jim daly

Q: We’re traveling for Christmas with our two small children; it will be their first airline flight. Do you have any suggestions to make it easier?

Jim: Traveling with little ones can be a challenge, especially at Christmas. My friend Shawna Purvis is a full-time flight attendant for a major airline; her husband, Ryan, is a commercial pilot. Shawna was kind enough to offer some suggestions for this question:

¯ Avoid surprises at the airport

Go online prior to packing and check the airline’s specific baggage policies. Some airlines exempt military families from baggage fees; others allow car seats and strollers to be checked for free.

¯ Dress in layers

Cabin temperature can fluctuate wildly. Layers allow you to shed when you (and the kids) are too hot and bundle up when you’re too cold.

¯ Plan child-friendly entertainment

A movie or game on your phone or tablet is a good idea (don’t forget headphones!). But have a back-up plan. Before the trip, go to a bargain store and buy a toy or two for each hour of travel. Your children will love playing with new toys, and you won’t care if the toys accidentally get left behind on the airplane. (Remember to open packages at home; there are no scissors on the plane.)

¯ Consider bringing a favorite snack/pillow/blanket

Long gone are the days of airlines providing free pillows, blankets and meals.

¯ Prepare for popped-ear pain

Lollipops are good for plugged ears as well as little mouths that won’t stop chattering.

¯ Manners really do matter

Even if you had a bad experience with TSA or the gate agent, the flight attendant is a different person. If you set a positive tone with them, they’ll be more willing to help you out as much as they’re allowed.

¯ Ease the airport pickup

Picking someone up during the Christmas season can be a hassle. Try meeting your party at the departure area of the airport. The lineup of cars is usually a lot shorter.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim Daly is a husband and father, an author, and president of Focus on the Faimly and host of the Focus on the Family radio program. Catch up with him at www.jimdalyblog.com or at www.facebook.com/DalyFocus.