Talk to me about plane travel with kids

Ok, so in a few short weeks, we are taking about first big family vacation! I'm so excited because I literally have not been on a real vacation since my honeymoon in 2005!

We are going on a plane, and its DD's (she's 4) first plane ride. I'm sure she's going to be fine in terms of the plane ride. Although I know she's going to be very excited! I was thinking about buying her a new game for her leapster for the ride, and bring other things such as coloring books, a portable DVD player, etc. Its only a 3 hour plane ride.

A few quick questions that I have:

-Do I need to bring identification for her for the airport? I'm not sure what id I would use- maybe her Social Security Card?

-Am I allowed to bring food on the plane? I was thinking a few juice boxes, and snack packs.

-Does she have to sit in her carseat on the plane?

TIA!

Re: Talk to me about plane travel with kids

New toy, DVD player, stickers, crayons and coloring book and LOTS OF SNACKS! (goldfish, animals crackers, pretzels, fruit snack..and one "bad" one to whip out in an "emergency" like M&Ms..lol)

That is what we brought for my DD and DS and these kept them busy!

I would think you DD would need a Birth certificate as an ID and a passport if it is out of the country.

My DD sat in her own seat, we did not bring a car seat.

Re: Talk to me about plane travel with kids

A new game would be awesome for her!

As for the carseat, we have used it on the plane every time. But this year, DS is also 4, so we are thinking of checking the carseat. I am torn because the carseat lifted him up, so he could see out the window. But we couldn't put the tray table down with the carseat. I know he will be fine with the seatbelt at this age, but I want to make sure he can still see out the window. So silly, I know. But I don't trust rental carseats, so that's why we will still bring it no matter what.

ETA: I also agree with 'special snacks'. Bring them out for take off and landing to help pop her ears.

Message edited 10/10/2011 10:47:48 AM.

Re: Talk to me about plane travel with kids

I usually bring his birth certificate bc we don't have the same last name but they honestly never check (which is crazy).. passport ob if you are leaving the country. We always forget to bring DS seat but it was helpful with it and fine without.

What helps us bc we travel with DS a few times a year-
Buy an apple juice- something light and bland- and put it in her sippy or let her drink it throughout flight. The drinking motion helps with the popping ears. Also bring dry cereal to also munch on. Snacks keep them occupied and also keep them from feeling the pressure. I would be careful bringing things too sugary bc you may end up with an overly hyper 4 year old with a sugar rush.
Our savior??
Our macbook laptop.. we download all of his fav shows/movies from Itunes or bring them on DVD and DS is occupied the whole time. We wuld be in trouble without it. Good luck and happy travels!

Re: Talk to me about plane travel with kids

and you can bring snack packs.. we usually go through security with an empty sippy and buy everything in the terminal and fill the sippy with apple juice. I don't think you can bring liquids through security.

Re: Talk to me about plane travel with kids

You don't need id for a child under 18 for a domestic flight. I usually bring DS' birth certificate anyway.

You can bring snacks - I'm not sure about the juice boxes though. I've been able to bring in water and milk for DS but, he's under 2.

Re: Talk to me about plane travel with kids

We flew in March with DS (4) and DD (who was 1).

I'm almost postive we brought their birth certificates, in case we needed them.

DS carried on his own little back pack filled with crayons, a coloring book, cars, trains and a book or 2 for reading.
Oh and snacks.
We bought juice after we were checked in.

We did fly Jet Blue, so, the TV kept him busy for a bit too.