Kids flying for the first time...Help!!!
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hammylinda · 01-14-2009, 11:52 PM

We need any good tips anyone has. We are flying with a 5 and 7 yo and both are nervous about the trip. What did you do to get your kids excited and what helps with take offs. Thanks!!!

Princess Charming · 01-15-2009, 01:02 AM

Because my family lives far away, we fly a lot. My son would choose some toys, books & games (not a lot) for on the plane. He couldn't use them until we were on the plane. When he was 5, I would put a few small surprises in my bag - a new matchbox car, a new book, etc.

Have snacks and drinks just in case. Go to the bathroom as close to boarding as possible. Young kids can have ear pressure troubles that are more painful than adults so I had fruit snacks for chewing during take off and landing. When my ds got older, we switched to gum.

Have the kids dressed in layers to accomodate changing temps on the plane. Have a full change of clothes for them in case of spills or other mishaps.

If they have a special blanket or toy, it's good to have. We talked about flying and planes a lot before we would leave. He would get interested in the plane itself. Maybe explain the sounds they might hear like the wheels coming down or up.

Have a great time!!!!

mama2disneyfan · 01-15-2009, 05:46 AM

We are flying for the first time with kids too. Well actually, I am the only that has flown before.

Thanks for the great information!

Huntermom · 01-15-2009, 06:20 AM

I think it depends on how long the flight is. For shorter flights, my kids would bring a book and a couple of snacks, but were pretty much amused by the flight itself. When we took longer flights, I would bring a few more things and try to get some puzzle books. Back in the day Highlights magazine had a publication called puzzlemania which was good for several hours. Always bring a pencil/pen and note pad with that age.

What I would be careful of is not bringing too much on the plane. It becomes a pain to try to keep track of and you don't want to spend half the time digging under the seat for dropped items.

If you can, take the kids to the airport before you leave for a "tour." With security it may be harder, depending on the size of the airport, but I think it helps kids to see planes taking off and landing. When my kids were young, we would often go to breakfast at a small restaurant that overlooked the strips.

Have fun.

Diane

guitardiva · 01-15-2009, 08:16 AM

When my son was small (about 5-ish) we flew to WDW. His first time flying. He was sooo excited.He wanted a window seat so that he could see the clouds. so cute , right?
Well as soon as we started to lift off of the ground he looked out in terror and shouted "we're all gonna die!!"
Ikes.
I shut the window and switched seats with him. He was fine after about 20 minutes.

juliek75 · 01-15-2009, 08:27 AM

Our first trip to Disney we flew at the time our crew was 9, 7, and three 5 year olds. They all did wonderful and loved the experience. We took lots of gum for chewing during take off, snacks and coloring books and for the older two we let them take their GameBoys to keep them entertained. It all went off without a hitch and as we were exiting the plane several people commented on how well behaved the kids were.

hockeyguysmom · 01-15-2009, 10:18 AM

Portable DVDs or handhead video games help take their mind off it if they are scared (don't forget headphones). I pack chewy snacks (raisins, fruit chews) and a couple of lollipops for the ears. Get some water or juice at the airport after you go through security.

I usually also have a couple of new surprises for them, a new coloring book or puzzle book with disney characters.

Ann2 · 01-15-2009, 10:39 AM

Like others, we always have the all important gum. For entertainment, my 7 year has a small packpack that I always fill with new things to prevent boredom....such as... I go to the craft store and walmart to pick up small fun projects, stickers, small notepads, cool pens or pencils, walmart sells cute little magnetic boards with different themes. Sometimes we do flash cards or other card games.There are also disney themed fun books out there that are great. Have fun with it!

Disneydiana · 01-15-2009, 10:51 AM

eff051102 · 01-15-2009, 10:59 AM

Someone has mentioned on here before not to bring toys with little pieces
as they can get lost under the seats. Also to not bring any toys that you
wouldn't be upset to loose. You won't be able to chase after them if
they go "airborne" so keep that in mind. A dvd player with headphones
and a spliter so both kids can watch/listen at the same time is a great idea.

If you allow them gum I would bring that but also talk to your Dr. about
someother options. Oh and my DMIL suggested when we fly with DD to
get a book from the library about planes and flying and read this to
her before we travel.

jhoshowski · 01-15-2009, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitardiva

When my son was small (about 5-ish) we flew to WDW. His first time flying. He was sooo excited.He wanted a window seat so that he could see the clouds. so cute , right?
Well as soon as we started to lift off of the ground he looked out in terror and shouted "we're all gonna die!!"
Ikes.
I shut the window and switched seats with him. He was fine after about 20 minutes.

When my younger son was 4, he went on his first flight that he could remember (he flew when he was two and a half months). As soon as we took off, he started going "WHOA - WHOA - WHOA!" and slammed the window shade down. I could see the flight attendant cracking up.

Two years ago when we flew to WDW for the first time, I packed the boys bags full of stuff. They barely used it. Last year, they each took their Nintendo DS and a book. DH had his laptop with some movies. Once we got through security, we stopped at the newsstand and they each got to pick a snack for the plane. That was plenty to keep them entertained - and a lot easier for us to lug around!!

Mares75 · 01-15-2009, 11:07 AM

Our small local airport has a program where kids can take a short flight on a small plane free. DH2B took DS who had a blast. At least this way he had been on a plane once before we left.

dnbaci · 01-15-2009, 11:12 AM

Funny, I remember my youngest brother's first trip on a plane, and my other brother and I gave him flying lessons before our wdw trip (he is 8 yrs younger). We must have been 13 and 10 torturing the 5 year old. We sat him in a seat as the passenger, my other brother was the pilot and I was the stewardess. I stood behind him after giving him a pretend tray and shook his chair while the pilot was crashing the plane. Needless to say, we got punished and the little guy was terrified when we got to the airport! Not recommended as an adult looking back, but we had fun torturing the poor kid!

5SOXFNZ · 01-15-2009, 11:30 AM

I always hit the dollar store and buy a few small new toys and keep them from them until they get antsy. the mere fact that it's new usually gets me a few hours!! We do Lollypops or take of and landing. We usually bring crayons and a coloring book and lots of snacks. This trip I'm sure their MP3 Players will factor in big time! We usually download new music just before the trip so they are not bored with the same selection.

krisk11 · 01-15-2009, 02:53 PM

I'm lucky because when my dd is nervous about something she gets really quiet. My dd was 7 the first time she flew and I must say that it helped quite a bit that the plane would be landing in Florida and we were headed to WDW. I printed up some sheets from websites with coloring pages and puzzles (from disney sites of course) for her to work on and we also had a deck of cards. Bring a MP3 player or something for them to listen to to distract them. I'm sure they will be fine just keep reminding them they are heading to Mickey's house.