We’ve all been there: a poor kid having a meltdown in the seat next to you, parents trying their hardest to soothe. We here at Travelzoo were curious about the mindset of fellow passengers and did a survey that found 65% of travelers will offer help and a smile to the parents of a crying baby. However, when it comes to slightly older flying companions, the data shows 65% of respondents get upset when there is a disruptive child on the flight.
And, when asked to choose which is worse: a delayed flight or crying baby in an adjoining seat, 79% said a delayed flight is worse. And of those we asked, one-quarter of Americans said they would pay more to sit in an adults-only cabin — but only for a nominal $25 fee.
We’ve spent so much time thinking about flying as a family, we called in more experts. There’s no doubt that flying with little ones — whether it’s a quick 90-minute flight or a long-haul across the Atlantic — can be a pretty daunting task for parents. Along with the tips our Chicago deal expert Megan has learned along the way, we wanted to get in touch with a bunch of experts — five moms who live it and then write about it for a living.
Here’s what they had to say:
SEE ALSO: Meet the family with 7 kids that travels the country flipping houses, condos, and castles
Bring a coloring book
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When traveling I always pack a magic pen painting book of my kids’ current animated character craze. It’s a fun and easy way for my kids to paint on an airplane without the mess of using real markers. The colors instantly appear when they color with the mess-free marker, making my 2 year old’s scribbles look like masterpieces. My 5-year-old son can easily color through the whole book on our six-hour flight to the grandparents’ house. Just make sure to have an extra one handy for your return flight home.
From: My Strange Family
Don't forget snacks
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Honestly, the best things I can tell a parent getting ready for a trip are really threefold- 1- DO NOT forget the snacks. No one likes a hangry kid- they are miserable (and so are mom and dad, who get as growl-y as their stomachs!). 2- This is not the time to try leaving the pacifier, blankie, or stuffed toy at home to “see how they do.” And if they are used to sleeping with a night light, bring one. Travel is not the time to shake up bedtime, they are already overly stimulated and out of their element. 3- Don’t try to do everything. It’s not possible, and everyone will be tired and overwhelmed. Pick what you like to do best, and really enjoy your time as a family. No one wants to come home from vacation feeling like they need a break.
From: Have Sippy Will Travel
Bring friends
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Want to ensure a fun and stress-free vacation with the kids? Bring along their best friends! Anything becomes a magical adventure when you have your favorite pals by your side. Parents no longer have to perform 24 hours a day in an attempt to entertain their brood. Bliss! Downtime and adult conversation – here we come!! Talk about a win-win!
From: Lady and the Blog
See the rest of the story at Business Insider