Anyone have any tips or advice to flying with the kiddos? I'm going to try it for the first time with mine (GGB 14months)to visit family. The flights only 2 1/2 hrs non-stop, but the whole thing has me a little freaked out. It beats a 20 some hour drive though.

We have flown numerous times with my kids who are now two. We started when they were a year old...here are some things that helped us.

Bring lots of new toys/books that they have never seen before to keep their interest. My kids almost never eat candy, but I give them a light colored sucker on the plane and they are happy for awhile! Or, just a food they really love but don't eat often. On that note, bring tons of wipes! Also, a change of clothes for each child, just in case.

Do you have an iPad? It has been a life saver for us on flights. We download episodes from Elmo and let them watch.

We use a double and single stroller at the airport, so we can split up as needed, and it's easier to get through gates.

Good luck!

Thanks for the tips!Just booked the flight last night

First, are you flying solo or will there be other adults? Ours started flying at 9 mo. and the flight was of a similar duration. Not mobile is better in my book as subsequent flights have been more trying as they become more active and mobile. We did try to schedule the flight close to a normal nap time. Remember to bring something for them to suck on, as they probably don't chew gum yet and you'll want them to be eating or sucking (even if it's a paci, although something they can swallow helps more)on both the departure and the descent (helps to clear their ears and they won't have ear pain or will be less likely). DVD player, ipad, or i-phone are all good, although I think some flights asked us to use headphones.

Everything we had to do going through security I had to do for them too (i.e., sweater, coat, and shoe removal) and we weren't permitted to pass them through in the infant carrier or stroller. We had to walk through carrying them, which wasn't so much an issue for me, but my Mom has a bad knee and my husband uses a cane and has a bad back, so we ended up handing the kids through and having to reassemble the stroller, etc. It's just a bit of a hassle but doable. We took a bunch of formula too (like enough for an entire days feeds) because stuff happens and you just never know. Same with extra diapers. If you're buying seats (i.e., not lap kids), each one is entitled to a carry on as well don't forget.

Don't forget to pack a change of clothes for YOU! All it takes is one diaper blowout, sick kid, or food accident and you will not have a change of clothes. Who wants to sit in dirty clothes for the flight while your kids are clean?

Also, pack extra food for the trip. You never know when you may be stuck on the tarmac. We once got stuck for about 2 hours. People were nice enough to share the food. We only had a 1 hour flight but the tarmac delay stretched it out! Buy some extra drinks once you pass the security checkpoint.

Sharon
15 year old b/b/b + 18 year old son

Use overnight diapers..........it will really buy you some extra time between diaper changes.

Stacey