Taking My Kids on an Airplane for the 1St Time

Definitely talk about the trip and get them excited about airplanes... But... I wouldn't start talking about it too early. Kids have a difficult time gaging "time." I would begin getting them excited about the trip one week before. This will keep them excited without having so much time pass that they begin to get nervous. They won't panic though unless you somehow let them know that you are nervous. Be confident and relaxed, and they will be too!

My girls are about the same ages as your girls & both have flown a couple of times. My eldest flew at 7 months. Don't be nervous, if you enjoy it they will enjoy it. If you panic, they will panic. Definitely talk it up. Be excited! Borrow books from the library about flying & stories of kids traveling. Get them excited now & when it comes time for the trip they will be full of anticipation. I agree with previous posts about the gum or lollipops and the Tylenol. Maybe purchase a couple new travel size toys - they sell mini Etcha-Sketches & magnadoodles, crayons & mini coloring books - keep it simple. Like previously mentioned, you do't want to be bogged down lugging everything everywhere. Get the gilrs their own mini backpacks & help them pack some small toys, but nothing with too small parts that might fall between seats & get lost. Tell the flight attendants that it is the girls first flight & they will bring some "wings" and maybe other special treats depending on the airline. Bring snacks! Your girls might not like the snack served and/or might not want to wait to be served. Relax & have fun!

Hi J....
personally, I would talk it up as much as possible. Let them know what's going to happen (passengers board the plane, buckling up, how the plane will go up and then come down, and then afterwards they get to see their cousins, etc.) I traveled alone with my then 21 mos. old several months ago and we talked about it a lot before the actual flight. So that when the time came he was really excited. Also, you might try watching videos or looking at books that discuss plane travel. He loves planes now and points them out every time he sees one, so you might use those plane spotting opportunities to talk it up, also. Once you get to the airport, looking out the window was a huge hit and got him even more excited about getting on the plane. good luck.. hope this helps!

I agree with Nancy's response. Also, make sure you bring Tylenol. Sometimes the air pressure on the plane can cause headaches.

I will talk to them and get them excited... don't bring TOO much for them to do in an airplane, when I took my kids the first time on a plane I brought a bag of toys and I was just carrying it everywhere, (they didn't even play with anythng !!) I will bring some extra clothes on hand (just in case they get sick) believe me I learned the hard way !! Don't worry they will be fine.

S.

Hello J.!

Most Definitely keep talking about it. My son was about 2 when he went on his first plane ride. I kept talking about it and how great and fun it was going to be. when we got to the airport he looked out the window and saw all the planes. Also let them know that Florida will be so much fun also. I would suggest you bring coloring books, maybe even some playdough. If you allow them to chew gum, let them chew it when your about to take off, to help reduce the ear popping sensation.

Hi Jen,

If they have backpacks, put a new coloring book, a sketch pad and crayons in there, some of their favorate snacks, get an inexpensive cd player with headset (one for each of them) and a couple of cd's to listen to. That 2 1/2 hour flight will fly by so quickly that they'll wish it was longer. Don't bring it up unless they do. And when they do, just skim the surface, if they continue to ask questions then answer them simply - remember, their just kids. I think sometimes we give them too much information, and they get overwhelmed. Take a deep breath, and relax. We're going in August and my three know about it. My older two haven't really mentioned it, but my 6 year old wants to know if we're near August yet. I simply just tell him "not yet". And he's okay with that answer. :o)

Hi J.,
Yes keep on talking about it. Build it up. What i did was I bought different story books about airplanes. My son really loved being on the airplane. My suggestion is please bring alot of lollipops cause when the plane lands thier ears are going to hurt big time. Most importanyily please dont be nervous, the girls are going to love flying. Make a big deal out of them being girls going on a plane trip
Hope the trip goes well
N.

It mostly depends on the way your girls react to new situations. I would talk to them and explain the whole procedure. I took my then 8 year old and twin three year old to West Virgina from New York on a train ride from ----. The good think for you is that the flight is shorter and there are compact entertainment devices to catch their attention.