Flying and kids are two words that simply aren’t fun to put together. Many parents struggle with the idea of taking their kids, of any age, on a plane to travel somewhere. The reason being, kids often get bored on the plane. Flying around in the air, having to stay still and feeling turbulence can’t be very entertaining for kids. With that being said, you can make flying with kids stress free. Today I am going to share the 5 ways to make flying with kids stress free, so you can have a fantastic summer traveling through the air with your kids.
Make Parking Hassle-Free
Parking and transporting luggage to ticketing is probably everyone’s least favorite part of airplane travel. Rather than using airport parking and wrestling all your family’s bags to the terminal, use a convenient parking service like Fast Park. Fast Park is conveniently located near the airport and is open and staffed 24/7. You simply arrive, park your car, and take the free shuttle to your airline’s ticketing area. The friendly staff provide baggage assistance (my favorite part) and make the whole process seamless. I’ve been using Fast Park for years and am thrilled to share them with you as part of this partnered post.
During the “Summer of Fun”, Milwaukee’s Fast Park will be handing out complimentary FunTime FastPaks to families traveling with children. The FastPaks include a coloring book, treat and activity to help keep the little ones occupied.
Be Ready for TSA
Have your kids’ documents ready that are required for security check. Use the family lane, if the airport has one. Kids under age 12 do not usually have to take their shoes off, but consider having the kids wear easy to slip off shoes just in case. Using the family lane will allow you to be greeted by TSA agents who are more friendly and equipped to dealing with kids at the security posts. It also tends to have other families in line who are more tolerant of any unexpected delays that can come from traveling with kids.
Packing Carry On
Be prepared ahead of time by having your kids wear layers of clothing, this way they are never too hot or cold on the plane. Use a backpack for carry on and try to use one for all of the kids if possible. Include a small plastic bag for soiled or wet laundry because accidents happen with any age kids. Make sure to have favorite toys that are allowed on the plane as well as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal so the kids can feel secure when flying.
Play Creative Games
Be prepared to play creative games such as I-Spy where you say take turns “spying” something of some color. Games like Bingo can be created before you head out to your flight. You may want to pack a deck of cards, crayons and paper for those items will help keep kids entertained for a longer period of time. These creative game ideas will work when your kids are on overload from electronics you may bring to keep them entertained.
Always Remain Calm
Prior to flying with kids, make sure that you feel balanced. There will be mishaps; there may be flight delays and other things that occur that cause stress. Always remain calm when flying with kids so that they don’t feed off of your negative energy and have a meltdown. Deep breathe through any difficult times, kneel down to speak to your kids at their level and remain consistent with your expectations of behavior for the duration of the flight.
There you have it 5 ways to make flying with kids stress free. As you can see it all pertains to planning ahead, bringing the right items along with you and packing appropriately for the flight. Good luck with your adventures of flying with kids stress free this summer season!
robin Rue says
We fly a lot and I think for us the key is snacks. And lots of them. My kids get HANGRY so lots of snacks keeps them happy and me sane.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are such great tips. When my kids were younger, I made sure I crammed everything possible that they’d want into our carry on to avoid a meltdown. LOL
Bill Sweeney says
Creative games are the way to go when you fly with little kids. You HAVE TO keep them entertained if you don’t want to be the center of attention with a kid in full on freak out at 30,000 feet.
Catherine Sargent says
These are great tips. When my son was little I always made sure we had games to keep him busy. We played a lot of card games like Pokemon and Uno.
Liz Mays says
I think I’d have to bring a few games along. The airport wait isn’t fun for anyone and those delays can happen pretty often. I love that Fast Park will have those FastPaks for families!
Pam says
I never flew with my kids, so I wouldn’t have known what to do. These are great tips.
Kristin says
great tips! I always remember these!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
Wow! Fast Park definitely makes flying easier especially if you have kids. I think their package is going to help a lot! Activities will definitely keep the kids entertained and busy!
My Teen Guide says
I was the biggest worrywart taking my kids on a flight when they were young. Snacks, games and activity books were my lifesavers. Thankfully, I am past that phase. They are older now and enjoy flying.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
A backpack with their favorite toy or blanket would work for younger children. I always remembered to take something (a game, a book or activity book) that would keep them pre-occupied. Thanks for these tips. It is a good resource for parents with young kids flying for the first time.
Kelly Hutchinson says
If I am flying with the kids, I make sure they have plenty of things to do. We pack an activity bag for them.
Chei Pangan says
I remember the last time we fly was 2011. Don’t have much hassle during those days because I have my son only with me. Now that I have a 3-yr old daughter, omg! Thanks for sharing us some ways.
Crystal says
The entertainment is crucial for my kids. They’ve got to have things to do, otherwise it starts out our trip on a bad note.
Shannon Gurnee says
When traveling with kids, it’s always necessary to plan ahead. Being prepared, having snacks and keeping the kids busy are super important!
Mary says
You make it look so easy babe! Glad you’re all ok and really nice the way you’ve filmed it too 🙂