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10 Things You Can’t Escape When Flying with Kids
As the holiday travel season approaches, I wish you all a house full of family and a cozy hotel to accommodate them. If you’re flying with little ones this year, may you enjoy endless screen time, a team of helpful flight attendants, an abundance of snacks, and hopefully a good nap or two! But let’s face it, sometimes our wishes don’t come true. Here are 10 things you can expect when flying with children:
- The Ridiculous Changing Table
If you haven’t encountered the infamous “changing table,” it’s usually a cramped contraption in the front bathroom of the plane. You have to wait for the occupied sign to turn off before dashing to the bathroom, only to find a table that’s barely bigger than a skateboard. Each time I’ve tried to change my kids there, it turns into a wrestling match. And of course, your little one will hit the emergency call button, sending a flight attendant to your rescue! - Farewell, Soft Drinks
Gone are the days of enjoying a refreshing beverage on flights. When the drink cart rolls by, just wave it off. Any liquid near my kids seems to end up on their laps or the seats. Sometimes, I’ll take my chances and order water with a lid and straw—living on the edge over here! - The Lap Child Dilemma
While I appreciate not having to pay for a ticket for the first two years, once they hit their first birthday, they take over your lap completely. The tray table? Forget about it! And if you’re pregnant while flying with a lap child, it’s like a game of Tetris in a tiny seat. - The Endless Seatbelt Sign
You can bet that as soon as the seatbelt sign comes on, my potty-training toddler suddenly has to go! Last time I attempted a bathroom trip during take-off, we got yelled at by a flight attendant, and my son ended up wetting his pants before we were allowed to move. - Nutrition Rules? What Nutrition Rules?
At home, I’m strict about healthy eating, but on a plane? It’s a snack frenzy. Cookies and pretzels? Yes, please! When the flight attendant comes by with treats, I can’t risk a meltdown over nutritional choices in a confined space. - Change of Plans = Total Chaos
One of my friends had her son asleep before take-off, only to face a sudden plane issue that forced everyone off and to another gate. I remember once flying alone with my two toddlers when the fire alarm went off, leading to an unexpected emergency landing. I was in tears! - Unwanted Advice
There’s always someone who means well and suggests that I nurse the baby during take-off to help with ear pressure. Really? I just smile and nod, even when I’ve been flying with kids long enough to know all the tips. - Bathroom Trips are a Team Effort
Traveling solo with my kids means when my toddler needs to go, we all go together. Imagine me holding my newborn while attempting to assist my son in that tiny airplane bathroom. It’s enough to make me question the potty training journey altogether! - Baggage Overload
The amount of stuff you need for little ones is astounding. On one flight, I had a stroller, a pack ‘n play, two car seats, and four suitcases. Even for a short trip, it feels like I’m moving across the country! - Short-Term Memory Loss
No matter how many times I vow to never fly with kids again, I always end up booking another trip. It’s like I forget the chaos until I’m in the thick of it again.
So, buckle up, fellow parents—flying with kids is an adventure that’s sure to be memorable, if not a little chaotic!