| Organisation is the key to flying with children. A straight | | | | Arrive early |
| forward plane journey can seem like an endurance | | | | Try to arrive at the airport early allowing plenty of time |
| test when you are flying with children, especially in | | | | to get to the airport. Aim to leave half an hour before |
| today's climate of increased airport security. But it | | | | you need to, plan for unexpected delays, and don't |
| doesn't need to be that way. The secret to successful | | | | forget about parking. If you're stressed because you |
| flying with children is to be prepared. Start by checking | | | | are running late, your children will get stressed too. |
| out the children's facilities offered by your airport and | | | | Keep your buggy/stroller with you |
| airline, and follow the advice below which offers | | | | It's advisable to take your buggy / stroller to the gate - |
| suggestions for travel preparation and for keeping | | | | most airlines will let you take your buggy to the plane's |
| children occupied during their time at the airport and on | | | | door and will then put it in to the hold. It's a good idea to |
| the flight. | | | | take an inexpensive, umbrella type buggy as they do |
| Book seats in advance | | | | get thrown about in the hold. |
| When booking flights try to book the seats at the | | | | Book Meet and Greet parking |
| same time - book two seats of two with two window | | | | Book meet and greet airport parking ( ). This is a |
| seats, allowing the children to have a window seat | | | | stress free, time saving, ultra-convenient method of |
| each. Most children, especially the younger ones, love | | | | airport parking, especially when travelling with children. |
| watching the other planes, the luggage being loaded | | | | All that's involved is driving directly to the airport |
| and refuelling - it helps to keep them distracted while | | | | terminal where a driver is waiting to collect your car, |
| waiting to take off. | | | | get your kids and cases out of the car, hand over the |
| Book direct flights | | | | keys and walk in to the terminal. The driver parks your |
| Try to avoid changing planes and book a direct flight. If | | | | car in their secure car park and when you return he |
| a stop over is unavoidable, allow plenty of time to | | | | brings your car back to the terminal for you - just walk |
| change planes, allowing for delays and time for the | | | | out of the terminal building, load up your luggage, and |
| kids to run about and let off steam between flights. | | | | kids, and away you go! It really is that simple. |
| Give children their own hand luggage | | | | Talk to your children |
| When organising hand baggage, give each child a small | | | | Draw your child's attention to everyday life in the |
| bag with a selection of things to keep them occupied | | | | airport. Chat to them about what is happening |
| during the flight. A small cuddly toy, playing cards and | | | | throughout the journey, even the very young find things |
| coloured pencils are good, but you can't beat an | | | | we take for granted, such as checking in hold baggage |
| electronic game or portable DVD player. If your | | | | and passing through airport security, fascinating. |
| children love reading, buy them a book at the airport, | | | | Dress children for comfort not fashion |
| the excitement and novelty of a new book can keep | | | | Dress your children in loose, comfortable clothing - they |
| them engrossed for ages. | | | | are more likely to get irritable and complain if they are |
| Take snacks for the airport and water (bought after | | | | wearing tight, restrictive clothing. |
| security), include chewy sweets for take off and | | | | By following these tips you should minimise the strain |
| landing. | | | | on you and your children. Remember a holiday is for |
| Be prepared | | | | relaxing, focus on the destination not the journey and |
| Make sure you pack enough supplies for the flight. If | | | | above all enjoy your holiday. |
| you have a baby or young toddler, pack plenty of | | | | Paula Garrett is an experienced traveller and mother |
| nappies and a change of clothes. Don't forget to | | | | of two keen to pass on her travel tips for flying with |
| change the baby's nappy before boarding. If you are | | | | children. Check out the Birmingham Information website |
| trying to toilet train your child - give up on the flight and | | | | for more hints and tips about flying with children and |
| use 'pull-ups' - it's just not worth the hassle! | | | | Birmingham airport children's facilities. |