Anyone have tips for flying with toddlers?

Mere7706

I'll be flying with a 1 and 3 year old. I'm nervous as hell!  Only nervous about the airport crap and getting all our stuff and kids to the gate easily.

Any tips or suggestions?  I'm going to go out today to see if I can get some bags for our car seats, and hoping I don't have to spend a lot of money.  We don't fly that often so it's not worth it for me to spend a lot of money on the bags.

What else should I be sure to pick up/look for?

beewltched

How long is the flight?  Does your 3 year old enjoy movies?  Maybe a portable dvd player, new toys to pull out on the plane and snacks.  Benedryl to make them sleepy   jk

Mere7706

The flight itself is only 1.5 hours, so not too long. We thought about bringing our portable dvd player we have for the long car rides we take, but I'm not sure how that battery works (if it holds a charge)- I'm going to test that this weekend.

KBabySmiles

Try to get some new toys/books to pull out during the flight. DS really loves the eye spy books so we buy a new one and pull it out on the flight. It's important to have activities to occupy them that don't involve electronics. I loaded a bunch of Elmo episodes onto our laptop for DS last flight but we got stopped on the runway for over an hour. Since we weren't in flight we couldn't turn any electronics on. If we hadn't had alternatives we would have been in trouble.

Snacks. You are allowed to bring sippy's with liquid in them for the little ones. They may test it in security, but you are allowed to have them. I don't know exactly what the requirements are, but if your kids are picky that might be something to look into.

There are family security lines, it will cut down on waiting time which cuts down on fussing. 

You can check your car seats for free with your baggage, or you can check them at the gate. You can gate check your stroller for free so you have it to help get kids/stuff through the airport.I usually wear DS and use the stroller to haul stuff.

Not all planes have changing tables on the aircraft, so change their diapers before boarding just in case. 

Just try to relax...hope you are going somewhere fun! 

Bigyellowdog

We are flying with DS too. I'm a little nervous because the last time we flew he was nursing and that kept him busy for a bit. I'm going to stock up on toys, games, etc. but I think I'm going to get shirts for DH and I that say "I'm Sorry."

broncoalum97

I agree w/pp suggestions.

I just flew in May w/our 3 & 1 yr old & it went great.  I think the best thing is not to worry about it & just make sure you get there ahead of time, that will help ease some stress.

I didn't buy bags for the carseats, we just checked them at the gate.  I took our double stroller & put the seat & some stuff in that.  I know some airlines are cracking down on bringing double strollers, but we flew Delta & they were fine.

We either bought milk for the kids after security or when we got on the plane the attendants were very helpful & we asked for milk once we boarded.  My kids didn't have a problem w/ears popping, but people told me that if they do have them drink.

Bring new toys, snacks, etc. 

When is your flight?

 

Mere7706

Thanks Ladies!  We're going to the Adirondacks (LOVE it there!) for a family reunion. We're excited to go. We'll be up there next weekend (flying) and then again 2 weeks after that for a week (driving- YUCK). 
It's amazing up there, and though it's a drive for anyone here in MI- I HIGHLY recommend a trip up there sometime. It's gorgeous, relaxing and has tons of hiking, boating, swimming, camping, shopping opportunity. LOVE LOVE LOVE. 

tlc7068

we took our DS who was 16 months at the time to germany last fall.  we brought his drink with us, snacks (lots of them), new toys, they had movies on the flight which was awesome on the way back.  We also bought a seat for him and put his car seat in the seat.  we bought a wheely thing to make his car seat a stroller.  it worked great.  take off was a little rough for the first flight.  he had issues with his ears until we gave him a pacifer.  he was great on the flights but we had to keep him entertain but it was a 13-14 hours worth of travel.  like others posted i would check the car seats and don;t stress too much.

mbritto4

We flew to LAX & Maui in February. Things that were good for our 3 year old: snacks, DVD player, mobigo, coloring stuff, and her own blanket.