Board Last When Flying With Small Children
Ah, pre-boarding is the only logistical advantage of having small children.
Mums and Dads, this is what you will probably believe when the first time the brood was taken out first of all at the exit from the airport. “Hooray!” you think. “We’re early! We now have time to strap little Ivy and Kai into their seats before they can play another round of tagging alongside Cinnabon. Let’s sit back and relax. “
This is what actually happens: after the first exhalation, you wait. You watch as the passengers in Group A stuff their suitcases into the upper compartments and awkwardly sink into their seats. And then you watch group B. Then C, maybe D. And then you wait a little longer … “Is there a Henry Chow on board? Henry Chow? It’s been 40 minutes since your kids first stepped on a plane, and now they’re losing it. Again, you need to use the bathroom. Another went through the entire box of surprise toys you brought her, as well as the snacks. Everyone is hot or cold, and everyone is crying. “How much more?” your kids whine. You look out the window and see that you are still on the ground. Who ever thought it was a good idea for young children to spend more time on the plane than is absolutely necessary?
Best Travel Tactic: Be the last to sit.
Yes, skip the invitation to join the “All Traveling with Young Children” early-boarding group. And then when all the other pilots are getting on the plane, let your kids have fun. Jumping jacks! Carlton! Tae bo! Now is not the time to hand over your iPad (you should keep it as toddler currency for the flight). Instead, it is an opportunity to empty the bladder, change diapers and physically prepare babies to sit quietly for longer than they think.
There are, of course, exceptions. If you are traveling with an awkward car seat, you should sit down early to make sure you secure it correctly. If you need to guarantee some headroom, you should probably also use the perk before landing. Here’s a good New York Times idea for those traveling with a different parent: one of you sits down early and packs your luggage, while the other parent stays behind with the kids and sits last with them. (I shared this advice with my husband, and he immediately shouted, “I’M CALLING FOR LUGGAGE!”). Airlines may or may not allow parents of young children to board without the listed children, but it doesn’t hurt to ask (share your reasons). Finally, if you are traveling alone with your young children and do not have allocated seats, be sure to sit down early so you can sit together.
Remember, timing is almost everything when it comes to treating young children. Once you’ve got everyone in place, move on to rethinking your toy distribution strategy . It’s all about the plan.