Family Matters
Have to take your child on an airline trip? Plan ahead

By Lynne Wikoff

Summertime is travel time, and for us, that means long hours in an airplane. When traveling with kids, you can avoid air rage (your own!) by planning ahead so your children don't get bored and cranky.

When you make your plane reservations, request "child-friendly" seats — usually those behind a bulkhead or next to the galley, where there's a little extra room. Before you leave, talk to your children about what the plane will be like so they'll know what to expect.

Jolie Zimmermann of Honolulu says she's learned a lot traveling with her 5-year-old daughter, Dawson. "I buy lots of small, cheap toys and gift-wrap them, then dole them out slowly throughout the trip," she said. Zimmermann recommends "quiet" activities, such as coloring/activity books and crayons, sticker books, and a tape or CD player with earphones. She also advises avoiding toys with small pieces, otherwise you'll spend the trip trying to find the ones that slip under the seat cushions or fall on the floor.

Faith Rex of Manoa agrees, adding that her 9-year-old son David's activity of choice these days is playing with electronic games. She also reminds parents to be sure to bring along their young child's "blankie" or other special comfort item. "Now that he's older, David carries his own backpack and he's responsible for his own things," said Rex. "That way, he doesn't insist on bringing along more than is manageable."

Keeping very young children occupied can be more challenging because they are less able to entertain themselves — take it from someone who spent an entire Pacific crossing trying to keep a toddler from shrieking and running up and down the aisles. Honolulu pediatrician Dr. Galen Chock says he sometimes recommends that parents give toddlers and preschoolers a simple nonprescription antihistamine (the ones usually used for a stuffy nose) before the flight; this should make them a little sleepy. "It's important to try it out at home first, however, to see how your child reacts," said Chock. "Instead of getting sleepy from antihistamines, some kids get even more active, which you don't want to discover on the plane." Chock advises checking with your pediatrician to see whether using an antihistamine is appropriate for your child, and what dosage is recommended.

Food is another consideration. If kids' meals are available (some airlines no longer offer them), be sure to order them when you make your reservation. Even when such meals are available, it's still wise to bring snacks along in case your child doesn't like the food or it's not served when she's hungry. For example, Rex packs dry cereal, raisins and crackers in plastic zipper bags. You can also bring such favorites as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and fruit bars.

This naturally leads to the need for pre-moistened towelettes. Bring plenty. It's also a good idea to include a change of clothes, just in case, in your carry-on bag, and a sweater or jacket because planes are often chilly.

When you board the plane, assemble the pillows and blankets you'll need during the flight so they won't all be taken when your child is ready to go to sleep — should you be so lucky. Show your child where the bathrooms are, and check the height of the door latch to make sure your child can reach it before allowing him to go in by himself.

At take-off and landing, you might want to give your child gum to chew (assuming he is old enough not to swallow it) to help unplug his ears. This is often easier — and certainly more fun — than trying to explain how to counteract the pressure by swallowing.

There's no getting around it, though, flying is pretty tedious, even without children. But for the wonderful experiences it takes us to, it's well worth the effort.

Lynne Wikoff is a Honolulu-based free-lance writer who holds a master's degree in social work with an emphasis on child development. She has raised a daughter, now in her mid-20s, and a stepson, now 40, and she hangs out regularly with her twin 10-year-old step-grandchildren.

Wikoff and fellow Hawai'i parent Ka'ohua Lucas take turns writing the Family Matters column. If you have comments, questions or suggestions for future topics, write: Family Matters, 'Ohana Section, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; e-mail ohana@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 535-8170.