| If you have ever flown with kids on any length flight | | | | need. If your kid normally needs two diapers in the |
| you know too well the threats to your sanity that | | | | span of 3 hours, pack 5. And, remember the wipes. |
| abound. Here are 7 sanity-preserving tips learned | | | | There is nothing like being caught at 35,000 feet with |
| firsthand through multiple trips across the Pacific and | | | | the kind of mess that 30 of your closest flying |
| across continents. | | | | neighbors will regret right along with you, all the way |
| Tip #1: Bring small, wrapped gifts: The behavior of | | | | until you land. |
| your kids during your flight will likely go in cycles from | | | | Tip #5: Bring two changes of clothes per child: Again, |
| favorable to unfavorable - and sometimes straight to | | | | self-explanatory. This is completely worth the extra |
| downright exhausting. To get through the low points, | | | | work and space it takes up in your carry-on luggage. |
| pack 2-5 (depending upon the length of your flight) | | | | If you have reservations about this one, just think |
| small gifts for each child. Take the time to wrap the | | | | miserable, wet kid whining for 2 or more straight |
| gifts, as this will add to the enjoyment for the kids. | | | | hours. Then, get packing. |
| Then, every time you sense a meltdown coming, | | | | Tip #6: Pack an extra shirt for mom or dad: Yes, you |
| whip one of these out. This little trick has saved my | | | | or your spouse should have an extra shirt, too. This |
| husband and me from countless hours of | | | | is good policy and very much worth giving up a bit of |
| unnecessary toil while in flight. | | | | space in your carry-on luggage. |
| Tip #2: Carry on your own snacks: This one is pretty | | | | Tip #7: Master stroke - pack a gift for the flight |
| self-explanatory. I suggest packing finger foods like | | | | attendants: If your flight will be longer than 4 hours, |
| granola, crackers, and fruit. Avoid chocolate and other | | | | by all means you will want the flight attendants on |
| messy foods. | | | | your side. Whenever I have brought gifts for the |
| Tip #3: Pack a portable DVD player: This tip is | | | | flight attendants on these flights, my kids and I have |
| especially important for longer flights, but I advise | | | | received the royal treatment. You will want all of the |
| doing it for any flight. This is undoubtedly the | | | | allies you can get once you are airborne. This tip |
| potentially costliest of all of my tips in the case | | | | turns the flight attendants from seeing you as an |
| whereby you do not already own a player. But, | | | | annoyance with kids to seeing you as "that nice |
| bringing one of these is definitely a winning idea: | | | | family in aisle 17 that brought us those chocolate chip |
| in-flight movies are not always available and are not | | | | cookies - I think I will go check on them again right |
| always geared for kids. Plus, with the DVD player, | | | | now." |
| your kids can watch the shows that they already | | | | There are few situations in life that benefit from |
| like, making for potentially hours of stress-free flying. | | | | being well-prepared as much as that of flying with |
| Tip #4: Pack needed diapers, double, then add 1: For | | | | your kids. Be prepared and you will thank yourself |
| those parents whose kids are still in diapers: always, | | | | while in flight and once you reach your destination. |
| always bring more diapers than you could possibly | | | | |