If you’re flying with young children for the first time, it’s normal to feel a little apprehensive. No one wants to have fussy, tired kids on a flight, as it creates serious pre-vacation stress and elicits glares from other passengers. Make your upcoming flight with children a positive experience by following these tips.

How to Have a Stress-Free Experience When Flying With Young Children

1. Choose Flights & Seats Carefully

Book your flight as early in the day as possible. These flights are typically less crowded and take off on time. Children are also more likely to sleep on early flights because it’s still dark out. If you can’t schedule one in the morning, try to fly during their afternoon nap time. When booking, choose window seats for your kids so they have something to lean against and can watch the clouds if they can’t sleep. Aisle seats risk curious children grabbing items from the snack carts.

2. Dress Them in Comfortable Clothes

Forget clothing with complicated buttons, snaps, and zippers. Choose items that are easy to put on and take off in case there are any bathroom accidents. Keep comfort in mind so your children don’t get agitated and can easily sleep, especially if it’s a long flight.  If one or more of your children is potty-training, use pull-ups in case they can’t make it to the bathroom.

3. Eat Before You Fly

Provide your children with a protein-rich meal or snack before you board so they aren’t fussy due to hunger. Avoid sugary foods that will keep them up when they should be sleeping. Pack easy snacks such as dry cereal and fruit, applesauce, crackers, and granola bars.

4. Provide Relief From Ear Pressure Problems

Help your children make it through the ear pressure equalization part of flying with sugar-free candies they can suck on, or pacifiers if they are young enough. The sucking action relieves pressure that can result in uncomfortable, agitated kids.

5. Create Distraction Kits

Pack plenty of distractions for your children as you await your vacation destination, especially if you’re on a flight that doesn’t offer movie and show options on the backs of seats. Provide picture and coloring books, travel-size puzzles and games, interactive toys, sticker kits, and anything else that keeps your kids occupied. Ask if they want to bring favorite stuffed toys as well to comfort them and promote naptime.
 

If you’re planning a family vacation, turn to Professional Travel Services Inc., serving the Twin Lakes region of Arkansas since 1982. Their experienced travel agents will handle every aspect of your trip, from booking the best flights for young children to finding accommodations the whole family will love. Call (870) 425-7666 to start discussing your vacation with this full-service travel agency today, or visit the website for their latest specials. For regular updates, like them on Facebook.