and less likely to cause problems with other passengers. You can also check to see how long the wait is for security lines at the airports by going to TSA website.

When flying from Idaho to North Caralina with my children I always take a portable DVD Player with some movies. It has been a life saver. I take it when I have to go to the Doctor in SLC UT. I have to travel alot. My job requires it. But the up side is I can take my family. I also have a small bag with color pencils and paper or coloring books. Make sure if you do to have a pencil sharpener included. Make a list and check it twice. It helps. Even if you dont get everything carry on you know its there.

Hi R.,
Diaper wipes to keep hands clean, good healthy snacks, some with protein, crayons and paper, coloring books, tic tac toe is good when they are tired of drawing, if you have a traveling dvd player make sure you have a splitter box for your headphones and have 2 sets of head phones, gum for take off and landing helps with ears adjusting to altitude although not great for whole flight as people don't like to listen to kids chew on a quiet plane, uno for kids is a good game. Have fun,
SarahMM

My worry was to always keep them entertained. I have done a 41/2 hour flight several times alone with my two kids. (traveling for years now, to visit dad for work)
*New and unfamiliar toys
*Legos kits _for your 6 yr. old(my son was entertained for hours putting it together and then he got to play with it after)
* Mini play-dooh for the younger ones (be sure to put it out side in a seperate clear bag in the totes for security checks)
*I love the magna doodle also!
*Dress them in layers. MY kids got cold, then hot!
*gum! and treats Helps with ears, and also bribery to keep them quite :)
*IF you have a video ipod... Download your kids favorite movies/shows
*umbrella stroller you can take up to the gate (be sure to notify when you check you bags in- they will give you a tag to put on the stroller)
*Wipes!!!
*Plenty of rest the night before!
Have a great time! It's not that bad!
-M.

snack so important- and something for them to do..
Busy books are great or anything small that will hold their attention - sticker books are great too! Borders has some great ones and so does costco..

Hope that helps!
C.
www.AHomeCareer.com

Our kids have their own backpacks and we bring a coloring book, crayons (in a zip lock bag), one stuffed animal each. Then, we also usually have either a laptop or a portable DVD player so they can watch a movie if they'd like to. Each of our kids also has their own Vsmile. So they can play with those as well.

As far as snacks, we usually let them pick something out at the airport once we are on the concourse. That way, they get to choose and usually like it better! :)

Be sure to bring gum for the older kids to chew during take-off and landing - it keeps their ears from hurting due tot he pressure change. Make sure the baby has a bottle or is sucking on a pacifier when you take of and land. For the same reason. It will help alot!

Good luck-
C.

Hi R.,

I always bring a small, brand-new toy for each child. I surprise them with it on the plane. Last summer, my son played with spiderman and hulk action figures all the way from Denver to Detroit!

Snack ideas: raisins or other dried fruit, granola bars, goldfish crackers and Tootsie Pops

Other gear: sippie cups, baby wipes, coloring books, small Magna-doodles, books

Good luck and have fun!

love, P.

Definately gate check the stroller. Having it during a layover and for the long walk through the airport is a lifesaver. I also highly recommend a change of clothes for everyone in your family. Kids not only spill on themselves, they spill on you too. The change of clothes also comes in handy if one of your kids throws up on you. Yes - it happened to us on a very long flight. So, if any of your kids are prone to motion sickness or have weak stomachs, give them dranamine prior to take-off. Good luck and have fun!

Bubble gum and fanny packs for the two older kids. The bubble gum will help with ear pressure and distract them from hunger.

Some people are going to give you a huge list of stuff you "just have to have", but let me tell you this...less is better. You will usually pack more stuff for on the plane than you will ever use. Airlines will have child friendly snacks if you ask, and most of them will also have activity packets (coloring book, crayons, etc.) Just take what you would need if you were going out for the day...diapers, wipes, extra clothes for baby, stuff like that. The 6 and 4 year olds will probably be so excited about flying that they don't even need entertainment.

