Any tips for someone who is flying for the first time? with two small children?

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tallcoolwon3

Hi.., I recommend you drink,and bring plenty of water, don't drink alcohol,(It dehydrates you.., bring motion sickness medicine,...just in case.., bring some small toys/books/snacks,etc. to amuse your kids on the plane., some "moist-wipes",or a few wet face cloths in a "zip-lock" plastic bag will be a refreshing addition too.., a few snacks/candies for the kids will help them stay content during your long flight too..,also, most airlines will give your kids a nifty souvenier of their flight if asked,...perhaps a toy plane,or "wings" to memorialize their flight,...asking for an aisle seat for your family will make it easier to access the restrooms,or an occaisional leg stretch too..,(recommended),and if any of you has a fear of flying,..It's reassuring to remind yourself of the millions of flights made without problems..,accidents are rare,and knowing the chances of trouble are less likely than winning one of the big $100,000,000 plus lotteries might be comforting,Jamaica's a wonderful place,and keeping everyone focused on your destination,(with photos/bookds/etc.) will help the time spent on the plane pass quickly,and worry free.., hope this helps, hope you & your family have a great time in Jamaica,...wish I was going too !

lyna

Consider some of this things when you pack your bag
1) Change of diapers and clothes
2) Games & toys
3) Food & drinks for your kids
More info on how to enjoy when traveling with kids, you can refer to the source below

watzzzup

I presume you have a layover in Florida but walk around every hour or so at least. Take a book and buy or be sure to drink water to eliminate the sense of stagnant lethargy that applies after a couple of hours.

The 5 year old may like Nintendo or the movie channel on the plane - you may want to work it so that she is sleeping most of the time. The other passengers will bless you for that ...

Enjoy the Island.

shauna m

Snacks, small toys, anything to keep them busy. Ask for bulkhead seating, there is more room. Don't worry about letting the 5 year old wander a bit, even to go to the cockpit if offered by the crew.

nickamc80

If your flying with small children... bring the NYQUIL!

Wldflwr

Buy a variety of age appropriate toys that will keep them busy. Crayons and coloring books are good. Don't let them see them until you take off. They'll be excited about the new things they haven't seen and hopefully it'll keep them occupied for most of the trip. It always worked with my kids.

imnotachickenyoureaturkey

in addition to the games, etc remember to bring some gum for them to chew while taking off and landing to help clear their ears and warn them about the popping as the pressure changes. it can actually be really painful for kids because their ear canals are much smaller. a real downer for the start of a trip.

Think the suggestion about the DVD is a great idea if your children like that. You might also consider some "quiet" toys like electronic drawing toys, etc.

Explain to them what will be happening and why they must each pack their bag with special items for the trip. Bring along rewards such as treats that they can "earn" if they behave.

Ask you travel agent / or call the airline to book specific "kids' meals", so eating will be made easier. Are you flying coach or business class? If Business class it will be easy to put the children to sleep, if coach then I would recommend the following:
If you are in a bulkhead seat, make sure the armrests go up - some bulkhead seats have fixed armrests and the children can't lie down. The airline will also not allow the children to sleep on the floor between the seats and the bulkhead.

Most airlines will put parents with children in one of the front seats, but try to avoid seats near the toilets or kitchens, because there will be constant traffic / noise throughout the trip and the children will not be able to sleep.

If you haven't booked the flight yet, try asking an agent which flight will be the least filled. With a flight that is not so full you might be able to get a row of seats in the middle of the plane with no one next to you and you could then allow the children to sleep across the row. Otherwise, I would take a row on either side of the plane where each of you can have a seat and you can raise the armrests and allow the children to sleep accross the seats.

Get them each their own little rolling suitcase (Marshall's, TJMaxx, Value City) for a few dollars and help them pack the items that will keep them in their routine, PJs, change of clothes, travel toothpaste & brush, comb, and toys. If you read to them before they go to bed, have them each bring along a story book.

Finally, children's ears are very sensitive to the pressure in the cabins and they become unconfortable if they cannot make their ears "pop". You may want to visit their dr. before leaving to make sure they don't have an ear or sinus infection before traveling and also ask what he/she would recommend to help the children alleviate the pressure they might encounter.

I also recommend www.flyingwithkids.com as a great website with a lot more excellent advice.

Have a great trip, Supermom!

Eskimo Mom

Start by thinking about your children. Can your children be quiet & well mannered for extended periods of time? I hope you saw the news report of the family booted off the plane for an unruly child here a few months ago. To me, your children seem to be too young to go on a flight at this time, especially out of the country. They may be better off with a caregiver here in the states or wait a few years, so everyone can enjoy the trip better.

If you still insist on taking the children, have them practice sitting still & being quiet for long periods of time. Find a book or talk to someone about flying & teach them, so they know what is appropriate at the time. Check with your airline to see if your 1yr old is permitted to sit on your lap, especially during take off or landing. That may violate FAA regulations, so he/she may have to have a seat of their own, adding to the expense of the trip.

Also, do you have passports for all in your group, including your children? Passports are now required for all passengers (US & otherwise) coming in on all international flights, including the Caribbean. Do you have all proper documentation concerning the custody of your children (if your boyfriend is not the biological father)? You can run across problems leaving the country if you don't have their father's permission. Check with your doctor to find out if you need any type of preventative (vaccine or medication) to visit Jamaica. Sometimes, a country has a problem with a disease, like malaria.

If everything is in order & you still decide the kids are going to go, try to get a direct flight to minimize the airport time & hassles that you will have to go through. Pack enough toys, snacks, & drinks to keep the kids busy. Arrive at the airport early to check in!!

Once you are in the plane, gently remind the children that they have to be on their best behavior for the flight & they have to listen to the authorities on board. If someone gets unruly, ask the flight attendant where the restrooms are or a quiet out of the way place & take them there to calm them down. If they behave, let them have the time of their lives when you get to the hotel.

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