Flying With Children: Prepare Wisely

With the increase of airlines and low fares, traveling by air with the family is becoming a more popular option than taking a road trip. Traveling with children can seem like a nightmare but with some preparation you can make your family trip enjoyable and lessen the hassle.First off, try to book flights early especially if you'll be traveling at a peak time such as Christmas or during the summer school break. You can usually book up to nine months in advance but keep in mind that airlines don't usually post sales until at least four months in advance. If you're looking for one-stop shopping you may consider using a travel agent. They will know when you should buy your ticket and the best kid friendly destinations. The internet offers many discounted packages that makes planning and determining your destination easy. Also keep in mind that some airlines and airports are more kid friendly than others. Airlines may supply children with a fun pack with games and things to keep them busy. Many airports have children play areas complete with slides and jungle gyms. Try to choose flights that are at night since these will be easier for sleeping. When flying west to east choose flights that depart in the evening; they usually arrive early in the morning. For very long international flights you may want to consider making a one or two day stopover at a mid-way city. This allows the children and you to take a break from flying and can also give you a chance to explore a new city.When purchasing your ticket try to get seat assignments so everyone is seated together. If there is more than one adult and more than one child you may want to pair up and separate, especially if the kids are quieter on their own. You may also want t request multiple window seats since kids usually fight over these seats. If you can not get pre-assigned seats make sure you check-in as early as possible. Many airlines allow you to check-in on line and print your boarding passes up to 24 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines have an open seating policy; in this case get to the gate as early as possible and if you're traveling with an infant or toddler you can usually pre-board. Pack you carryon baggage wisely. There are some essentials you should pack to make the flight with children more tolerable for you and more enjoyable for your kids. Bring snacks that don't make a mess and don't contain too much sugar. Pack games and toys that are new to your children so they don't get bored too quickly. Remember that markers and crayons can be an invitation to marking on the walls and tray tables so stick to toys that won't get stares from the cabin crew. Also bring baby wipes for cleaning up sticky hands and small spills.Air travel with children can be a hassle but with some preparation and planning it can be more tolerable for you and enjoyable for the entire family.