Flying cross country with a 18 month old

krissyh21

We are heading to California in July and I am starting to get nervous about everything now that it is getting closer and we are putting plans together.

Can you give me your best tips about getting through a week with an active toddler as well as flying tips.  This will be his first plane ride and it is going to be about 7 hours with a layover.

What did you do to keep him entertained in a hotel room during down time?

Also, will he need his birth certificate to fly? He will have his own seat. 

And I am assuming the "one carry on per person" means he is allowed one as well?

sasa625

The biggest advice I have is to pack less than you think you'll need!! Getting through the airport is difficult enough, and add to that 4 bags to deal with and it's a nightmare!! Is he getting a seat? I'm pretty sure that the carry-on rule is for those with seats. But you get 1 carry-on and 1 personal item on most airlines, so that should be more than enough for you guys!!

We took DD on a 2 1/2 hour flight and she spent most of it playing with her travel magna doodle (best idea ever!!) and eating We packed all of her favorite snacks and tons of milk, so she was happy with that. We also got tether things so that we could anchor her sippies to her stroller or the bag so that they didn't end up all over the floor. Same went for her paci. She loves to throw things, so that was a necessity for a dirty plane/airport. She was also very excited with the tray table. We got those stick on placemats (from BRU) and put one on there and she happily ate her snack off of the tray

Also, extra clothes for all of you is a must, along with extra wipes to clean up spills

We took lots of walks around the airport and let her out as much as possible before the flight so she wasn't cooped up too long. She is really social and loved saying hi to and watching all of the people.

Crayons, stickers, and books are other good toys both for the plane and the hotel since they are easy to pack. My friend suggested those Color Wonder sets (she flew a lot with her twin toddlers!) We packed a bunch of smaller toys for her for when we got there (we stayed at my brother's but he's 25 so no toys there ) such as Mr. Potato Head, balls, construction paper (fun to rip and color on ), Little People car/people, etc. Also, we brought our own outlet covers (but she didn't end up messing with the outlets). She loves to play with things that aren't toys, so my purse (empty) is hours of entertainment, along with a spoon and a cup

It definitely won't be as bad as you're imagining. Just remember that most people think toddlers are adorable... I got flustered with DD a few times when she appeared to be bothering others or fussing, but everyone commented on how happy and well behaved she was.

LisaMarisa

If he has his own seat, he gets the carry-ons (his personal item can be a diaper bag).  I would load that up with toys, snacks, drinks, etc.  When we were getting ready to fly, someone recommended wrapping up the toys in tissue paper which is an extra activity for them to do.  Bring your carseat on the plane, when they are that age and active, it is much easier having them buckled in somewhere.  DS refused to watch any DVDs but you might have more luck with that.

I think when we flew within the country, we brought his birth certificate just in case, but I'm pretty sure we didnt need it.

As for the hotel, we brought toys and DVDs.  But obviously, you dont want to spend a lot of time in there, it is small and crowded and he will probably be bored (or getting into stuff).  There is a novelty time where he will want to explore though.

Good luck!  And remember, if he isnt doing well on the flight, it will be over within hours.  Try not to stress about it too much.