Flying with kids? Some strategies to ease the way
If you’re flying somewhere with young kids this summer, you deserve a medal. Few things seem to irk fellow passengers like babies, toddlers and their parents. According to surveys done by Expedia.com, seat kickers and inattentive parents rank up there with aromatic passengers (those who lack in hygiene or overindulge in perfume) as the most annoying kind of airline travellers.
To avoid similar circumstances, here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding air travel with young children:
Q I’m flying with my infant for the first time. Will I be able to get breast milk through security?
A Yes. Formula, breast milk and juice are allowed in “reasonable” quantities in carry-on bags, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. (The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority applies the same rule to passengers travelling with infants younger than age two.) This means you’re exempt from the rule limiting liquids to 3.4 ounces (about 100 mL). You’ll need to remove the milk from your carry-on for a separate screening, but most of these screenings are routine and go off without a hitch.
Q Do I need to buy a seat for my baby?
A You don’t have to if your child is younger than two, but you should. The safest place for your baby on an airplane is in a government-approved child safety restraint system or device, not on your lap, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. (Transport Canada echoes those sentiments.)
Q Should I bring an infant seat or car seat on the plane if I’m flying with a baby? What if I have to check a booster seat? Does that count as luggage?
A Boosters, strollers and car seats generally don’t count as luggage, but policies vary by airline, so it’s best to check with yours before flying. If Junior has his own airplane seat, bring the safety seat with you. Make sure the seat has an “FAA approved” sticker (or, for Canadians, a National Safety Mark) so you know it will work. Also, bring a printout of the regulations for flying with a safety seat from either country’s aviation authorities, just in case flight attendants aren’t aware of all the specifics, says Corinne McDermott, founder of the family travel site Have Baby Will Travel.
Q What will happen to our stroller once we get on the plane?
A Flight crews will gate-check a larger stroller. Some smaller strollers can fit in the overhead bins. Ask a gate agent to tag your stroller when you check in, says Dana Delaney, a California-based business coach who frequently travels with her kids.
Q Where can I change a diaper on an airplane?
A There’s only one place for a diaper change: the bathroom. Though not every airplane lavatory is equipped with a changing table, there’s usually one on every plane. (Check with a flight attendant.) As a backup, you’ll have to change the baby on top of the toilet lid — so pack a disposable changing pad. Also, “bring enough supplies like diapers and wipes, snacks and at least one change of clothing — for everyone in the family,” says Trish McDermott, co-founder of BabyQuip.
Q What can I do to help my child with air pressure discomfort?
A Swallowing will help with equalizing the air pressure. Patrice Cameau, who flies with her three kids, ages 12, two, and three months, says she pays close attention during takeoff and landing. “If they’re drinking or eating during this time, the swallow motion will help equalize the pressure in their ears,” Cameau says.
Q Where should we try to sit?
A If your kids are a little rowdy or you need quick access to the galley and restroom, the back of the plane is better for everyone. The engine noise also can soothe infants to sleep — or drown out their screams when they’re awake.
Q If we don’t have seat assignments, will we be able to sit together?
A Strictly speaking, no. Airlines, as a matter of policy, will make every effort to seat you together, but unless you pay an extra seat reservation fee, they won’t always guarantee it.
Q At what age can my child sit alone?
A There’s a grey area between age two, when they must have their own seat, and age 13. Use your judgment. Any child sitting alone should be old enough to follow a crew member’s instructions in the event of an emergency.
Q What if my child is seated away from me — and next to someone who looks like potential trouble?
A Talk to a flight attendant immediately. A crew member can make arrangements to reseat your child.
Q What should I bring for my kids to eat?
A “Airplane food generally leaves much to be desired,” says Suzanne Brown, an author and business consultant. With that in mind, you’ll want to pack a lot of food for your children, especially items they’re familiar with.
Q How should I keep my kids entertained?
A Flights can be long, and delays happen. You know those American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations about screen time? “They go out the plane window when you’re flying with young children,” says Vic Strasburger, an emeritus professor of pediatrics at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. He ought to know; he wrote those guidelines. “For older children, get them immersed in a good book.” What about for teenagers? Any way you can might help, but as Strasburger bluntly notes, “Good luck!”
Q What should I teach my children about manners on airplanes?
A It really comes down to a simple strategy: Teach your kids not to do anything on a plane that you wouldn’t do on the ground. Amanda Keeley-Thurman, who travels with three kids and covers their adventures on her site, Hot Mama Travel, said that when kids were toddlers, she made up a song to remind them: “No screaming, no crying, no kicking and no running away.” That’s good advice for children of all ages.
The Washington Post