Flying with children especially the toddlers can be extremely difficult if you do not know how to handle the situations or if you are a first time parent. Sometimes, you may be under a lot of pressure for minor problems. So whether you are catching up with your dream destination or just visiting your relatives across the seas, here are a few tips to help you fly hassle free with toddlers. Given below are 10 tips for air travel with toddlers.
1. Organized with liquids
If you want to carry some particular kinds of liquids and juices on the flight, pack them properly so that the staff does not take it away from you. You have to follow certain guidelines for packing such liquids. The liquids should be carried in containers that are 100 ml or lesser. They have to be packed in resealable and transparent packs that measure 20 x 20 cm. You can also include gels, creams, aerosols and pastes. Sort out the important liquids so that you can avoid screaming on toddlers.
2. Liquids in large quantities
Do not worry about the quantity. There are some exceptions for your baby products. Baby milk and pureed food can be carried in larger quantities according to the flight specifications. Sometimes you may be asked to taste it for proving that it is not harmful. You can also buy cartons of milk after the security check. Liquid medicines can be carried in certain quantities. If it is more than 100 ml you may need a prior approval. You may have to taste it to prove its safety.
3. No sharp and dangerous items
People forget that there are many items that may seem to be dangerous. For example, you may think of a pocket knife for slicing the fruit for your toddler. So make the necessary arrangements for using fruits etc. Avoid carrying anything that is sharp and dangerous, be it toys or other useful items like the knife. They may be mistaken for weapons.
4. Avoid packing gifts
If you are planning to carry gifts or toys for toddlers, keep them unpacked. If they are packed the security staff may want them to be unpacked for checking. You will be asked if you are carrying anything for others. So do not pack any toys that resemble weapons as they will be taken away. You will be left with your bored and screaming toddler.
5. Check for special item allowances
Before traveling, it is a good idea to check with the authorities about how many bags you can carry and whether there are any restrictions on the number and size of the bags. This is especially useful if you are traveling with children. You can call them and find out what you can carry.
6. Food for kids on the plane
Some children may not like to eat the food available on plane. Most of the parents like to carry solid food for their toddlers or fussy eaters. The good news is that you can carry solid food items as they are allowed through the security check. But bring only the foods that your kids will consume and not anything more. There may be restrictions at the destination.
7. Buggies and car seats
You can carry buggies and car seats for your toddlers. But they will be screened and given to you. So, check with the airlines to find out more details about the restrictions on these kinds of items. You can carry baby bags. But they should not contain any liquids. Check the restrictions on hand luggage also.
8. Toddlers and security check
If you are carrying baby seats and buggies they have to be screened. You have to take them out for the security check even if they are fast asleep. This can be a real pain especially, if your toddler cannot cope up well after being woken up for the security check. So it is better to keep them awake till the security check is over. Bigger children who can walk and talk can easily walk through the security metal detection arch. So prepare well for these kinds of procedures to avoid hassles.
9. Toddler shoes
Use shoes that are easy to remove and wear. You may be asked to remove the shoes for security reasons. The best thing to do is to use Velcro shoes that can save a lot of time in removing and wearing them again.
10. Tips for packing
Pack things according to your common sense. If you feel that certain things can be considered as dangerous, avoid them. Check well with the airport and airline authorities about the restrictions on the baggage and other items as buggies etc. If you want to take packed gifts, leave them open at one end for the checking. Pack your change of clothes like underwear etc in your hand luggage. Similarly, things like medicines and creams can be bought even after the security check is over.
Following these simple precautionary measures will enable you to make your air travel with toddler’s fun and hassle free.
Via: Askamum
