How can we make our child's first airplane flight a happy experience?
Your child will be heavily influenced by your attitude toward the trip, so stay positive. "Flying can be an awesome adventure for kids," says Paula Shelton of www.flyingwithkids.com. "Especially if parents keep an upbeat attitude." These frequent-flyer tricks may help too.
Get Good Seats
When you make your reservations, request bulkhead seats, which are just behind first-class and offer you more room than other rows. (To avoid injuries during turbulence, always make sure your child is properly buckled in.)
Prevent Dehydration
In-flight air can be more drying than desert air. Have your child drink water every waking hour during the flight.
Take Care of Ears
To clear blocked ears, have your youngster yawn or give her a chewy snack. If your child has an inner-ear infection (or if you suspect she may be developing one), consult with your physician before getting on the plane.
Overcoming Fears
Young kids generally don't grasp the concept of soaring miles above the earth, which can be a good thing. But if your child is apprehensive about being aloft (perhaps brought on by watching news about an airplane crash), just voicing her worries may be all she needs to do to be comforted. (Some mental health providers suggest that a youngster's fear of flying may mask another problem, such as adjusting to a new school, parents' divorce or unemployment, or grandparent's death.) If your child wants to know how an airplane works or about the history of flight, this book is a nice introduction and is age-appropriate.
Check In Early & Have Fun
Get to the airport early and avoid rushing and last-minute surprises. Call in advance to find out if the airport has a children's play area. Almost 50 U.S. and Canadian airports have them. They are run by either the airports or by individual airlines. A few notable ones include Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, which has a 2,200-square-foot play area (with a two-story air-traffic control tower) and Boston's Logan International Airport which has a Kidport, designed by the Boston Children's Museum. Southwest Airlines has colorful play areas at its terminals in Phoenix, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston
Laura Manske is the editor of Family Travel: The Farther You Go, the Closer You Get.
