Conquering Your Kids' Fear of Flying

It's a busy travel season, and many are already making plans for Spring Break. Andrew Bard, VP of HCC Medical Insurance Services, has tips to help make family flights more comfortable for parents and children.

Tips for flying with children . 

1. Travel smart: protect your health.
   • If you’re leaving the country, make sure you’ve purchased travel medical insurance for yourself and your child ahead of time. A child could be even more likely to get overseas due to changes in climate, water sources or food and most health plans don’t cover overseas travel. Spending a little in advance could save you from spending a lot if you travel without coverage.
2. Check your seating arrangements in advance.
   • Even if you request to have your families’ seats together, mistakes can be made. Speak with an airline employee before you hop on your first flight and make sure your family is sitting together on each leg of the trip.
3. Pack plenty of everything! (diapers, snacks, etc)
   • You are able to take very small “reasonable” quantities of baby formula, breast milk or juice with you, but be aware a TSA official might want to check it out before you go to your gate.
4. Find the best place to change a diaper as soon as you board.
   • Sometimes airline cabin crew members will prepare the change table in one of the cubicles if you tell them in advance. There might also be larger bathrooms in the back of planes that are easier to change diapers in. Checking with the cabin crew in advance will save time once you need to change the diaper.
5. Give your kids something to do.
   • Whether it’s a coloring book or game boy, make sure your child has something to keep them busy and most importantly- quiet! Get creative! Create challenges for your little one like finding certain items in a travel magazine or having them create a puppet out of the “barf bag!”
6. Check the temperature on all meals/bottles that are heated on the plane.
   • Crews are preparing meals and drinks for numerous passengers so temperatures can sometimes be too hot or too cold. Especially if you need a bottle warmed up, check the temperature before feeding.
7. Be prepared to lose things or have items ruined.
   • Flights can be long and accidents happen. Don’t put your child (or yourself) in a favorite outfit. Wear dark colors which will better mask spills and don’t worry if you lose something or leave something behind. If it’s inexpensive, it can be replaced.
8. Stay positive. If you’re in a good mood and smiling, it’s more likely your child will follow suit.
   • Don’t raise your voice as that might warrant tears. Rather, if you do have to discipline your child while on the plane, keep your voice low and calm.