More Tips for Plane Travel (by Elizabeth)
As I mentioned in a previous Blog entry, I love to travel. After my second son was born, I gave up the notion of seeing the world – or even seeing Oregon. Now, after years of minor adventures and through trial-and-error, I offer you some tips that may make traveling with challenging children enjoyable rather than torturous.
Plane Travel
Believe it or not, you can inform the Security Officer if you believe your child may become upset during the screening process. The Transportation Security Administration says to “Offer suggestions on how to best accomplish the screening to minimize any confusion or outburst for the child.”
For some children, preparation is vital. The TSA offers these tips before you arrive at the airport:
• Speak to your children about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them not to joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
• Tell your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
• Let your children know that a Security Officer may ask to see their shoes, but that they will get these back as well.
• You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
Visit the Transportation Security Administration website for additional travel suggestions.
And from TravelWithYourKids.com this priceless tip that I have personally used boarding many a flight:
If traveling with another adult: “Board separately. Lots of airlines have dropped special boarding for families with small children. If that’s an option for you, consider using it, especially if there is only one grown-up. But for me, I like to split up the parents to minimize the amount of time you spend on the plane. Send Sherpa Daddy onto the plane first with as much stuff as he can carry. Keep Mom or Grandpa or whoever in the boarding area until the gate agents physically force you onto the plane. This way your kids can run around and burn energy in the much roomier boarding area than in the 672 square inches they will attempt to occupy for the next four hours.”
On Monday, I'll post the last of my travel tips. Until next time, happy traveling ~ Elizabeth
