Nobody likes to read the dreaded words “airport delays” when the holiday season is around the corner. But it’s even worse if you’re about to fly with children! If you’re decided to travel with kids on Thanksgiving weekend, we have some great ideas to keep your little ones occupied. Just try to be prepared against any possible tantrum with the following tips and they’ll end up coming around.

Don’t Forget the Snacks

When preparing for a flight with kids, it’s important to pack a variety of snacks that are both nutritious and enjoyable. Healthy snacks can keep your child energized and satisfied throughout the journey, helping to avoid sugar spikes and crashes. Consider packing fresh fruit, such as apple slices or grapes, which are refreshing and easy to transport. Nuts and seeds offer a great source of protein and healthy fats, providing lasting energy. Whole grain crackers or rice cakes paired with hummus or nut butter can provide a satisfying crunch, while cut veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices are packed with vitamins and make for a fun, crunchy snack.

To add an element of excitement, don’t forget to include a few treats! Small, occasional treats like dark chocolate pieces, yogurt-covered raisins, or granola bars can be a delightful surprise and a fun way to reward your child for good behavior during the flight. You might also consider packing homemade trail mix, which can blend healthy nuts and dried fruit with a few chocolate pieces for a balance of nutrition and indulgence.

Surprise Them with “Lost” Toys!

Toddlers have short-term memories. If you find small, entertaining toys they love, hide them away and pull them out for holiday travel times. Old standbys like Play-Doh, Silly Putty, and a tiny bottle of bubbles can be life-savers. Also, pack some tracing paper in your bag. Tracing pictures from comic books is a great time-consuming activity and packs easily in a carry-on.

Teach Them How to Do Something New

Bored out of your mind during a 4-hour wait at the airport? Take the opportunity to teach your kiddos how to play chess. Or try teaching kids Sudoku or how to do word searches. Tic-Tac-Toe and a good ol’ game of Hangman cost nothing and are a great way to stop clock-watching.

Study Your Destination

If you’re visiting a new place, use the time to teach your children about geography and history.  It’s always fun to learn facts about your destination. Make it kid-friendly with a great picture book, and print pictures and information from the Internet about the place. Then, staple the pages together for a make-shift book to read on our journey.

Find out if the Airport Has an Indoor Playground

In some airports, there are hangar-themed playgrounds where kids can take their shoes off, climb, and run to burn off steam before the flight. If you can’t find a constructed playground, make your own imaginary fun…riding the trains to different terminals, for example. Kids love a good “Choo-Choo” ride, after all.

Book Flights that Take Off During Nap Time

As a solo parent, booking a window seat can be advantageous. It provides a stable leaning surface for your child, which can help them feel more secure and comfortable while trying to sleep. If your child has a hard time sleeping or sitting still on planes, consider bringing their car seat if the airline allows it. This can give them a familiar space to sleep in. If you manage to get them settled in, having two seats—yours and the car seat—can provide more flexibility during the flight. For older children, booking a window seat can also be beneficial as it offers them something to lean against while they doze off, which may encourage better sleep during the flight.

Put Everything You Don’t Need in Your Checked Luggage

There’s nothing worse than trying to wrangle little ones through crowds of people at the gate or on the plane and then having to gamely try and fit your personal bag under the seat and your carry-on in the overhead compartment. Save yourself an unnecessary headache. If you can, pack a backpack for yourself that contains your wallet, boarding pass, phone, and passport. You can make taking your carry-on luggage through security a breeze by placing the essentials inside of a cross-body bag that slips over the handle of your rolling suitcase.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Travel during the Thanksgiving travel season is pretty much always going to be a nightmare, and unexpected delays are almost guaranteed to crop up. Be sure to leave enough buffer room in your time budget for unforeseen circumstances — in particular, canceled flights. If possible, book flights that allow enough time for your kids to get up and use the bathroom right before boarding. This way, they won’t have to go when you’re in line trying to find space for your carry-on luggage.

Also, set aside some extra time to have an enjoyable meal with your family before you board the plane. Keep in mind that dinner service may be limited depending on when your flight takes off. You want to leave enough time for your kids to get settled, but you don’t want them to eat too early or too late, lest they become cranky — and hungry — on the plane.

You May Also Enjoy: Thanksgiving Travel Tips For a Less Stressful Holiday

Check-in Online the Night Before

Check in online to streamline your travel experience and make the journey smoother. Most airlines offer this option through their websites or mobile apps, typically starting 24 to 48 hours before your flight. Begin by locating your reservation. You’ll need your booking reference and last name, which can usually be found in your confirmation email. Next, visit the airline’s website or download their app. Navigate to the check-in section, which is often easy to find on the homepage. Follow the prompts to complete the check-in process.

During this step, you can select your seats, verify passenger information, and add any additional services, such as baggage or meal preferences. Once you finish checking in, you’ll receive your boarding pass, which you can download, print, or save to your mobile device. Having this boarding pass ready in advance will save you time at the airport. It’s also a good idea to review the airline’s baggage policies. If you plan to check a bag, consider pre-paying for it during online check-in, as this may save you money compared to paying at the airport. Lastly, stay updated on any alerts or notifications from your airline regarding flight status changes. Many airlines send updates through their apps or via email, so enabling notifications can keep you informed.

FAQs: 

Q: What should I do if my child has a specific dietary restriction?
A: Contact your airline ahead of time to discuss meal options. Many airlines offer special meals for children with dietary restrictions. You can also pack your own snacks that accommodate their needs, ensuring you have enough nutritious options during the flight.

Q: Can I bring a stroller to the airport?
A: Yes, you can bring a stroller to the airport. Many airlines allow you to check it at the gate, so you can use it until you board the plane. Check with your airline for specific policies regarding stroller size and weight.

Q: What activities can I bring to keep my child entertained?
A: Bring quiet activities such as coloring books, puzzles, or handheld games. Download movies or shows onto a tablet and don’t forget headphones. Magnetic travel games or reusable sticker books can also provide hours of entertainment.

Q: How can I manage my child’s anxiety about flying?
A: Talk to your child about what to expect during the flight, using storybooks or videos about flying to familiarize them. Encourage relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization exercises, and bring comfort items from home, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

Q: What should I do if my child experiences ear pain during takeoff or landing?
A: Help alleviate ear pain by having your child chew gum or suck on candy during ascent and descent. Drinking fluids can also help equalize pressure in their ears. If they’re very young, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding can be effective.

Q: Is it better to book a direct flight or a connecting flight with kids?
A: Direct flights are generally more convenient and less stressful for traveling with children, as they eliminate layovers. If you must take connecting flights, ensure there’s enough time between flights to navigate the airport comfortably.

Have any other tips/tricks to keep kids busy while traveling on Thanksgiving weekend?