If you’ve never flown with your child and they’re still too young to fully understand the process, you may be anxious about getting them ready for the air. Take a deep breath. Other parents have been through this and survived just fine, and you will too. To help things go smoothly, be diligent about packing, let your child know what to expect, and give yourself some extra time at the airport. We’re here to walk you through everything you might want to consider to get your child ready to fly. Even if you prepare the best way possible, your child might just have a bad day, or things might not go as planned, and that's not your fault!
This article is based on an interview with our professional parenting coach, Jami Yaeger, founder of AustinBorn. Check out the full interview here.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow should I help my child who is sensitive to sound?RubyTop AnswererUse sound blockers if you can, as these can work well. For example, earbuds work, as well as headphones or earphones. It can also help to get into the habit of letting your child know when to expect loud sounds, as well as explaining what the sounds are, their source and why they are happening. You can also get your child to focus on something else when loud sounds are expected, such as reading a book, listening to music, or getting food.
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QuestionAt what age can a child fly alone on Turkish Airlines?Mb_2c04a3d45491Community AnswerChildren aged 7 and over who have not reached their 12th birthday by the start of the journey can travel alone. A parent or legal guardian must sign the Permission to Carry an Unaccompanied Child form.
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QuestionWhat are kids with special needs?Nicole LeangCommunity AnswerThey are children with ASD, OCD, ADHD, etc. If you plan to fly with a child with special needs, prior to the flight show them videos of what it is like to fly.
Tips
- If your child has special needs, you can call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 to get help at the screening checkpoint. [27] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Transportation Security Administration U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols Go to sourceThanks
- Children under 12 can keep their shoes on at the security gate! Don’t worry about taking their shoes off while you’re getting ready to go through TSA. This may not be the same at all airports though, so make sure to check first. [28] X Research sourceThanks
Warnings
- If you’re flying internationally, don’t forget your passports. Children need passports to fly out of the country, even if they’re toddlers! [29] X Research sourceThanks
- Do not give your child anything to make them sleepy or drowsy on a flight without talking to your doctor first. [30] X Trustworthy Source HealthyChildren.org Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx
- ↑ https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/
- ↑ https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children
- ↑ Jami Yaeger. Parenting Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.
- ↑ Jami Yaeger. Parenting Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/traveling-with-kids/12-strategies-for-stress-free-air-travel-with-children/
- ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children
- ↑ Jami Yaeger. Parenting Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/food
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/traveling-with-kids/12-strategies-for-stress-free-air-travel-with-children/
- ↑ https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travel-tips/articles/10-tips-for-navigating-airports-with-kids
- ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/kids-rule-airport
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/traveling-with-kids/12-strategies-for-stress-free-air-travel-with-children/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ZFnOS-PhMtk?t=95
- ↑ https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travel-tips/articles/10-tips-for-navigating-airports-with-kids
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx
- ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/10-tips-for-taking-your-kids-on-an-airplane/
- ↑ https://www.denverpost.com/2009/03/18/ask-mr-dad-traveling-with-kids/
- ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/10-tips-for-taking-your-kids-on-an-airplane/
- ↑ https://www.denverpost.com/2009/03/18/ask-mr-dad-traveling-with-kids/
- ↑ https://www.todaysparent.com/family/parenting/10-tips-for-taking-your-kids-on-an-airplane/
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/traveling-with-kids/12-strategies-for-stress-free-air-travel-with-children/
- ↑ Jami Yaeger. Parenting Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 February 2021.
- ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares
- ↑ https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-xpm-2011-10-09-chi-tsa-children-pose-little-risk-can-keep-shoes-on-during-security-check-20111009-story.html
- ↑ https://americanpassport.com/a-baby-passport-is-necessary-to-travel-abroad/
- ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Flying-with-Baby.aspx