Do Not Board a Plane Without These Items

Yay! You’re finally going on vacation. Your flight is tomorrow and you’re quickly going through what you need to pack for the airplane and airport. Seems like a simple task, but when traveling with kids or a large family, being prepared is the key. The statement, fail to prepare, prepare to fail, is especially true when traveling.

The most important – food. We all need food, and yes- you can buy food in the airport, but do you really want to spend an arm and a leg on some hard-boiled eggs? It’s always best to have some extra food in a backpack in case of emergencies. Think of packing nonperishables like nuts, rice cakes, pretzels, chips, and dried fruit. It’s a good idea to have some backups in case your flight gets canceled or delayed. If you’re relying on the snacks that airlines provide, don’t. A small bag with 10 mini pretzels does not satisfy anyone. Additionally, the airline may not carry kosher snacks- so be prepared so that you can avoid tantrums and hangry children.

Coming in at second is entertainment. Children can run out of patience in one minute- it’s an excellent idea to pack entertainment for them. Whether that includes an iPad, a coloring book, toys, games, and so on- don’t think twice. I don’t want to deal with a crying toddler on my lap for a flight and neither do you. Instead of worrying whether your child will nap for the full duration of the flight, pack some stimulating toys/books/electronics to keep your kids busy. Therefore, you can enjoy your flight and maybe take a small nap. Once again, do not rely on the airline’s entertainment services. Some airlines do not have TVs for each seat, and some make their passengers pay to watch movies/shows. Keep in mind that some airlines may have TVs, but they can be broken- leaving you with one less option to keep you entertained. Lastly, if you are bringing iPads or Kindles, be sure to pack chargers and fully charged portable chargers.

Wipes and hand sanitizer. Listen, airplanes are disgusting. Even if you don’t want to believe it, the number of human beings getting on and off a plane, using the bathrooms, and touching the handlebars and seats is astronomical. You don’t want to risk anything, especially on the way to vacation. Bring some wipes to wipe down the armrests, tray table, TV, and its buttons once boarding your flight. Wash your hands with soap after using the restroom and use hand sanitizer before eating anything at all. Especially with children, make sure their hands are clean before eating during the flight. Once you’re off the airplane and collect your luggage, wash your hands with warm water and soap. There is a tremendous number of bacteria on planes, protect yourself and your family from getting sick.

Lastly, make sure to pack a positive and easygoing attitude. Flights can be stressful for everyone involved, especially with children. Be flexible to changes and things not going according to plan. All that matters is that everyone is safe and happy. As you know, parents are responsible and greatly contribute to the overall atmosphere of everything and anything. So, make sure you and your spouse are easygoing and communicative, so your kids can be as well.

Enjoy your trip and be sure to create unforgettable memories!