So, you booked your first air travel with kids? What’s next?
Apply for/Renew Passports —
This seems like an obvious tip, but make sure you have sent passport applications a generous amount of time before your scheduled trip. First-time passports take a lot longer than renewals. Children’s passports also expire within 5 years, so be sure to check expiration dates and plan according to your desired trip dates.
Check the bags that you can –
The last thing I want to worry about while traveling with the kids is muscling up and down multiple carry-on luggage bags. We picked one small carry-on with bathing suits, PJs, and a pair of extra clothes for each of us, just in case.
Comfort Plus can be worth it –
Comfort Plus seating with Delta made it quicker to get through Customs when we landed in Costa Rica. I’m not sure if the benefit is the same with other international airports, but the Customs/Border line was much shorter for us as we were one of the first few families to get off the plane and get in line.
Use tablet time sparingly –
Try with all your might not to give in to handing your kids their devices too soon on the trip. We specifically saved tablet time for in-flight time only. This helped with the kids getting bored/restless too soon in the air.
Have the kids pack their small bag –
I allowed my kids to pick a backpack and pack it lightly with things they enjoy, such as journals, pens, a small stuffed animal, books, and anything else they preferred within reason. This gave them a sense of choice and responsibility. When they said the infamous “I’m bored!” It was nice to point them in the direction of their packed bags.
Pre-load expectations –
My husband and I ensured our kids understood that a day at the airport meant a lot of “hurry up and wait” time. This was their first time flying, and pre-loading them with expectations on how the day would go helped with how smoothly we were all able to move through the day. Make sure they understand the amount of time it can take to go from the airport to the hotel/Airbnb and everything in between. Include your kids when you’re planning the itinerary for your trip so they can get excited, too!
Rent a car if possible –
We rented a car with car seats for our trip to Costa Rica. It was nice to plan our adventures and day trips according to our schedule instead of relying on buses and/or Uber/taxis.
Everything at a kid’s pace –
If you’re rushing your kids from here to there and everywhere, eventually, they are going to burn out. Take your travel plans at your kid’s pace. No one likes to be pushed around on vacation. Find out one thing that is most important for each family member and make those things a priority.
Check out more ground and air travel tips on Atlanta Mom!
