Flying with kids: 5 smart family boarding strategies

Has family air travel gotten more difficult in recent years?

I recently took a flight in which you had to pay extra for "preferred" aisle or window seating, another in which there were fees for both checked and carry-on baggage, and another where the only complimentary beverage was water.

Fees for carry-on? Seriously?

A few airlines have even done away with early boarding; reserving it for Platinum Super Diamond members traveling solo with tiny laptop bags, not people traveling with squirmy kids, car seats, and massive diaper bags.

I now live in the blissful land of Travel With Older Children, but I remember what it was like to fly when they were little. We were once the people with that kid.

Given all the changes in recent years, I figured it was time to revisit the topic of flying with kids.

Here are some ideas for streamlining the boarding process, but I hope you'll chime in, especially if you've recently flown with your kids.

1. Get your seats assigned as early as you can.

There's tension between buying your flight reservations early (so you have flexibility in seating choices) and waiting for a good fare.

I'm a dealhoud, so it pains me to spend more money on a flight than I have to. But when you're flying with little kids, in my opinion, it's worth paying more for comfort.

Jet With Kids posted a great strategy for maximizing the chances you'll have an empty middle seat.

2. Get to the airport earlier than usual.

Seriousy, do it. You will be so much happier spending an extra 30 minutes at the gate than you will rushing your family through the airport. (As if rushing throught the airport with kids is even possible.)

Getting to the airport early...

• gives you a shot at better seating (those gate agents can work wonders)
• gives you ample time for snack and beverage purchases, diaper changes, bathroom visits, and running off energy
• gives you peace of mind as you slog through the security line
• gives you time to pick up last-minute items you forgot at home

3. Pack empty sippy cups in your carry-on bag

You already know you can't take liquids through security. Fill cups or mix formula at the gate using bottled water or the drinking fountain. (Airplane water can be nasty and may not be available when you need it.)

4. Gate check carry-on luggage you don't absolutely need.

Most airlines let you gate-check luggage for free. This includes the umbrella stroller (bring a soft carrier on the flight). The less you have to wrestle with on the plane, the better.

5. Skip early boarding.

I lament the loss of early family boarding more on principle than in fact, because, really, why get your kids on the plane any earlier than you have to?

If family boarding's a thing and you're traveling with another parent, send one adult ahead to get the seats buckled in and the bags situated. The second grownup + kids can board right at the end, after everyone else is seated and the aisle has cleared.

If you're traveling alone, just board at the end and ignore any dirty looks while you get your kids settled. Those people are jerks.

Others have written great posts on this topic as well:

• Key Travel Tips For Parents Flying With a Baby or Toddler (Momsicle)
• Flying With Babies, Toddlers and Kids (Delicious Baby, a favorite destination for years)

OK, folks, what did I miss? Share your flight boarding tips (or links) in the comments.

Photo Credit: Ma1974 via Compfight cc

Comments

[Leslee]

Each kid gets their own backpack with stuff to do on the flight! Any electronics must have a mute button or headphones. Bring packets of oatmeal! Even flights with no meals WILL have hot water, cups, and spoons.

[Betsy]

Electronics ARE your friends. DVDs they haven't seen, new games, old games, whatever works.

Ditto above with the backpacks. They pack them. They are in charge of them.

One desirable chewy rare snack for the up and the down - helps with ears and they are so excited to get the rare treat that they forget to get nervous about take off and landing. (I remember Peach-O rings one trip - not a normal foodstuff for us!)

Shoes OFF, right away. Helps with accidental kicking. Allows them to squirm into whatever strange yoga positions they can.

Finally, pay it forward... I remember one MISERABLE trip alone with two kids up to Alaska. I think they were both under 4. Just having to be the 190% on duty entertainer the whole way. Absolutely exhausted when we finally landed. I was actually near tears. As we are deplaning, the kindly woman behind me says "I just thought I'd tell you what a great mom you are. I was going to offer to help, but you seemed to have it so under control that I didn't want to bother you." I wanted to say, "Yeah, next time, offer to help!" So, offer to help. Share toys. Entertain. Let a mom go to the bathroom. Whatever you can do.

Or, you can do what my mom did when we were growing up and traveling back and forth from Alaska occasionally - a nip of brandy in our bottles. (Please: no internet slams. NO, I wouldn't do that, but she did it often and we all survived!)

[Betsy]

OH yeah, back when they are super young - a change of clothes for YOU and for them. I forgot the mom or dad clothes one time.

[Dianab]

I used to book flights matching nap time , if possible.
Magic markers, the ones that only work on paper, not on your clothes/skin.
A new quiet surprise toy, to unwrap only "in case of crisis".
If the kids get bigger, but still are not enjoying the long airports overlay: Nexus card or any other gouvt program that gives you priority on customs and security.
A change of clothes (including adults) and a plastic bag, to safely wrap the ... Not so clean clothes.

[Jenna]

My best plan of action? Fly Southwest (US domestic) whenever I can. They are great with kids, family boarding is between groups A and B so you will always have seats together, and no fees! Fabulous airline for traveling with kids. I choose Southwest and drive an extra two hours because it is so worth it!

[Dave]

If you've got kids who aren't able to clear the pressure in their ears (babies, young toddlers), bring along a medicine syringe. They fit perfectly into the Thermos Foogo straws and you can fill it with water to "squirt" into the mouth of a crying baby who is no longer coherent enough to drink through the straw. Please keep in mind, you don't need to fill the child's mouth; just deliver enough to wet the tongue and trigger a swallow.

[Emersson]

With the younger ones like toddlers, find the nearest empty gate instead of waiting at your flights packed gate. That allows the kiddo(s), to climb, run around and press their noses to the windows while staring at airplanes without annoying or having to apologize to your fellow passengers. And don't worry about boarding because you should be the last one getting on!