When traveling with children on an airplane, being prepared is the best way to overcome the stress and frustration that can accompany air travel. Most children, though, happen to be well behaved, but what if you are the parent of a hyperactive child who throws a tantrum a minute? As a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your child, or children remain in their seats and behave themselves.
If you're looking for a bargain on your airplane tickets, you would want to schedule your flights and book them a few months ahead of time. Booking early has another important advantage - it allows you to book the proper number of seats to allow you and your kids to sit together. Many airlines allow you to choose your seats when booking in advance, so choose seats that are next to each other so you can monitor your children. A baby would need sit on a special child seat, so request accordingly. These seats are similar to car seats are much safer when traveling.
Before the flight itself, set your kids' expectations and explain all the ground rules in advance. If possible, choose an airline that serves child portions and meals that are appropriate. Children are often very choosy when it comes to food, so bring some snacks along for the trip and eat a heartier meal once you are at your destination. This is most commonly used when flying internationally, as the meals on these flights are often beyond a child's limited palate. You could also buy one meal for yourself and share it with your children.
Most parents find it especially difficult to keep a child's attention span satiated on a particularly long flight. But this can be quite easy if you bring your child's favorite toys, stuffed animals and favorite children's books. You may want to bring some extra goodies to make sure your child doesn't get bored too quickly. Most children will behave on a five or six hour plane trip when they have enough to do.
When printing off boarding passes, flight confirmations and the like, do so before the flight so that you don't have to stand in line with your kids. If you don't have a printer at home, you can use one of several kiosks at the airports. During the long wait, do not let your children run off unsupervised. This could be a harbinger of more trouble when it comes to on-plane behavior. Because they will be excited about their trip, you should try to remain patient, but let them know they will not be allowed to run around on the plane or shout.
It is always best to teach your children the right way - have them observe good manners at all times and listen to what their elders say - in order for you as a parent to make traveling with children worry-free.
If you're looking for a bargain on your airplane tickets, you would want to schedule your flights and book them a few months ahead of time. Booking early has another important advantage - it allows you to book the proper number of seats to allow you and your kids to sit together. Many airlines allow you to choose your seats when booking in advance, so choose seats that are next to each other so you can monitor your children. A baby would need sit on a special child seat, so request accordingly. These seats are similar to car seats are much safer when traveling.
Before the flight itself, set your kids' expectations and explain all the ground rules in advance. If possible, choose an airline that serves child portions and meals that are appropriate. Children are often very choosy when it comes to food, so bring some snacks along for the trip and eat a heartier meal once you are at your destination. This is most commonly used when flying internationally, as the meals on these flights are often beyond a child's limited palate. You could also buy one meal for yourself and share it with your children.
Most parents find it especially difficult to keep a child's attention span satiated on a particularly long flight. But this can be quite easy if you bring your child's favorite toys, stuffed animals and favorite children's books. You may want to bring some extra goodies to make sure your child doesn't get bored too quickly. Most children will behave on a five or six hour plane trip when they have enough to do.
When printing off boarding passes, flight confirmations and the like, do so before the flight so that you don't have to stand in line with your kids. If you don't have a printer at home, you can use one of several kiosks at the airports. During the long wait, do not let your children run off unsupervised. This could be a harbinger of more trouble when it comes to on-plane behavior. Because they will be excited about their trip, you should try to remain patient, but let them know they will not be allowed to run around on the plane or shout.
It is always best to teach your children the right way - have them observe good manners at all times and listen to what their elders say - in order for you as a parent to make traveling with children worry-free.
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