Whether it’s a vacation abroad or a short flight to the next state over, getting on a plane with kids can be a challenging process. There is a lot that could go wrong, and there are certain factors that will be out of your control, but preparing ahead of time can provide adequate assistance.
If you want to simplify the airport process when you are travelling with your children, then this post is here to help. It outlines three of the most useful tips to ensure you reach your departure gate in plenty of time and with minimal stress.
Get to the Airport Early
Although most airlines will require passengers to arrive at the airport at least two or three hours before their departure time, families with children will benefit from getting there even earlier. Not only does this allow for additional time through check-in and security without stressing, it also means the kids can burn off some additional energy before the flight. Hopefully, with this extra movement, the children will be able to sleep on the plane.
Arriving at the airport well before your flight’s departure will also provide you with the opportunity to get some food and go to the bathroom. With younger kids, this can be a time-consuming task, so having the extra hour or so will make all the difference. You could even take some time to peruse the stores in the departure lounge, buying snacks for the flight and maybe even small travel games that will keep the children entertained if they cannot get to sleep.
One of the best ways to ensure you arrive early is to book a car service to drop you off at the airport. Drivers from these companies will have the most in-depth knowledge of the roads and traffic that you’ll encounter on your journey, ensuring you arrive in plenty of time. Plus, many services will have the equipment necessary to transport children, too. For example, Executive Car Service LAX encourages passengers to request car seats for children at the time of reservation, and this service is one of the few companies to offer car safety seats in LA.
Stay Together Through Security
Going through security can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, but it might be particularly scary for children. If this is the case, you will want to explain the process to your kids to ease any nerves. You can tell them what’s happening as you watch the queue of people in front moves; this might include explaining what the conveyor belt and machines do, the roles of the people working there, and so on.
To make the process of going through security easier, you should ensure everyone is wearing shoes that can be slipped off and on – that means no laces. Belts should also be avoided to make the process simpler. As for carry-on bags, especially toys, it would be wise to explain beforehand that these items will be back within your child’s arms quickly after a short ride through the scanner.
An additional tip for going through security is to use a sort of sandwich formation; an adult in the front, kids in the middle, and an adult at the back. This ensures the kids are kept in line and occupied at either end of the security gate. If you are travelling alone with your kids, send the eldest through first to meet the younger children at the other side, or ask a member of staff for help.
Try to Keep Calm
It is easier said than done, but trying to stay calm throughout the airport will make the experience a lot easier for the entire family. There is a lot that can go wrong when going through the check-in desk and the security gate, and then making it to the departure lounge. However, with the right preparation, you will breeze through and be on your way to your destination.
You can try to make the experience fun for everyone by playing games at each point in the process. The Airport Alphabet Game, for example, is easy to play as your make your way through the airport. Simply try to find words that begin with every letter of the alphabet; these words could be on signs, people’s clothing, etc. You just need to keep track of the words on your phone or a sheet of paper. Other games to play in the airport can be found here.
By following the advice outlined in this post, you will have an easier experience as you and your kids go through the airport, from check-in to departure.
Leave a Reply