Comments on: 10 tips for traveling with kids

By: Matthew B

Matthew B — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:02:41 +0000

Another thought I’ve just had. I remember some friends were traveling from Paris to New York with their two preschool aged kids. The fares they purchased did not permit pre-booking of seats, however, I suggested that they phone Air France anyway and see if they could prebook a row of four seats so that the whole family could guarantee to be seated together. I reasoned that Air France would prefer to have the kids in the middle two seats with the parents on the aisles. I was right, Air France was more than happy to accommodate my friends’ request. I’m sure any airline that has reserved seating would do the same if you book far enough in advance.

By: Judith Texier

Judith Texier — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:09:34 +0000

I actually found this article very helpful and supportive since I am a new stepmother to a 6 and 7 year old with high energy levels and who, in addition, speak only French since I married their French father. There is a universality to what Karen writes and I appreciated hearing that Master Planning is essential. A trip to the nearby lake. I discovered, involves more packing than taking a business trip. Airport traveling ! That is hell, any way you put it, well armed or not. If only there were a solution to traveling with any life form: from children to dogs to impatient mates, someone should patent it.

By: Karen Fawcett

Karen Fawcett — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:55:29 +0000

Jess: Thank you for your nice comment about my article. I was feeling a wee bit beat up. Realistically, there are some children who shouldn’t travel and some doctors suggest giving them tranquilizers before a trip. I am not of this persuasion and think the parents might be better off taking a mild one before departure.

Seriously, I know parents who take turns with the children and give the other parent time off during the flight so he or she can recuperate a bit.

As for planning, I’ve always been a great proponent of children being involved. When they’re coming to Paris (for example), give them books with pictures of the city. In that way, they have a preconceived idea of what the Eiffel Tower looks like and it’s wonderful to see their eyes when they see the real McCoy. The more information children can absorb, the easier the trip will be.

I always know where to find food children will like — and I don’t mean McDo’s. I could go on and on – and would be happy to do so. But, that’s another article.

By: Nisha Cordero

Nisha Cordero — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:07:38 +0000

The Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) completed a survey last year of the passenger services offered at 88 airports which represent almost two-thirds of North American traffic. Specifically, for families traveling with children, approximately half of those airports surveyed have children’s play areas (42); 22% have game rooms (19); 11% (10) have video game stations; and 26% offer DVD rentals (23). Families can also enjoy major local art displays at 74% (65) of the responding airports. And, 25 airports feature live music. To see the complete list of airport passenger services, visit http://www.aci-na.org.

Also, last spring, Cheapflights.com released the 2008 Kid’s Airport Diversion Guide to help make this summer’s family air travel fun. The updated guide includes kid’s activities and attractions at 24 major U.S. hubs and 10 international airports. The guide is available for free download at http://www.cheapflights.com.

By: Jess

Jess — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:27:42 +0000

Thank you for a great article!

I am amazed at how many parents DON’T plan well when travelling with their children. The portable DVD player was a lifesaver for us on our flight from EWR to LAX with a 2 year old. I wish the parents of the other children on the flight had thought about how to entertain their children for 5 hours…

I also make sure to bring brochures/books for our destination to look at while we are en route. It gives the older kids something to look forward to and helps the younger ones feel more comfortable in a new place.

When travelling with younger children, think about sleep accomodations. Don’t just assume that the hotel will have a suitable crib or that your child will be able to sleep in a strange bed. We bought an inflatable toddler bed with our older son’s favorite cartoon character on it. He used it a few times at home before the trip and was very excited to see it when he was ready for bed at the hotel. Worked like a charm!

By: average mother

average mother — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:28:19 +0000

To Arizona Road Warrior: I was joking. I know that airports are not kid-friendly. And I know that flight attendants are not tasked with entertaining my child. I was simply using sarcasm to point out that articles about traveling with children are rarely helpful, unless the author has insider tips, like knowing that one of the concourses at the Raleigh-Durham airport does have a kids’ play room, or that such-and-such restaurant at such-and-such airport sells great mac & cheese. Or even suggesting that at DIA or the Atlanta airport, you can entertain the kids between flights by riding the train.

By: Arizona Road Warrior

Arizona Road Warrior — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:38:13 +0000

“Tell me where my kid will be entertained in the airport and not drive the entire concourse nuts.” Most airports are NOT children friendly. I know that SEA has a children playroom and PDX has a children play area with a TV.

“Tell me what airline has flight attendants who will entertain my kid so I can catch up on the 2 years of lost sleep.” None…that is not their job. Based upon my experiences with US and European based airlines, they do nothing special and it is common for FAs to not even offer or give a meal or drink to our son even when he is sitting in First Class. On the other hand, the Asia based airlines like Cathay Pacific and Asiana treat young children very well.

By: metoo

metoo — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:17:33 +0000

Nisha, that’s what we did when the kids were really small, fly at naptime, but keep them awake until boarding, then give them a big bottle of formula as soon as we’re seated, and they fall asleep right away and sleep for the whole flight. Worked great.

By: Karen C.

Karen C. — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:35:10 +0000

Hmmm, this comment is interesting: “Wait to board a plane. This gives you the opportunity to let your children walk around and release some energy before having to settle down.” Airlines usually let people with small children get on first…

By: Nisha Cordero

Nisha Cordero — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:20:04 +0000

1. Wait to board a plane. This gives you the opportunity to let your children walk around and release some energy before having to settle down.
2. Make sure your child uses the bathroom before boarding or leaving for a road trip.
3. Be sure to pack snacks, or a light meal if you’re going to be flying or driving for more than 3 hours. A hungry child is a cranky child.
4. Make sure your child is comfortable, which means having an extra set of clothes in case of an accident or spill, and bringing along a small pillow and blanket.
5. Bring ample toys, games and books to keep him or her occupied during the flight. Kids ages 3 and up are old enough to tote their own a carry-on, which can then be placed under the seat in front of them giving them easy access to their own stuff.