When it comes to flying with
kids, preparing in advance can really help make your trip easier. Obviously it's
impossible to plan and prepare for everything, but some forethought can
definitely save you lots of trouble.
Here are 10 things, large and small, to do before traveling with your kids that will help make your trip go more smoothly:
Tag your luggage, a great deal
Most airlines provide luggage tags that you could put your name and contact info on at the airport, usually in the check-in counter. However, it's a good idea also to put some more permanent luggage tags on each bit of luggage, and also put a sticker or tag together with your information inside each bag too.
Request kids' meals in advance
On long-haul flights, some airlines still offer free meal service, and lots of do have kids' meals possibilities. These usually feature foods which are a little more "fun" for kids, and also simpler to eat. Check with your airline what options they've: some even offer special meals for babies! Find out more here: Flying with kids: about kids' meals.
Ask for a cot
This really is one of those tips I keep mentioning since it is just too good to miss out on. If you are traveling with an infant, do ask your airline when they provide cots (also called bassinets) aboard. These are usually free of charge and provided to passengers on a first-come, first-served basis. Your child gets a bed on the plane, and also you get to have your hands free much more. My old blog-post Flying with infants: about cots & bassinets, has more information.
Ready your kids
Some suggestions: talk to your kids concerning the trip and what will happen in the airport (security checks for instance); and on the plane (take-off and landing, wearing seat belts, and so on). Read about airplanes and airports. Discuss how they will be expected to behave: no kicking seats, no playing around while going through security, etc. In my opinion, even young children can really take advantage of this kind of preparation.
Get your paperwork so as
Make sure everyone has a valid passport if you are traveling abroad. If you're a single parent going with your kids, you should also have a letter in the other custodial parent, just in case you're requested this by immigration. Unfortunately, child abductions do happen, and authorities in lots of countries might want to make sure you are permitted to take your kids out of the country. This text has more information, including a connect to a sample consent-letter.
Put together your travel pharmacy
Bring whatever prescription drugs your child uses, and also some other basic supplies like pain reliever, decongestant and anti-nausea medication. To obtain through security faster, be sure you follow the rules for bringing liquids aboard. Basically this means that liquid medications ought to be in 3 ounces/100 ml containers, and you can fit them all right into a 1 quart/1 litre clear, ziploc-type plastic bag. Ideas on what to bring can be found here.
Consider what clothes you really need to bring
When you are packing, it's easy to bring an excessive amount of, especially when you're packing for children (at least that's my own experience). Attempt to only bring stuff you know your children will wear. Anything they seldom wear at home (even if it's nice!), often will stay at home. If you will have quick access to laundry facilities in your trip, you can bring much less as well.
Keep copies of important numbers
I have a hard-copy of my phone numbers, e-ticket numbers, account numbers, and assorted passwords beside me when I travel. (A small address book will the trick.) This is just in case your phone (where the majority of us keep essential contact information) gets stolen or broken in your trip. Another option is to email information to yourself so you can can get on that way if needed.
Get your cell-phone travel-ready
If you are traveling out of country, it is a excellent idea to check with your provider what calls and texts can cost you while you're away. Data usage is generally very expensive, and you might just want to disable that altogether while you are away. More tips for how you can travel with your cell-phone (without it costing a lot of money!) can be found in this post.
Check with your airline about child car seats and strollers
If you're thinking of bringing a stroller or child car seat on your flight, it is definitely smart to check with your airline in advance. Different airlines can have completely different policies when it comes to what you get to create on board, and what you have to seek advice from your luggage. Knowing what goes before you decide to travel can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Here are 10 things, large and small, to do before traveling with your kids that will help make your trip go more smoothly:
Tag your luggage, a great deal
Most airlines provide luggage tags that you could put your name and contact info on at the airport, usually in the check-in counter. However, it's a good idea also to put some more permanent luggage tags on each bit of luggage, and also put a sticker or tag together with your information inside each bag too.
Request kids' meals in advance
On long-haul flights, some airlines still offer free meal service, and lots of do have kids' meals possibilities. These usually feature foods which are a little more "fun" for kids, and also simpler to eat. Check with your airline what options they've: some even offer special meals for babies! Find out more here: Flying with kids: about kids' meals.
Ask for a cot
This really is one of those tips I keep mentioning since it is just too good to miss out on. If you are traveling with an infant, do ask your airline when they provide cots (also called bassinets) aboard. These are usually free of charge and provided to passengers on a first-come, first-served basis. Your child gets a bed on the plane, and also you get to have your hands free much more. My old blog-post Flying with infants: about cots & bassinets, has more information.
Ready your kids
Some suggestions: talk to your kids concerning the trip and what will happen in the airport (security checks for instance); and on the plane (take-off and landing, wearing seat belts, and so on). Read about airplanes and airports. Discuss how they will be expected to behave: no kicking seats, no playing around while going through security, etc. In my opinion, even young children can really take advantage of this kind of preparation.
Get your paperwork so as
Make sure everyone has a valid passport if you are traveling abroad. If you're a single parent going with your kids, you should also have a letter in the other custodial parent, just in case you're requested this by immigration. Unfortunately, child abductions do happen, and authorities in lots of countries might want to make sure you are permitted to take your kids out of the country. This text has more information, including a connect to a sample consent-letter.
Put together your travel pharmacy
Bring whatever prescription drugs your child uses, and also some other basic supplies like pain reliever, decongestant and anti-nausea medication. To obtain through security faster, be sure you follow the rules for bringing liquids aboard. Basically this means that liquid medications ought to be in 3 ounces/100 ml containers, and you can fit them all right into a 1 quart/1 litre clear, ziploc-type plastic bag. Ideas on what to bring can be found here.
Consider what clothes you really need to bring
When you are packing, it's easy to bring an excessive amount of, especially when you're packing for children (at least that's my own experience). Attempt to only bring stuff you know your children will wear. Anything they seldom wear at home (even if it's nice!), often will stay at home. If you will have quick access to laundry facilities in your trip, you can bring much less as well.
Keep copies of important numbers
I have a hard-copy of my phone numbers, e-ticket numbers, account numbers, and assorted passwords beside me when I travel. (A small address book will the trick.) This is just in case your phone (where the majority of us keep essential contact information) gets stolen or broken in your trip. Another option is to email information to yourself so you can can get on that way if needed.
Get your cell-phone travel-ready
If you are traveling out of country, it is a excellent idea to check with your provider what calls and texts can cost you while you're away. Data usage is generally very expensive, and you might just want to disable that altogether while you are away. More tips for how you can travel with your cell-phone (without it costing a lot of money!) can be found in this post.
Check with your airline about child car seats and strollers
If you're thinking of bringing a stroller or child car seat on your flight, it is definitely smart to check with your airline in advance. Different airlines can have completely different policies when it comes to what you get to create on board, and what you have to seek advice from your luggage. Knowing what goes before you decide to travel can save you a lot of time and trouble.
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