Hi R.,

We are about to take a 7 hour flight with our 3 year old son so I've been thinking about the same things (and you have 3!!). In the past. the DVD Player has been the best thing we could have! I also just bought at Walmart a Little Tikes "MP3" type player that plays something like 21 songs. I have also been saving Happy Meal Toys that I can just bring out during the flight...Since they are wrapped it will be like opening a present! The write on Magna Doodle was fun for my son on other flights. As others suggested, wipes, wipes, hand gel! Also, when my son was young and we flew I put him in two diapers..When one got wet/dirty, it was easy to just take that one off and the other was already basically on. Be sure to bring a changing pad to put the baby on as I stupidly forgot one once! Ugh! Books are always great to have..we have one that you can draw on/then wipe off that we got at TJ Max...also for your older children those books you use with that invisible pen..All that color wonder art stuff is good too as it only writes or paints on the color wonder paper...Enjoy your vacation!

For the older kids it is nice to have a travel dvd player my 21/2 yo loves to use it on the plane. Also take juice boxes they will let them through security as long as you have kids. My kids don't drink milk so it was really great that I found rice dream boxes worked wonders for my non dairy drinkers. We only take one toy, their favorite, and their blankets. Majority of our flights have been under 4 hours and I don't take lots of stuff such as crayons especially with the new charges for carry ons, depending on the airline. Good luck and have a great time.

Full time working mother of two a 2 1/2 yo son and a 15 mo daughter. They make me laugh all the time and I am married to the best husband and father a woman could want.

I used to fly several times a year before I decided to finish school.
Personal preferances play a large part in what you end up bringing.
1. The most important is to occupy their time
My kids and the other passangers always appreciated a suprise "quite" toy, coloring/activity book or game for the take along gaming systems. Not only did they think I was the best for thinking of them, but they remained occupied for longer than if they had to play with the same old toys. Even the little one can get excited about a new rattle or brightly colored crunchy toy or book.
2. Cleanliness is key especially they want a snack
Airplanes are dir-ty and hand wipes or liquid helps a bunch. Even wiping faces and hands can be refreshing and ward off the crabby attitude.
3. Food! Boys are hungry, right? Snacks that are croud pleasers are great. We brought new flavored snacks to retain their attention. Water is also great because there is less sugar to burn off. Try to keep meal times consistent with normal eating times. Some airlines offer inflight meals or snacks - at a cost. Expensive, but worth it. Bring back-up though.
4. Air pressure
Babies do not like the air pressure on their ears. Make sure your little one sucks on something, anything while taking off AND landing. When the plane is pointed up and pointed down to land. Usually these are about 10-20 minutes in length...make sure your guy is sucking the whole time. This generally prevents clogging in the ears and potential ear aches or infections for your trip on the ground.
The older kids, if not used to flying, may want some gum to chew on or a lolypop for the same purposes.
5. Remain calm and enjoy it! Sometimes if the kids are crazy and not listening to you, let the flight attentant remind them of the rules on the plane. Another authority like the flight attendant may be the key to keeping them retained if all else fails.
Flying is fun. talk to the kids about how fun it is. try to get them some wings from the captain and think of it like a ride at the park or an adventure.
ENJOY!

Make sure you have a bottle for the 6 month old so they have something for the ears.( If you use a pacifier that will work too). When I took my dd who now is 2 I would get those color wonder books for them to color. The snacks I would bring were gold fish, pretzels, chex mix something in that area.Have them pack a book there reading or a doodle book if they like to draw.
Don't pack waters TSA is required to take those and dump them even if in a baby bottle. I hope this helps and gl.

It is funny that you posted this because my husband and I will be making the same exact trip at the end of August with our 21 month old. You definitely need a DVD player with headphones for each of your older children. If you have a player with dual screens, you have hit the jackpot. Since they will each have their own seat, they will also have their own screen. The headphones are to keep from bothering other passengers. From frequent flying with a small child, I have seen moms make this mistake and be asked to turn off their machine. Always have coloring books and something to draw one as well. For the 6 month old have small board books as well as toys that don't make much noise. Your youngest will probably fall asleep on the plane as long as it isn't noisy. If you are breast feeding, try to sit in the window seat. You can lean and the baby can lean with you. Much more comfortable! For snacks bring fruit snacks and gold fish. They are small and compact for your bag and usually don't make much of a mess. Walgreens has a great spray hand sanitizer you can take, too. It doesn't leak because the lid doesn't flip like normal bottles and it is fun for the kids. As soon as you get on the plane ask the flight attendants for drinks for the kids. I have had wonderful luck with this and it also makes them aware of you. Happy kids equal happy passengers! I hope that helps. Have fun!

