How To Prepare Your Child for Their First Flight
All your child’s firsts are exciting milestones that you’ll want to remember forever. Their first plane ride begins a lifetime of adventure as you bring them to new environments. While this is exciting for the entire family, it can also feel stressful—you have more to focus on at the airport! Luckily, a little prep work goes a long way in family vacation planning and ensures you have the perfect trip. Jot down our tip on preparing your child for their first flight to make your trip stress-free and memorable.
Start Preparing Early
Before having kids, you may have waited until a day or two before your trip to pack your bags. However, life is different with kids, and you need to start planning as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress.
Begin by making a checklist of your child’s essentials during the flight, such as snacks, toys, and extra clothes. This will also give you time to purchase any necessary items you may not have on hand. Likewise, talk to your child about the trip a few weeks in advance; tell them where the trip will take them.
Consider Ticket Options
As you shop for plane tickets, look for options where you can sit beside your little one. If you have more than one kid and will travel with your partner or other relatives, ensure each child sits with an adult. This seating arrangement is for your child’s safety and provides comfort if they feel scared during the journey.
Moreover, carefully review the flight times and consider what best fits into your child’s daily routine. If you have a toddler who still takes naps, you may want to select a flight that aligns with their nap time to make the journey more relaxed for both of you. On the other hand, if your child is a bit older, consider selecting a time when they are more energetic and can engage in different activities on the plane.
Travel Tip
When choosing seats, a window seat can entertain your child, while an aisle seat offers easy bathroom access. Booking the middle seat for yourself ensures you sit next to your child.
Buy the Perfect Suitcase
Finding the right suitcase for your child’s first flight can make packing and traveling easier. Look for a lightweight bag that’s easy to carry, as this reduces the chance of them getting tired or struggling as they move through the airport.
As you shop for your child’s first piece of luggage, consider buying a ride-on luggage stroller, as it’s helpful and fun! With a ride-on suitcase, your child can sit on their bag and use their feet to push themselves through the airport, or you can pull them along. This innovative luggage option makes traveling easier for parents while providing a fun experience for kids.
Set Expectations
Another tip for preparing your child for their first flight is to have an age-appropriate conversation about what they should expect throughout the experience. Talk about what you’ll do at the airport—checking in, going through security, and waiting at the gate—and the flight experience. The plane’s takeoff, landing, and turbulence can be scary for a first-timer, so explain that these are normal parts of the flight.
For example, you can tell your child that sometimes the plane shakes a little in the air due to the wind, but it’s like a bumpy car ride. Also, explain they’ll have to wear a seat belt throughout the entire flight to keep them safe in the event of severe turbulence.
Talk About Behavior
If your child is old enough, tell them to stay seated, follow the flight attendant’s instructions, and be mindful of other passengers.
Pack Their Bags
When packing your child’s bag, focus on items that will keep them comfortable, entertained, and prepared for the flight. Include essentials like a change of clothes, wet wipes, tissues, and any required medications.
If they only have one bag and you use it as a carry-on, you may also place activities or airline-friendly snacks inside. When booking your flight, check whether the airline allows travelers to carry a bag and personal items; most airlines allow both. If your child can have both bags, keep clothes and essentials in their carry-on suitcase and snacks and activities in their backpack.
Bring Activities
Keeping your child entertained is vital, especially on longer flights. Pack a variety of activities that hold their attention and are easy to manage in a confined space. Coloring books, picture books, or small puzzles are excellent for younger children. For older children, consider activity workbooks that challenge and engage them.
You may also bring electronics, such as an iPad with fun games, music, and videos. Remember to have headphones or earbuds available to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Prepare for Air Pressure Changes
Air pressure changes during takeoff and landing can sometimes cause discomfort in any traveler’s ears, but children may be sensitive to inner ear discomfort. To help your child manage this, encourage them to swallow, yawn, or chew during these times. If you have a toddler or baby, use a bottle, pacifier, or sippy cup to achieve the same effect.
Depending on your child’s age, you may be able to tell them about the discomfort beforehand. You can explain to your child that their ears might feel muffled or need to pop during takeoff and landing, but reassure them that it’s completely normal and will go away quickly.
Dress Them Appropriately
Usually, it gets a bit chilly on an airplane since it’s high in the sky. Dress your child in comfortable, breathable layers that you can easily adjust if temperatures fluctuate during the flight. With layered clothing, your little one can adjust as needed, and you can avoid the added stress of them being too hot or cold. Also, ensure your child has comfortable shoes that they can easily remove during security checks.
Arrive at the Airport Early
Plan to arrive at the airport well before your flight to avoid any unforeseen delays. This buffer gives you time to check bags, pass through security, and find your gate without feeling rushed. A relaxed pace creates a positive and calm atmosphere for your child. Once inside the airport, use the extra time to explore and help your child acclimate to the busy environment.
Make It Memorable
Celebrate this special milestone together to make your child’s first flight an experience they’ll cherish forever. Capture the moments that matter—snap a photo or two by the airplane window or as they excitedly watch the planes at the gate.
Buying the perfect luggage also makes the trip exciting for your little one. Younglingz sells ride-on luggage that’s perfect for toddlers and young children. We have many durable, colorful luggage options for kids of all ages. Help your kiddo prepare for their first flight and create lasting memories that’ll last a lifetime!