The holiday travel season is here! My festive wish for you is that your entire family can fly out to visit (and stay at a hotel!). If you’re traveling with little ones, may you bask in five hours of uninterrupted screen time, four attentive flight attendants, three generous servings of in-flight snacks, a two-hour nap, and maybe even a partridge in a pear tree! However, since Santa isn’t always able to fulfill every wish, here are the ten unavoidable realities of flying with children:
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The Changing Table Conundrum
If you’re unfamiliar with the infamous “changing table,” it usually resides in the front bathroom of the plane. That’s right, the one where waiting in line is not an option. You’ll find yourself racing down the aisle, hoping to beat others to the coveted space. Once you get there, you’ll discover a “changing table” perched precariously over the toilet, hardly bigger than a skateboard. Attempting to change your child there is a chaotic event, often resulting in panic and screaming. And, of course, expect your little one to hit the emergency button, summoning a flight attendant to your rescue. -
Farewell to Soft Drinks
Gone are the days of leisurely enjoying mini cups of ginger ale or tomato juice. When the drink cart arrives, just wave it away. If any beverage gets too close, you can bet it’ll end up spilled on the kids, yourself, or the seats within moments. Occasionally, I might dare to order water—no ice, with a lid and straw, of course. -
The Reality of Lap Children
While I appreciate not having to pay for a ticket for my child under two, it’s a different story once they reach the age of one. They take up so much space that the tray table remains securely stowed for the flight. Forget about accessing anything from the bag under the seat in front of you. And if you’re pregnant, good luck fitting three bodies into one tiny seat. -
The Endless Seatbelt Sign
It never fails—when the seatbelt sign illuminates, my potty-training child suddenly has an urgent need to go. I once made the mistake of taking him to the restroom during take-off, only to be scolded by a flight attendant. Sure enough, my son had an accident before we were free to move again. -
Nutrition Rules Go Out the Window
At home, I’m strict about my children’s diets, even serving them kale porridge for breakfast. But on a plane, it becomes a free-for-all. Cookies, pretzels, Cheese Nips—you name it! When the flight attendant walks by with a basket of treats, I’m not about to lecture on healthy eating. Keeping my kids entertained for even five minutes is worth any amount of snack chaos. -
The Frustration of Itineraries Gone Awry
One friend managed to get her son to sleep before take-off, elated at the prospect of a smooth flight. But then came the announcement of a mechanical issue, requiring everyone to disembark and re-board at another gate. She ended up in tears. Once, while traveling alone with my 1- and 3-year-olds, we had to make an emergency landing due to a fire alarm. It turned a long day into an even longer ordeal, and yes, I cried too. -
Unsolicited Suggestions
There’s always a well-meaning stranger who approaches and says, “Try nursing the baby during take-off and landing; it’ll help with her ears.” I often want to say, “Get lost! Why didn’t anyone tell me this on our first 50 flights?” But I usually manage a polite smile and say, “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” When I’m exhausted, my kids are restless, and I’m on hour six of entertainment in a confined space, unsolicited advice is far from welcome. -
Potty Breaks as a Family Event
With my husband’s schedule, I often travel alone with both kids. So, when my 2-year-old needs to use the restroom, we all squeeze into the tiny bathroom together. Imagine me holding my newborn while trying to assist my son with his pants—quite the balancing act! This experience makes me reconsider potty training for the rest of my kids. -
Baggage, Baggage Everywhere
It’s astonishing how much gear a little person requires. On a recent flight, I had a stroller, pack ‘n play, two car seats, and four suitcases. Sure, we were relocating across the country, but even for a weekend trip, the amount of stuff wouldn’t be that much less. -
Short-Term Memory Lapse
No matter how many mid-flight promises I make to never fly with kids again, I always find myself booking another trip.
Traveling with children may be chaotic and challenging, but it’s also part of the adventure. For more insights on family travel, check out our other post here.
In summary, flying with kids may come with its hurdles, from tiny changing tables to the overwhelming amount of luggage. However, these experiences create unforgettable memories—even if you swear you’ll never do it again. And if you’re considering starting a family, this resource can be incredibly helpful in your journey, as well as the fertility boosters available.