General Etiquette > Family and Children

Flying with a child...

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ShadesOfGrey:
So I posted in another thread about and upcoming trip I am taking with my niece.  I know there are a LOT of parents on this board, and I would like to know what sort of things helped you prepare your little one for their first plane trip (when they were old enough to know what was going on, say 5-7 yrs old?) 

Specifically, when did you tell them about it (is it better to just bring them to the airport, tell them on the way to the airport, or tell them in advance?)? What did you do to alleviate any fears that they had? Did you find they were more excited or scared about the trip?

I have always made sure to be in situations/activities with my niece that I have either experienced before or have felt reasonably in control of the situation, but this is a new one for me, and I want to make sure it is a good first experience for her. 

I am not worried about her behavior in this thread (I feel comfortable enough with being able to address that), just making it a positive experience all around.  Thanks!

SunkissableOne:
I do not have kids of my own, but I do remember the first I flew (age 5).  I went from Michigan to Florida with my grandparents.  I would definitely recommend telling her in advance.  Make it something exciting.  If you're going somewhere fun, maybe bring some brochures to look at on the flight.  You can make it a really fun experience.  Also, make sure to bring something for her to do while waiting and on the plane.  I had some books and a few small toys to keep me busy.  I'd also suggest that you give her gum or something to help with the ear popping.  Sometimes it can be really irritating and sometimes painful otherwise.  Good luck with your trip :)

Virg:
At age 5 to 7, you should definitely tell them about the plane trip before you arrive at the airport.  There's no reason to try to surprise them, and honestly I can't see any age up to and including adult where a surprise plane trip would be a welcome thing.  You want time to prepare.

Before the Flight:

If the child has never flown, then a book about flying would be a good idea.  Books appropriate for ages 2 up to about 10 are easy enough to find, and after that simple discussion will suffice.  You want the child to know as much as possible about what's going to happen so it's not frightening or alien enough to instigate a fear-driven outburst.  To a small child a plane can be quite claustrophobic, so discuss ahead of time that the plane will seem small on the inside, and put her in front of you as you board so you can leave some space in the crowd.  Using a lavatory can scare the heck out of little ones, so make sure she goes before she gets on board and if she needs to go during the flight be prepared to assist.  Ideally, you want to go through the "flight" with her before you travel since knowing what comes next means she won't start crying when she hears the landing gear deploy, and at the same time you can impress on her that rules on the plane are VERY strict and she needs to pay attention and obey the flight crew without arguing.  This will be a big help when she's fidgety and the flight attendant tells her she needs to secure her seat belt for takeoff.

During the Flight:

Take some gum or candy with you to help with ear pressure problems.  If she has airsickness problems, be ready to grab a bag or give her some medication (be sure to discuss this with mom or dad before the flight).  Waiting for refreshments is a bad idea so take your own snacks and drinks with you.  For a child like yours that's a good item for them to carry in their own "carry on bag" so they have some control over it, and it gives them something to focus on during boarding and deplaning.  Their bag should also contain things to occupy them on the plane.  Take note that little things are a bad idea since they will get dropped or lost, so leave Polly Pocket at home.  Crayons and paper are great since they take up time but if the child leaves them behind they won't be missed.  Picture books are good too since they're big enough to track easily.  Try to limit the carry on bag to stuff that can be lost without too much pain, since it's possible that the bag or some of its contents will be lost in transit, because excited kids will put stuff down and walk away.  If her favorite toy in the whole wide world is going along, figure out a way to attach an address tag to it so it can be returned if it wanders off.  If you're worried about putting her address on a toy, put your own, or mom or dad's work address.  Electronic toys are not bad, but be aware that they can't be used during takeoff and landing, and some kids will pitch a fit if they have to stop a movie or game because of impending landing.  Remember to mention/discuss salient points of the flight just before they occur, so that she'll be prepared for them.

I hope your trip goes well.

Virg

ShadesOfGrey:
Wow, those are both awesome responses, and I will definitely use many of the ideas mentioned! I think I will send her a book on flying and some brochures about where we are going the week before hand, and pack a really good carry-on! I thoght of gum (got plenty!) and will be sure to discuss the rules beforehand (a staple with any child and any trip, imo!)

Thanks so much!

VorFemme:
I was no longer a child at the time of my first flight - but I do remember enjoying seeing the sunlight on the TOPS of the clouds (seeing the ground so far below was a little scarier).  If the cloud cover is dense enough that the ground is at least partially hidden - perhaps that could be something to tell her about.

If you can get arial photos of the area that you will be flying over - perhaps old National Geographic magazines or the internet? - you could also show her what it will look like "when we are on the plane".

Get her excited about seeing things and take things to amuse her (books, crayons, paper, and maybe she can keep a journal about the trip - "to remind her" when she's older).  Any chance of getting her a simple camera to take her own photos?  (Thinking while I type here, I remember getting my first camera at a little older than that - I wonder where the photos are?)

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