Ladies and Gents

“We are sorry to inform you that this flight has been delayed due to weather conditions.”

Given the weather this time of year, travel plans can be chaotic with delays and cancellations of flights. Add to this that you are traveling with children and a parent can feel that the airport bar is a necessity. Here are some tips by age to handle either of these monkey wrenches.

Consider yourself lucky if you are on the departing end because you may be able to head home if there is a cancellation. You can’t return to the Air BNB or Hotel unless you want to book another night. You may also not want to your in-laws’ house or your brother’s place either. One time when I was returning from visiting my mother’s parents in Tennessee, my flight was canceled because the plane had mechanical problems. I spent an extra night with my grandparents which I loved. If you are on the returning end, I feel for you.

“‘Parent mantra: ‘If I am calm, my kids will be calm,' says Dr. Nadia Sabri, a pediatrician and parenting expert in Austin, Texas. ‘And: ‘It’s part of the adventure.’ Kids are sponges and absorb the energy around them. No matter what is happening around, as long as the parent remembers to stay calm and collected, the kids will react similarly.’ Take a few deep, cleansing breaths. Count to 10 if you need to. And then get to work on your alternative plan.” — Cynthia Drake, Family Vacation Critic 

If you're like me and traveling with a teenager you will want to park yourself near outlets so devices can be charged especially Airpods or Bluetooth earphones so they can call friends, listen to music or watch an episode of their favorite show. You will also want to give them some money to get food and/or snacks when they get hungry (I put in an envelope labeled depart and one labeled return).

Some basic tips for delays…

1.    Try to book non-stop flights so you don’t miss a connecting flight

2.    If you miss a connection, do a quick research on the city in case you need to stay over

3.    Check out the airports ahead of time because some now have play areas for young kids (SeatMaestro)

4.    Pack travel games like Uno or magnetic chess. I Spy can get old very quickly

Tips for Babies:

·      Try to keep the travel schedule as close to their normal schedule as possible

·      Pack their special friend and something that smells of home like a crib sheet to be comforting

·      Keep food and bottles at arms-reach, incase you need to access them during take-off and landing

·      Also keep diapers, wipes etc. at arms-reach

For toddlers:

“Once your child can understand, start talking about the flight well before departure to manage expectations and familiarize them with the process from start to finish. Read children’s books about flying and travel. Emphasize that there’ll be a time at the beginning and the end of the flight where they’ll have to stay in their seats with their seat belt on. Talk to them about what they can do during this time. “ — Katie Dillon, La Jolla Mom

For young kids:

·      Go to the newsstand and buy a toy plane that your child can play with

·      Check to see if the airport has a play area (mentioned above)

·      Talk with a flight attendant about his/her job and why they like it (They may be delayed too).

·      Google how planes work and discuss the mechanics (maybe even watch a youtube video)

·      Google the history of planes and flying

For Tweens:

·      Take them to the newsstand and let them buy a magazine on an interest of theirs such as cars and/or fashion

·      Give them money for snacks and/or foods like you would your teenager.

·      If you happen to be at an international airport take them window shopping at a Duty-Free Shop

For teens:

·      “My final and possibly most important tip is to be flexible! As anyone with a teen likely knows, they can be a moody bunch. Don’t schedule out every minute of every day when you are traveling with teens. If you keep your plans flexible, everyone in your family will have a good time.” — California Family Travel

·      Go easy on device use, especially phones

·      Let them wander the airport (but give them a specific time to check back in or return to the gate)

One final tip, if you’re raising an only like me, consider once they are tween letting them bring a friend, especially if there is no one around their age on the other end. We always travel, if we can, with my daughter’s bestie and it makes my life so much easier.

Happy Travels!