hello R., my mom-in-law was a flight attendent and she told me to have a pacifier or a bottle of milk (they will let you have it as long as it is mixed formula or breast milk not just water) or fill the bottle up with water on the other side of the gate if you give the little one water yet, and have your 6month old suck on something like that for the take off it will help him with the air pressure alot

When we flew to Mexico, each of my kids had their own little backpack that they packed special "things" in - hand sanitizing wipes, a couple of snacks, a pack of gum, one had her leapster, another had his DS, another had his ipod and PSP, etc... We also went to Target and picked a few things out at the dollar area that were small, fun and NEW - only to be opened on the plane! Have a GREAT time!

Bring toys and books for them that they have never seen before. I do this for church and it works like a charm. For your 6 year old and maybe your 4 year old, packages of nuts are a good option. Blue Diamond makes flavored almonds in convenient travel packs. Make sure they aren't allergic, of course.

wet wipes!! oh goodness they find ways to get sticky! and I take a sipper cup for my dd and put her drinks in that, when you hit turbulance they don't know how to handle that sometimes and the drink in those little cups gets all over, if you kids are too old or too cool for a sipper get the fun ones with a straw, take them empty of course since you would have to dump it but then you can put their drinks in that. you can take formula or breast milk in a bottle for your baby. I would go with snacks they are familiar with but think are a treat. also we always take a new toy or activity book of some kind that they have never seen before. yes on the hand sanitizer...after they go to the bathroom you will want to have the wipes and then the sanitizer...at least that is what I do! a familiar object like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket helps too. we buy my dd the little travel bears at the airports, they are all the same just different colors and have the name of where we are--we have traveled a bit with her--anyway that bear is "new" but familiar at the same time on her trips. we stumbled on that by accident. and she has a blanket we use in the car, we take that on the plane with us as well. a stroller is great getting through the airport after you get through the security check it is kind of a pain getting it through that but after that it is fantastic especially if you have a layover, and you can just check it at the gate when you board so that is nice. they give you a gate tag so you know you are getting yours back. I like to put a pink ribbon or something on ours as well because it is a generic looking black one. think of activities they like to do at home that are quiet, if they like to draw bring paper and pencils/pens or crayons. if they like to color I echo that crayola wonder where they only color on that paper...that was fantastic on our last flight but I will buy it at the store this time not at the airport kiosk! save some money. lol. my sister flew to Europe with 3 kids a few months ago (I know! crazy! lol but he was going for his masters program) she put together some "surprise" bags of things for her kids when they were getting antsy she would say should we open one of the surprise bags? it helped them get through. I am not sure what she put in all of them butI know one had a little puzzle that was likd a dollar from target. Good luck! we are taking our dd (2) to Korea next month...we haven't done a flight that long with her yet.

As a past flight attendant and a mother of six, I feel uniquely qualified to answer this:-D

Check with your pediatrician 1st. The thing that helped me most often was to have a children's decongestant 30 min b4 the flight and every 4 hours after that. Little children start to cry because of ear pressure. Snacks for sure! Take hand wipes and a spare shirt for yourself & each kid. No juices or sticky things in your carry ons, but you knew that with the new laws, I'm sure. Have the kids that are old enough carry a backpack or a small pull bag to carry their own things because you are so limited on baggage now.

I love graham crackers, beef jerky, and string cheese. Don't feed them soda and peanuts as they cause gas and bloating when eaten together. Flight attendants don't touch those:-) That also causes tummy aches.

Actually make a packing list. You'll be surprised at how it lessens your stress to check it off both coming and going. Make it early so you can add to it as you remember things.

Have fun,
A.