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 an enjoyable time together with your kids.

Some points to consider when planning to travel with children:

FIND OUT ABOUT SPECIAL KIDS' FARES

Track the fare wars. In summer and other peak family travel times, special kids' rates and companion/children's fares may be offered, even on domestic routes. Always ask about these. On international flights, children two through 11 generally receive a 20 to 40 percent discount.

ASK ABOUT CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND AMENITIES

Consider an airline's kid-pleasing programs, especially when selecting among similar routes and fares. Virgin Airlines, for example, charms children with its gift-filled mini-backpack and free Nintendo games.

Air France gifts babies with a bib and gives kids ages two through 12 an activity packet of puzzles and drawings, plus snacks between meals. Families can fight the tedium instead of each other by watching videos and playing games at Air France's family lounges located in New York's JFK and Paris's Charles de Gaulle airports. These lounges are open to individuals with kids traveling in any class of service.

Delta Air Lines's Dusty Dens, complimentary airport play spaces geared to preschoolers and young grade-schoolers, are in Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York/JFK, Orlando, Salt Lake City and Tampa.

Kidsports also offers romping space for children. These play areas, featuring slides, blocks, crawl spaces and, often, a good runway view, are available in Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Seattle.

ORDER SPECIAL MEALS

If your kids aren't partial to dried-out ham sandwiches and "mystery stew," order the kids' meals. The familiar finger foods of hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and chicken nuggets at least sound good to children. The adults in your clan may choose vegetarian options (usually pasta), low-cholesterol meals, kosher (dairy) plates or other entrees. Airlines do not charge extra for special meals. Another plus: Many airlines make a point of delivering these meals first, a blessing when traveling with an impatient and hungry tot.

For domestic flights, order special meals at least 24 hours in advance and at least 48 hours ahead for international flights.

Even if you order a special meal for your kids, it's always a good idea to carry food on board that you know your children eat. This way, even if your son's burger is winging its way to Budapest, but you're headed to Baltimore, your child will have something to eat that he likes.

PICK THE SEATS YOU LIKE

When booking your flight, be sure to state your seating preference: the roomy bulkhead area; regular seats with pull-down as opposed to clip-on trays; near the bathroom; or by the window. If you wait until take off, you'll have difficulty not only finding seats you like but also finding seats next to your children.

BRING MEDICAL RECORDS AND MEDICINES

Take along a copy of your child's pertinent medical information and the pediatrician's phone numbers. Especially when traveling overseas, ask your doctor or health service for a pediatrician referral.

If your child is on medication, be sure you have enough for the entire plane ride. Keep medicine with you in your carry-on and also have a prescription handy just in case.

SIGN UP FOR FREQUENT FLYER MILES

Anyone with a paid ticket is eligible to receive frequent flyer miles, so don't forget to sign up your children.

RESOURCES

The official site of the American Medical Association can help you locate a pediatrician in the city you are planning to visit.

The National Child Safety Council publishes a booklet, KIDS AND TEENS IN FLIGHT. Write to the Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street S.W., Washington D.C. 20590, or call 202-366-4000.

WHEN KIDS FLY is a free booklet available from Massport (the Massachusetts Port Authority), Ten Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3971.

For more tips on flying with kids, click on the following links: Plane Advice about Kids, 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. Updated July 2005.