If you are planning to fly to Walt Disney World with kids, you need to be prepared! Here are 10 tips for flying with kids:
1. Book a window seat – This tip seems kind of duh! but it is a good one. Make sure you get your kids a window seat. If you have 2 children, instead of trying to seat your whole family together, book two window seats and have each parent sit by a kid. We did this when we went to Disneyland and it made a huge difference.
2. Board early – If you have a child under 4, Southwest will allow you to board between Group A and Group B. Since they don’t assign seats, this will make the opportunity to get a window seat easier especially if you have little ones.
3. Get a carseat holder – If you are going to be taking a carseat with you (this is not allowed on the Magical Express or Disney buses), get one of those holders that allow you to roll the carseat as a stroller. It will make things a lot easier!
4. Check your stroller at the plane – Instead of putting your stroller in with the luggage, use it in the airport and check it when you get to the plane. It will make navigating the airport a breeze.
5. Allow time to eat – One of the fun experiences of flying is getting to eat at the airport (for kids). Allow an extra 30 minutes or so to grab something quick and easy for them. This way they board the plane with a full belly.
6. Schedule the last bathroom trip – Just before they start to call for boarding, make one more quick trip to the bathroom. Using the airplane bathroom can be a scary and upsetting experience for kids. Better to have an empty bladder.
7. Bring new goodies for the flight – Stop by Dollar Tree and stock up on small toys, coloring pads, cards, etc. Just skip the stickers because you do not want to be responsible for your child sticking them all over the plane.
8. Load the iPad with a new show/movie – Another trick I like to use is putting a brand new show/movie on the iPad. This will keep their attention better than their old shows they have watched 100 times.
9. Don’t forget the snacks – Pack a few of your child’s favorite snacks in your carry on. When they get hungry on the plane, you’ll have something they are familiar with for them to eat.
10. Bring your patience – Decide ahead of time what you expect the experience to be like and you won’t find yourself as stressed. Know that you are going to get to your destination and getting agitated is just going to make your child behave worse.
What are your best tips for flying with kids?
Learn more about traveling to Walt Disney World and the perks of using a Disney Travel Agent.