| With the right attitude, those pesky air travel disruptions | | | | changes, hunger, thirst, sickness, boredom, spills and |
| don't have to ruin your family trip. It can, however turn | | | | clean-ups, medical emergencies and tired or cranky |
| into a case of "rolling with the punches" so to speak. | | | | kids. Make sure any medications your family takes are |
| So with that in mind, let's take a look at some tips for | | | | in your carry-on. Luggage can get lost, but carry-on |
| flying with children while maintaining your sanity. | | | | baggage gets on and off with you, no matter what. |
| 1) Prepare your family for flexibility. Make sure you | | | | 6) Charge your cell phone, mp3 players and other |
| have a backup plan, and discuss it openly. Any amount | | | | devices you're bringing with you. Pack all of their |
| of time you spend together is family time - come up | | | | chargers in your luggage. Make several copies of your |
| with some ideas to make the most of it. | | | | "In case of emergency" phone numbers, placing them |
| 2) Make a point to fight germs. Begin before you leave | | | | strategically in different locations-carry-on, wallet, |
| getting into the habit of taking daily multivitamins. Have | | | | baggage tags etc. |
| everyone's vaccinations up to date. Verify the need | | | | 7) Purchase seats for everyone, including infants and |
| for additional vaccines, depending on the location of | | | | toddlers. Not only will it save you from back and neck |
| your vacation. Remember to wash your hands often, | | | | pain from holding them the whole trip, But it also keeps |
| eat well and get enough rest. | | | | them properly listed on the plane's manifest. |
| 3) Verify your airline's website to get an updated list of | | | | 8) Don't rush - it adds to your stress levels. Try |
| prohibited items. Personally check every suitcase | | | | arranging for extra time between connector flights if |
| before giving it the seal of approval. Explain various | | | | you can't fly direct. This gives you time to board early, |
| aspects of security protocols, such as removing their | | | | so you aren't disruptive to those seated before you. |
| shoes when asked, or putting their belongings on the | | | | And if you're in no rush for your connector flight, allow |
| conveyor belt. This includes blankies and stuffed | | | | others to disembark before you so you don't get |
| animals. | | | | separated. |
| 4) When possible, consider the use of luggage and | | | | 9) Respect that some people may not appreciate |
| baby supply delivery services. This will eliminate not | | | | children on the flight. Basic respect for boundaries is |
| only the headache of checking extra baggage, but | | | | the best way to keep peace. And yes, not many |
| also the possibility of stores in unfamiliar locations not | | | | people will smile at families boarding a plane. Don't take |
| carrying what you need. | | | | this personally. |
| 5) Be smart about your carry-on bag. Not only do you | | | | 10) Don't dread the flight. Children can easily pick up on |
| want to stay within the assigned limits for carry-on | | | | your tension or anxiety. And if they do, you can be |
| baggage, you want to make sure you have everything | | | | sure they will act out as a result of it. By staying calm |
| needed. Ideally, backpacks are your best choice, | | | | and collected, your children will notice that this whole |
| keeping your hands free. | | | | "flying thing" isn't such a big deal, and things should go |
| Don't forget about these potential situations: diaper | | | | smoothly. |