Plan Ahead:  It may take longer to organize and plan a trip if it includes children, but good planning will prevent unneeded stress and expense.  What you need to carry with you depends on the age of your children, the length of your trip, etc. Keep in mind the weather at your destination and what activities you have planned when you get there.

• Schedule an off-peak flight (usually Monday afternoon through Thursday), when airports will be less crowded and flights less likely to be overbooked.

• Try to schedule the flight for a time when the children normally sleep - if they're tired, the "white noise" may help them sleep. (Of course, it could go the other way and you'll be up all night with them, and spend the next day with a really cranky family.  Only know you know which would be best for your children.)

• For shorter flights, try to schedule non-stop flights. For longer ones, schedule an overnight stop - the break will help make the rest of the trip more bearable for all of you.

• Check with your airline about bringing your own child restraint seat for younger children.

• Dress children as comfortably as possible, with easy-to-remove shoes and travel-friendly fabrics.  If your child is still in diapers, be sure the clothes are easy to remove, as there is not much room to spread out.

• Board the flight as late as possible. Most airlines allow families to board first, but that keeps the children sitting down even longer. International flights sometimes begin boarding an hour before take-off. I know I can't handle that extra hour myself and will wait as long to get on as possible...how do you think your kids will feel about it?  Give them that extra hour to run off some energy.  If you have too much gear to stow, consider sending one parent ahead to pack everything away and get situated.

• Be sure they use the restroom just before boarding, also.

• Packing Considerations:

• On international trips, you may have to arrive at the airport two to  three hours in advance of your flight, and will likely have a long layover on at least one of the legs.  Children will appreciate books, books on tape, card games, crayons and coloring books, sticker books, etc. - but leave items with small parts at home.

• Be sure to pack plenty of clothes to allow for accidents. At least one change of clothes, even for older children (and adults), should be included in the carry-on bag.

• If your child is potty training, be sure to carry plenty of training pants, as well as some diapers, just in case.

• Also, carry enough food, medicine, entertainment, diapers, etc. to allow for long layovers, delayed flights, or lost luggage.

• Entertainment: Collect entertainment items well in advance of the trip. It's a good idea to keep some items that they only can play with while traveling, so they'll be new - but don't forget the current favorite toy as well.
  • These days, most children have some sort of electronic device - an mp3 player, iPod, Game Boy...they are great, but be sure they understand there are parts of the flight when these items are banned.  Many international flights have video games built right into the airline seats, but they don't operate until the flight is well underway.
  • You may want to carry a bag of toys and activities to keep in the overhead compartment, so you can rotate items during the flight. 
  • If you have or can borrow a DVD player, that will keep your children occupied for a long time. You can buy earphone "splitters" so two children can watch and hear at once, without disturbing other passengers.

• Food: most airlines have children's meals that may include a toy or sticker, but you are always safe bringing  your own food.  Just check with your local TSA  beforehand, to be sure you aren't carrying a prohibited item.
  • Solid foods such as dry cereal, raisins, crackers, etc. are almost always acceptable.  Try to leave the chips at home, though, as cabin air is very dry and salty foods will aggravate it.
  • If your child is a picky eater, don't risk having him refuse his meal - take plenty of his favorite snacks. If you can, buy some favorite box drinks at the airport, after you clear security. A spill-proof cup that can be filled with milk or juice by flight attendants is also a good idea.

• Medicine and Sanitation: Children's Tylenol, Benadryl (it'll help them sleep - some parents swear by it), cough syrup, plus any medications your child frequently requires.
  • Baby wipes or other wet wipes - besides cleaning faces and hands, they can clean a questionable toilet seat, or cool your neck) - are essential.
  • Hand sanitizers are essential - especially after you return from the restroom.

• Comfort Items:
  • A nightlight for the hotel room or guest room is essential. I always carry one for myself.  Keep it in your carry-on bag, in case your luggage doesn't arrive with you.
  • Many people allow their children to carry their own pillows and/or blankets on a flight. That's fine, if you want to bother with the extra bulk to carry.  Only you know what  your child needs to be comfortable and happy.

• During the Flight:  keep your children under control at all times. Your child may wander off if you fall asleep. Traveling with two parents is best, so you can take turns at watch; if there is only one of you, the responsibility is yours. I have been on too many flights with runaway children and have certainly not felt great affection for the parents who allow their child to use me as a bridge while they enjoy a peaceful nap!

• Don't put your child in an aisle seat - it's too easy for him to escape, for one thing, and he may be injured by an inconsiderate passenger swinging his oversized carry-on bag down the aisles.