7 year old Alexandra celebrated her 100th flight on a recent trip to Disneyworld with her family this year. Her mom, Deb says that being married to a pilot meant that flying has always been a component of their family vacations and visits. When she was on Maternity Leave she was fortunate enough to be able to jump on a plane with her baby and visit family and friends all over Canada and the US. She learned a lot in those early days and says that now friends call her for tips and advice whenever they are preparing for a flight.
Flying with kids doesn't intimidate her. "Ask, Ask, Ask!" Deb says. She uses that first contact with flight attendants to ask them for the items she needs to make the flight 'work for the kids'. Pillows and blankets are not offered to all passengers anymore. Asking the flight attendant for these items early on improves your chances of having it on hand when you need it. "Be proactive," she adds, "if you see a block of open seats, ask if you can move over to them." You want to make sure you set the 'stage' for a good flight.
The family now has 3 children including Christopher (age 4) and Mathew (20 months old). Deb and her husband Paul make sure each of her three children all pack a small backpack for their flights. There are 3 items that she recommends to go into these bags including a change of clothes (with underwear and socks), a water bottle, and their favorite toy. Deb also packs 'a surprise' toy or treat that she unveils "when the time is right." Seat back TV's have made entertainment easier too, kids can watch their favorite shows while the time flys by!
With all of the flying that this family has done they haven't experienced any major delays. When there is a delay or a stopover Deb gets the kids moving, "Most airports have play areas with squishy floors. That is where you will find the other families too." When that isn't available she finds the nearest ice cream shop to get a treat or even takes the kids to ride the shuttles from one terminal to another. The family's favorite way to pass the time in the waiting area is with bubbles. They always pack a small sealed container of bubbles (the kind you get at a wedding) in their carry-on baggage. (As long as the size of it meets the security restrictions regarding liquids it should be allowed). The kids have fun blowing bubbles and it ends up entertaining the other children who are waiting to get on the plane too!
Deb is also careful to pack snacks that she knows her kids will eat on board. She has been on too many busy flights where they run out of snacks half way down the aisle!
Another family of frequent fliers, Lori and Les have made sure that their daughter Charlea has become as comfortable flying as her parents are. At 15 months old she has already been on more than 30 flights. With family in Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and the Cayman Islands they don't let a flight get in the way of seeing their loved ones. "Even though family is far away- it is never too far to fly!" says Lori.
When planning a trip she tries to get on flights that accommodate Charlea's scheduled nap time. She is also diligent about making sure Charlea's next bottle is prepared immediately after one is emptied. Lori suggests stopping by a coffee shop in the airport and asking them to heat your bottle before you board because as she says, "there are no microwaves on the plane." She described a bottle warming technique the flight attendants use on board that includes a waterproof air sickness bag and hot water! Getting through security is something that both moms advise you plan for before you arrive. Lori uses a backpack carrier to hold Charlea in now that she is a toddler. With the backpack on her back it leaves her hands free to get out her boarding pass and set her bags on the belt without having to chase after a busy toddler. Getting Charlea out of her backpack is the last thing she does before she goes through security and putting her back in is the first things she does once she is through. Lori often sees parents who are overloaded with gear, toys and bulky strollers trying to maneuver through the airport. She says when it comes to air travel, "Less is more."
Charlea is definitely a frequent flyer and for the most part enjoys 'the ride'. When something comes up that Lori needs help with she asks for it, "Ring the bell, that's what it is there for!" she says. With your diaper bag in reach and the seat pocket in front of you stocked with all of the essentials, you should be pretty self sufficient but asking for help is always an option. Lori improvises when she needs to. Although most airplanes have at least one bathroom equipped with a change table she has had to change Charlea's diaper on the galley floor at the back of the plane when the bathroom was occupied. Lori says that sometimes she sees parents struggling because they are intimidated by the other passengers around them. "You paid for your seat too," Lori says, adding that parents shouldn't get too anxious trying to keep their children quiet. She stressed that it was okay to get up and move around the cabin (when it is safe to do so) if you are trying to soothe a crying infant or entertain a toddler. The passenger sitting next to you would rather let you out of the row to walk the aisles than sit next to a child who is agitated.
Travel has become more and more accessible for many families. Businesses in the tourism industry realize that families have special needs and are starting to cater to them. Some airlines offer bassinets for infants on board, special children's meals and one airline (British Airways) has even started to offer BRITAX car seats for use on some of their flights. The key to a smooth trip is asking for what you need, you may be surprised what is available.
When I asked these families what they hoped their children would take away from the experience of traveling so much, both of them said they wanted their children to see the world. Travel teaches kids how to be flexible and about the diversity of the destinations they visit. Deb and Paul's family of 5 are off to Disney world (for the second time). Lori and Les (with Charlea too!) are planning an African Safari in the next couple of years. Bon Voyage!
