Many children are excited to fly for the first time, but others are a little anxious about the process. If your child is fussy, the entire experience of flying, not to mention waiting in the airport for several hours, can be a little stressful. Your transportation to the airport, whether it's a shuttle, taxi (like those at Broadway Cab) or another method of travel, can serve as a valuable opportunity to make the process of flying as seamless as possible for your child. Here is a list of some specific things that you can do to make the experience more pleasant for everyone.
Have A Snack
Children who are already a little fussy can be tough to manage when they're hungry—and food might not always be available when you're at the airport. While there will be many eateries that you can visit once you get through the security area, refreshments are generally frowned upon while you wait in line. This line can be extremely lengthy, depending on the airport and the time of your visit, which can make your child extremely fussy. As you ride to the airport, give the child some snacks and a few sips of a drink. Some trail mix, fresh fruit or a granola bar are ideal snacks, as they're easy to carry in your pocket and won't make a mess in the shuttle or taxi.
Learn More About Flying
If your child is anxious about flying, try to make him or her feel more relaxed by learning about flying together. There are many children's books that talk about the fun of flying, so buying an age-appropriate book before your trip to the airport will allow you to share this book with your child. If you have a tablet with you, you can visit a video-streaming site and watch a short video on flying that is geared toward children; a simple search can reveal many such clips. These can help your child to feel better about the adventure ahead.
Lay Out The Process Ahead
Depending on the age of your child, it can also be advantageous to talk about the steps that will be taken once you arrive at the airport. This can help the process, even though it's new, feel more familiar and less intimidating. Tell your child about the opportunity to line up, speak to security personnel and then go into a "special" part of the airport, where there will be an ample opportunity to see some airplanes out the window, ride a moving floor and see other sights.
