Plane Advice about Kids

The first time Jodi LeBlanc took her son, Max, then six weeks old, from Paris to West Palm Beach, Florida, his French-made milk was confiscated by customs. "I remember yelling at the customs agent, 'How can you take milk from a baby?' But the guy told me that dairy products were not allowed into the US," LeBlanc says. "Luckily, he let me keep one bottle to make it the rest of the way home, but I was fuming."

That healthy snack of apples and bananas might also be confiscated on international flights since nonpackaged fruit is also banned. Flying with kids takes a certain amount of forethought. You not only need to be aware of applicable customs rules and appropriate federal regulations regarding child safety seats but you also need to plan with common sense.

Think of everything that's made past flights less than pleasurable for you and your child and how to overcome these situations in the future. You can't magically avoid bad weather delays, but you can pack enough toys, food, snacks and money in your carry-on to turn an unscheduled layover into enjoyable time together with your kids.

Here are some ideas about what might make your plane travel easier:

• Start at the beginning. Whenever possible, book a nonstop flight. This streamlines your trip and prevents change-of-flight problems. Traveling at nonpeak times--late at night, midday and Mondays to Wednesdays--gives you a good chance of getting on less-crowded flights. On these take-offs you're more likely to find room for your kids to stretch out and sleep and a free space for your child safety seat.

• Arrive at the airport early. Sprints down an endless terminal are difficult enough but they are nearly impossible when packing a baby on your back and holding a preschooler's hand.

• Dress for comfort. Put the good-for-grandma clothes in a carry-on and let your kids change into these after your arrival. On board, let your kids wear comfortable play clothes, and don't forget to pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on, especially when traveling with little ones. Since airplanes tend to be cold, make sure all children have an extra sweater or jacket at their seat. Don't forget to grab blankets and pillows as you board; there won't be any left later on when your kids want them.

• Don't forget to talk with your child about the trip, explaining each stage of the boarding process and the flight. Make sure young children realize that the bumpiness and engine noises are normal and not a signal of an impending crash. You may even want to visit the airport ahead of time.

• To build on the excitement of the journey, create a countdown calendar and put it on the refrigerator.

Planning ahead and expecting the unexpected are the golden rules of flying with kids. For more tips on flying with kids, click on the following links: Plane Sense Checklist, Plane Trips with Babies, Flying with Toddlers, and Flying with School-Age Children.

Jeanne Muchnick is the former editor of BABY MAGAZINE.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in February 1997. Updated March 2003.