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Flying with Children

by Advice from a Former Airline Employee

WELL, IT'S BEEN YEARS SINCE MY KIDS WERE SMALL, BUT HERE'S MY ADVICE...I used to work for the airlines when my kids were little, so I have LOADS of tricks/tips for traveling with wee ones (especially with very hyper little boys).

NUMBER ONE RULE: Do NOT let them seat you at the emergency exit (especially if you have a very curious toddler). My second son was a very mischievous tyke. He once caused a major panic on a small puddle jumper when he attempted to open the emergency exit door while my back was turned.

This might not be the most PC bit of advice, but I know of many mothers who'd dose their kids with cough medicine before a flight, too. (Of course, that was another generation and I am just including that bit for some historical info, hehe).

Another tip: Bring LOTS of things for the kid to play with and if the child is a 'lap' child (ie, he has no seat of his own), do as the flight attendants say and keep him on your lap during take off/turbulence/landing PLEASE. SNACKS are also very important, as well as little dvd movies, computer games, et cetera.

Note from Melanie:
Flying with Children can be fun when taking family vacations, that's for sure.