The Ultimate Checklist for Parents Traveling with Kids on a Plane

Family bonding builds a solid foundation for the children. Our relationship with our kids is undeniably any parent’s priority. As we plan along, we consider the possibilities of bringing the whole family and that includes traveling with kids. It will surely be a fun-filled and learning adventure, but can also be a spoiled and embarrassing moment. This depends on the way you have planned your journey.  To avoid incidents like these, consider air travel with kid’s checklist. To do away with stress, you plan ahead.

1. First, visit your kid’s pediatrician or your community healthcare provider six weeks before leaving for immunization or other travel vaccines. They should advise you about a prevalent disease outbreak in your destination before you embark on your journey.
2. Also, check flight restrictions on hand luggage before the journey. These regulations relate to carrying gel, creams, and liquids which also include baby foods and drinks. The standard instruction is not to carry over one hundred milliliter of any single item (up to four hundred milliliter for milk), although there are exceptions for prescription medicines or supplies for children below two years.
3. Furthermore, documents and identification cards with a recent photo aside from passports should be placed in the safest part of your carry-bag. You do not want to forget your airline tickets. It is the most cogent thing you pick first. Keep a business card or just a note with your contact details inside your children’s pockets in case they got separated from you. This is one of the readinesses you need to consider when traveling with a toddler on a plane.
4. Moreover, if you need assistance in the airport, notify them at once for “meet and assist” services. Although, it is only upon request for single parents traveling with kids or specifically for senior citizens, disabled persons, children having special needs and pregnant women.
5. Besides, if you are an airline’s frequent-flyer club member, you may be entitled to use a prestige lounge where you can rest while being served with drinks and snacks. They also provide TV and spacious toilet facilities. However, if you are not a member, you can still use these lounges if you buy a day pass. Some airlines let you check in online and give you the chance to select a seat to cut out queuing and allow you and your companions to the fast-track lane when checking in your luggage. Some airlines also allow checking in a day before your flight but it is effortful to go to the airport ahead of the flight date.
6. It’s advisable not to wear big coats. Pack bulky jackets in your luggage (that’s one less layer you and the kids will need to remove for security).Travelers should subject their carry-on bags and luggage to the conveyor belt for x-ray screening, even a compact stroller.
7. Boarding the plane earlier is an advantage. When they make the call for travelers who need extra time to board, go for it. Use the time to arrange bags where you want them before the overhead bins fill up. Get everyone situated and be comfy. Always ask about available seats. If you did not purchase seats for your kids under two years old, on a full flight, your chances of getting vacant seats are slim.
8. Endeavour not to carry wrapped gifts because they will be opened for checkup. Instead bring gift wrappers along. When kids are asleep you can wrap some surprise toys (that are, of course, new to their eyes) and reserve them when tantrums attack. The thrill of unwrapping gifts is immeasurable.
9. Pack as much baby food, breast milk, and formula as you need. Also, bring snacks for your older kids. Many flights (even longer trips) no longer offer in-flight foodservice. Do not put all the snacks in your kids’ backpacks for you would not want them to take charge of snack time.
10. Ultimately, keep a checklist of all your travel needs especially for babies and kids. Toothbrushes, hair combs, shades, wipes, diapers, swimsuits, hats, umbrella, first aid and common medication should be the first ones to come to mind. Do not forget creams, vapor rub, mosquito repellants, sunblock, lotion, cologne, and For babies, you may opt to bring a car seat, travel stroller, collapsible crib or mosquito nets.
11. Finally, be creative and have a bagful of tricks as toddler airplane activities that includes plenty of small toys, games, stickers, magnets, and coloring books (with pencils and crayons) in your bag. Refrain from bringing toys that make loud noises or in any way disturb other travelers.  Once on board, do not whip them all out at once or let them rummage through. Take them out one at a time and let him play with each until he’s fed up and wants a newer one. DVD Films, iPads, tablets and mobile phones are your kid’s best travel buddies. Enjoy the moments because you planned ahead and deserve a great time with your kids.