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Heading to WDW in Sept/Oct. 05 and very excited, however, this will be my first experience with air travel. I have never liked the idea of flying (don't really know why, probably my fear of heights) but the thought of driving from Norfolk, VA with a 4 and 7 year old was enough to convince me to face my fears. Any good tips for making this experience go smoothly would be appreciated.
Jules.
Snacks!
I always pack a soft cooler bag as a carry-on for sandwiches, cookies, gum-anything that is not messy.
For some reason my kids always get hungry when flying. My husband would tease me about packing a lunch for the flight until the one flight I didn't-HE was the first one looking for food!
When mine were young, I also packed "busy work" things. Hang man only needs paper and pencil, but yours are a bit younger. They also liked to bring their game-boys (the flight attendent lets you know when to turn on and off)
Nanc
A pack of gum! Put one stick in your mouth right after you board the aircraft and chew and another stick in your mouth and chew right before landing.
Also, bring lots of busy stuff for your kids and yourself to keep your mind off the fact that your flying! in addition, they will make the flight go by faster.
Good tips. Thanks.
Jules. [img]graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
If it's your fear of heights then don't worry. Here's something funny; I'm a pilot and I have a fear of heights!
It doesn't look or feel like you're high off the ground. Just as riding in a car doesn't feel like you're cruising 6 inches off the ground at 60 mph. Don't believe me? Take a ride on a jetski at 60 mph on smooth open water and you'll know what 60 mph truly is; I held on for dear life!
Same circumstance. Sitting securely seatbelted into a 300 ton aircraft with cushioned seats and a little port window to peer through...doesn't agravate the fear of height. You'll be suprised. [img]smile.gif[/img]
PS. During my first plane trip as a small child I remember thinking to myself (with exception to tactile forces), "Man, if I wasn't right next to the window I'd be lucky if I even knew the plane had taken off."
[ March 17, 2005, 08:52 PM: Message edited by: CAS ]
My daugher's fiance has a great fear of heights. However, he is just fine at flying so you may be surprised as how easy it is.
Give your kids the seats closest to the windows and sit on the aisle. You'll hardly know you're in the air!
Thanks for all the positive feedback. I want this to be a positive experience and I don't want my kids to feel any stress from me regarding flying. With all your support, I'll be all set by September. Thanks again.
Jules. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
Here are some things to consider:
1) Make sure everyone has slip-on shoes on to facilitate going through security
2) Check carry-on's to insure they do not have anything you are not allowed to bring on (happens by accident most of the time)
3) Definitely bring favorite food, snacks, special treats
4) Gum for take-off and landing to relieve pressure on their ears
5) Consider buying little toys that you wrap in tissue to give them during the flight and possibly while waiting to board We would get our DD those books with the markers that magically have the color appear. We also would buy small Kodak brand puzzles that were 99 cents and fit perfectly on the tray table on the airplane. Bring pictures of the rides and things they will do at WDW. Let them "plan" what they want to do. The wrapped presents can help difuse things. Be aware that TSA may ask you to unwrap them if they trigger their interest in the x-ray machine. That would be rare - but just be aware. That is why I use tissue paper with a bit of ribbon and no knots. Easy to unwrap - easy to rewrap.
6) Make sure they use the restroom right before you board. Boarding starts about 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
7) Bring disposable hand wipes (i.e. wet ones, travel size diaper wipes). Accidents can happen in the confined space of airline seats.
8) Have your children make a card for the pilot and co-pilot in advance. Have them give it to the flight attendant on the plane as you board. This often will result in the pilot sending pilot wings for your children. Put in there that it is their first flight and he might even make a special welcome aboard announcement.
9) Take a deep breath. Traveling with little ones doesn't have to be a disaster. Make it an adventure. Show them on the map where they will be flying over. The worst flight I have had with children was not with my own. It was sitting in front of someone who assumed that airline would take care of everything to include entertaining her children. With a little planning and preparation you can make this a fun experience for all!!
Thanks for the great tips, I never would have thought about the slip-on shoes. I'm feeling more confident by the minute.
Jules. [img]graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]
A note about shoes. They do not have to be slip-on. Some shoes set off detectors due to their construction. Sneakers are usually ok. Dress shoes sometimes are not. Generally, any shoes you'd be willing to spend all day in the park wearing will pass security without you having to remove them.
Slip ons are fine but don't go buy them if you don't have any.
While sneakers will likely always pass security, some airports make you take your shoes off regardless of what type of shoes they are.Quote:
Originally posted by Natazu:
A note about shoes. They do not have to be slip-on. Some shoes set off detectors due to their construction. Sneakers are usually ok. Dress shoes sometimes are not. Generally, any shoes you'd be willing to spend all day in the park wearing will pass security without you having to remove them.
Slip ons are fine but don't go buy them if you don't have any.
Rhonda's right. On our last trip, both my husband and I were wearing sneakers. Boston let me walk through with the sneakers on but made my husband remove his. (Actually, I think they wanted me to remove mine as well. I just didn't hear them and they didn't make me go back and remove them.) Out of Orlando, we were both required to remove our sneakers as we went through security.
Double check with your airline about any restrictions on the number of carry on bags you can have with most airlines it is one carryone bag per person and a small purse, laptop case or small back pack. [img]graemlins/nono.gif[/img]
Will do. Thanks alot.
Jules. [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]
I had to take my sneakers off in Indy in February but I walked right through in Orlando.
My DDs (6 & 4) will be flying for the first time in June when we go to WDW. Great suggestions on the baby wipes and snacks. We're bringing the Leapsters with us along with some coloring books and crayons.
My four-year-old gets antsy in the van when we drive 45 minutes to Indy. Can't imagine a 1,000 mile trip to Orlando. :eek:
Jules, one other factor to consider is that the flight from Norfolk to Orlando is only a two-hour flight. Compare that to your 775 mile drive, and you'll quickly learn to LOVE flying. :D
You may want to visit the Transportation Security Administration's website - it has travel tips and security information, including information about security screening with kids.
Thanks everyone!!! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
Julie,
I live in Norfolk and its a GREAT airport. Its one of the easiest, least stressful airports I've ever been in. REst assured that you at lesat have that advantage.
Be hareful that you dont let on to the kids that youre apprehensive. They will take their cues from you.
Once you realize what a short trip it is by air, you will never want to DRIVE to FL again!
Don't forget the dramamine. I didn't know if any of us would get motion sickness so we all took it as a precaution. We did this every day of our trip and never had any problems in the air or on the rides. Have a great time!!