Your best advice for an immigrant flying with two kids from Europe (Armenia) to Los Angeles (USA)?

Question

your experiece for transatlantic flights, Please give me your best tips especialy for my kids, 3 years old son and 9 years old daughter, we will be flying about 14 hours with a stop for 3 hours at amsterdam, thank you in advance

Answer 1

I'm a former Flight Attendant and I fly a lot with my three children, also between Europe and California about twice a year.  They are about the same ages as yours' (8, 6 & 4).

The good news is that Amsterdam is a really easy connection point, probably the best in Europe if you have to change planes.

First of all, have your children flown before? Talk to them about the flight, especially security. Flying is fun for kids but the security can be intimidating. Explain that they might have to take off their shoes and everything has to go on the belt. They will also have to go through this multiple times.

This TSA page from their site is aimed at younger children but you might still find it useful, even if you're not flying a U.S. company;

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/c...

I find my biggest problem with my 8 and 6 year olds is their commentary. Explain that they are to be *very* good while you're checking in and no joking in security period. Also, while there is a language barrier, they shouldn't make jokes or comments even if they wont be understood. My kids are bilingual and think they can say whatever they want in international airports. There are a lot of exotic people in airports so explain this ahead of time.

Make sure they stay together. Two of mine are "wanderers" and will stray off as soon as they see something interesting. The middle child is always at my elbow but I have to lecture my other two to keep up and not get lost.

Once past security, you all can relax a little before your flight. It's safer in theory because everyone is either flying or working in that area of the airport. Before security, it's basically a public area. Resist the temptation to linger to say good-bye and get you and your kids past security asap. This can take ages and it's better to get it done with as quickly as possible after check-in.

Bring lots to keep them occupied. Have each bring a backpack. I also bring some sort of surprise. For my older two, it's usually an activity book of some sort and a small simple toy for the younger one. Make sure he has plenty of coloring supplies, paper, coloring books, pens, stickers, etc. These pack easily and keep them busy for ages.

I also pack a change of clothes for each of us but if that seems too much, just bring a t-shirt and shorts. If there's a spill inflight, you'll probably have time to rinse and dry clothes (which is fast thanks to the dry air in airplanes).

I usually recommend bringing the car seat for 3 year olds. They are usually more comfortable in their familiar seat. Check this site to see if your seat is compatable;

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_childr...

If not, be sure he has something to ride in once you arrive in L.A. both for legal and safety reasons.

Bring some sort of alternate drinking item like sippy cups or something with a spout. The F/A's will fill these instead of open glasses if you want. This is especially important with electronical toys.

Big subject and I'm not sure what you have in Armenia. Explain that these toys have to be off for take-off and landing but then can be played in the air. Bring extra batteries and recharging wires. If you are taking a DVD player or computer, make sure there's at least 5 hours battery life in it. Turning the screen light down saves battery time. Bring the recharger and recharge on the layover. You might need a converter.

Fully charge everything before leaving your home because they can't be done inflight. I also only allow the DVD player in the air, not on the ground for practical reasons (dropping it, having to leave quickly, etc). With older kids, this may or may not be a useful restriction or simply allow it while waiting at the gate in Taiwan.

They must keep the volume turned all the way down or off, or some gadgets have the option of earphones. Bring extra pairs (easy to pack and easy to lose!) Same goes for the movie. Make sure your machine can take more than one headset, or buy a "splitter" so they can both watch.

A new movie(s) and/or new games might be a good idea.  Get reading materials in their native language, as it might not be possible once you leave Armenia. If you don't have all those electronical gadgets, don't worry. There will be plenty once you get to America!

Bring snacks. So far, nothing we have has been taken by security. Mostly they're concerned about drinks so buy those after you get through security, assuming you'll have time. Parents with small children are usually exempt from the 3oz. limit on other liquids. Here's the page if you're flying a U.S. company (other countries have similar regulations);

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

Perhaps your son is out of diapers. If so, good work! If not, bring about 1/3 more than you usually use in the same space of time.

If he's newly potty-trained, be careful if he needs them for sleep. I will say that I've put trained children back in diapers and it didn't disrupt the whole process. Children understand "special situations". Insist on it if he wont go when prompted. If you suggest a visit and hear "I don't need to..." then perhaps the diaper's a good idea...

Many flying tips say to make the child suck on something or drink during take-off and landing. This isn't accurate. ENT specialists say to have the child awake about an hour before landing (top of descent, landing or touch-down is too late).

I can confirm that is when I saw problems at work. Take your children to the doctor in the last few days before you fly to make sure their ears are clear and infection-free. Heathy ears can handle pressurization changes and if there's a real problem with their ears, no amount of sucking or drinking will help.

If either or both of your childen fall asleep during take-off, there is no reason to wake them/him. Please don't worry!

About eight years ago I wrote an article for a local newsletter. This is entirely non-commercial information and I have both the practical and professional experience, both from the aisle and in the seat.

Feel free to visit;

http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

Congratulations and wishing you a wonderful life in your new country!

Answer 2

I think your daughter will be ok. There should be at least one film on the flight so bring headphones for her (and mabye your son, yourself too) in case the airline doesn't provide them.

Have some snacks with you. Entertainment as well! Coloring books, stories, anything that will keep your 3 year old occupied until he (hopefully) falls asleep. Otherwise he risks to act up and irritate other passengers.

My biggest complaint for overseas flights are all the parents who let their children scream, carry on, and kick the seats of the person in front of them. I realize that this is inevitable to some point, but SO many parents just don't do anything!

Bon voyage!