I Survived Plane Travel with Little Kids and You Can Too
It’s been two years since we traveled due to COVID but with numbers decreasing and my oldest son asking, “what’s vacation?” we knew it was time. This was our first trip traveling with two kids, 4-years-old and 12 months old. Check out these tips that helped us survive plane travel with kids.
Apply for TSA pre-check
This was a game-changer! I applied and received my known traveler number (KTN) days before our trip. It’s an easy online application, $85 for 5 years, and a quick in-person appointment. It then takes most applicants 3-5 days to qualify. I took both boys quickly through airport security, shoes/coats on and all, while my poor husband was left in the dust. (Sorry babe, hope you get yours soon!). Even though Des Moines has a smaller airport it was still nice to save time but it really helped when we went through the bigger Portland, Oregon airport.
The early bird doesn’t get the worm: Board the plane last
If you have assigned seats or a travel companion that can go first to claim seats, wait until the end to board. There is nothing worse than being stuck on a plane with restless little ones. I brought a small ball for the baby to kick and both kids played hide and seek, with some wrestling involved, while we waited for other people to board. This helped burn some energy to prepare them for sitting longer on the plane.
Get a seat with a view
Not only does the window seat give you more privacy if a baby is nursing, but it also prevents him from accidentally getting bumped in the aisle. Even better, looking out the window can keep him entertained. We got stuck on the plane during our connecting flight in Denver but luckily the boys could watch the staff work to de-ice the plane. Many parents love the window cling toys, but since I couldn’t find any I brought our Squigz. These were fun to suction to the window or armrest and let the baby pull off. Baby loves when I tease, “No, no don’t do that!” so he can gleefully pull them up. Thank you to the lady behind us that returned two Squigz after the flight!
Snacks on snacks on snacks
Our neighbors spoiled Big Brother and made him his own snack pack using a hard pencil case filled with goldfish, mini packs of M&M’s, and Paw Patrol cinnamon graham crackers. This was a perfect size and the hard box prevented his snacks from getting squished. My neighbor friend is a great mama and I take my notes from her! I packed so many fun activities for him to do but on both flights he only wanted the snack pack. On our last flight coming home, the baby didn’t want to nap and it was like holding onto a squirming octopus. Once I brought out the Bambas from Trader Joe’s he was busy and happy. (They now make Bambas dipped in dark chocolate. The perfect snack for a tired mama. Nobody is judging if you keep them for yourself!). If you don’t pack anything else, pack snacks!
Never underestimate the “Papa Effect”
If you have a significant other or travel companion, take turns holding the baby. This not only gives both caregivers a break but provides baby new stimulation and people to watch. Bonus that my husband has the “Papa Effect” where he can always get the baby to sleep if I can’t. Case in point.
If all else fails…
We know babies often prefer everyday household items to their toys. Given the choice between a colorful baby rattle and a dull set of house keys, the baby will choose the keys every time. If all else fails, give him your purse to ransack. Baby kept busy at least a good 20 minutes shaking mint containers, reviewing my old checkbook (trying to eat it), and banging mini bottles together.
My only expectation for my first trip with two littles was that it might be hard (it really wasn’t), they might both cry (they did), and we would probably feel tired at the end (we were). The boys did great and a sweet family even gave fist bumps to Big Brother after our flight telling him how well he traveled on the plane.
Until our next trip!
