Taking a plane trip with an energetic preschooler or young school-aged child can be a challenge, but there are many things you can do ahead of time to make the trip comfortable, pleasant and fun for everyone.
1. Ask for input. Even a preschooler is old enough to help choose his own outfits for a trip (within reason), and to suggest toys he might like to bring.
2. Prepare your child for the trip by explaining a few simple facts about flying, and by reading stories and picture books that cover the subject of air travel.
3. Lead up to the trip by discussing rules and appropriate behavior in advance. Make it clear that your child will need to remain in his seat unless he needs a trip to the bathroom, and ask him to suggest some activities (such as coloring) that he likes to do sitting down.
4. Try to prepare your child for the length of time he will be on the plane, in terms that he can understand. For example, you could tell him that a 6-hour flight takes about as long as the time between lunch and dinner.
5. Bring along simple, fun toys and games that will hold his interest. Simple card games for young children, coloring books and crayons, and “I spy” types of games work well.
6. Pack healthy, nonperishable snacks and drinks. Half-frozen juice boxes, trail mix or granola bars can keep a hungry child happy while he waits for the food cart.
7. Bring a surprise bag containing some new toys, a small amount of hard candy or gum (to relieve ear pressure during takeoffs and landings), and a new book or two; pull something new out of the bag every time your child gets restless.
