Crying babies? Screaming toddlers? We’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be a terrible experience. It can even be fun. It’s all about the preparation. And that’s where our handy checklist comes in. Just “click” more, and have a great trip!

By Suzanne Robertson

Kid Travel Checklist

Crying babies? Screaming toddlers? Are you the family nobody in their right mind wants to sit anywhere near? Have we got some ideas for you!

YIPPEE - Vacation time! But wait - I have to fly with my kids! I think the writer Robert Benchley may have summed it up best, when he said, “In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children.” But don’t let the thought of traveling with your mini-me bum you out FareCompare has some tips and tricks to help you enjoy tantrum-free travel! [Ed. Note: Unfortunately, we can make NO guarantees on tantrums!]

Flying With Children: A Step-By-Step Guide

1. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE: Kids like the familiar, so you’ve got to work up a check-list long before take-off.

• PLAN A KID-FRIENDLY FLIGHT: Be sure to check FareCompare for the best travel deal and try to schedule a non-stop flight during off-peak times. Crowded airports and plane changes are the enemy of traveling families!
• GET THE KIDS INTERESTED/INVOLVED: Create a Vacation is Coming poster to mark off the days ’til the flight. Or go high-tech and install a free trip date countdown banner on your computer.
• CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST FLIGHT: Download photos of airplane interiors and point out where mom, dad and kids will sit. Some airplane manufacturer websites have a virtual tour of plane interiors.
• BOOKS: Go to www.amazon.com and search for children’s books about first flights. Going On A Plane by Anne Civardi is a good choice for toddlers.
• PREVIEW YOUR TRIP: Put together a “trip montage” to play on your laptop featuring photos of family you’ll be seeing or places you’ll visit. This way, kids wont scream at the sight of Uncle Joe’s beard and it will distract young fliers when they get restless or bored.
• KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AND CANT TAKE ON BOARD: Review the TSA’s list of permitted and restricted carry on items so essentials like sippy cups or snacks don’t get dumped. And double check for updates. For example, on October 1st, 2007, new restrictions were placed on remote control toys.

2. LAST MINUTE: Some common sense reminders

• CHARGE BATTERIES: Make sure batteries for DVD players, IPods or hand held games are powered up before you go. If you’re stuck in the terminal, a favorite DVD can be a lifesaver.
• PEP TALK: Remind your children about what to expect during the flight like loud noises, bumps and ear pressure (and have gum and/or small candies to alleviate the pressure). Be sure to have one more conversation about appropriate airplane behavior before boarding seatbelts are a must, use your indoor-voice and no seat kicking!
• PAYOFF: Kids will be much more cooperative if they know theres something fun at the end of a long travel day. Frequently hype the payoff - When we get to grandpa’s house we can go swimming!”

3. ON THE PLANE: There are really just 2-key things to remember when flying with children: distraction and sustenance.

• TOYS: Take along toys that get used in lots of ways this is not the time for a one-trick-pony toy. Play-doh and Legos are classic favorites that have lots of creative uses.
• NEW TOYS: Months before a trip, find a few tried-and-true toy favorites that haven’t been played with in a while and pack them away. Bring these toys out for something ‘new’ to play with.
• SNACKS: When packing snacks, think layers. Put a favorite healthy food on top, infrequent treats next, and super yummy special-occasion snacks last. Don’t blow your bribe treat before take-off!

4. READY, GET SET, GO!

• TIP FOR PARENTS: One final thought from the parents at FareCompare: If your kids lose it, you must stay calm. Don’t worry if other (childless) passengers are giving you horrified looks. The sooner you calm your child down, the sooner the flight crew can help you out!
• HAVE FUN: Don’t forget to have fun; after all, you’re building memories that will last a lifetime!