Air Travel with 2 Year Old

Ive flown with my sons (3yrs & 22 months) a few times and they did way better than I thought they would, they actually sleep a lot of the time. But take some books, snacks and drinks, like capri suns or juice boxes or something like that. No toys that make any noise though, but somethings that you know will be interesting to him. If you buy some new things dont give them to him till you are on the plane that way he will be into it. Its not as dreadful as you think it will be! :D

portable dvd player and a few special "airplane only toys" thats what my mom did with my daughter said she was great then after the return flight the airplane only toys were for special treats but she clearly got quite toys lol

Travel light. Remember, what your 2 yr old likes to carry or pull in the beginning is yours in the end. I was told to travel during the night at the beginning. Snacks and items for nap time are important too.

I've done that exact flight about 4 times. It's not too bad. The best thing is to try and not take too much with you because of the security things they do now and it's such a hassle to go through the gates with lots to take off and put back on and things like that. Bring a dvd player for sure, but if you can't then toys that she can play with. Snacks are a big plus cause things at airports now a days are so outragous in price it's unbleavable. Bring a sippy cup if she drinks from one and give to her just before you take off and just before you land. Your best bet is to get her real tired before you take off and she'll sleep all the way, but if she's like my son they don't make it easy, but it's really not that bad. Your most trouble will be the security part and then transfering at the next airport. If it's dallas let me know and I can give you a quick run down of the airport if you would like. Well hope this helps and have fun with it. Good luck!!!!

I recently traveled alone from Florida to Oregon with my 2 1/2 year old and my 6 month old. It was tricky, but not as horrible as I thought it would be. In fact, the toddler was easier to travel with than the baby. I packed a backpack FULL of toys, activity books and snacks that she doesn't normally get. Sticker books, coloring books (with washable crayons), those "magic" crayola markers that only write on special paper, colorforms, little trucks, a box of Dora dominoes (suprisingly, these kept her occupied for a looong time). When we changed planes, I let her run around a little bit and then she actually slept curled up in her seat for over an hour.

You will be allowed to bring liquids for your child--I brought a small juice box and a sippy cup with no problem through security.

My other advice is: wear slip-on shoes so you can get them on and off easily at security, go to the bathroom right before you get on the plane (don't think you're going to be able to do it on the plane!), and never feed your child a blueberry muffin before a 4 1/2 hour flight (side note: birng lots of wipes).

Good luck!
--E.

we flew from Florida to Neveda with my 9 month old and my 2 year old...we arent crazy either... :) my suggestion would to be bring favorite toys, snacks,blankie...comfort things....and if the child has her own seat its so much better that a lap pass...also for our trip we bought a DVD player with headphones with a few fav movies....my 2 year old got a little ansie at times..but for the most part both kids were great...

L. - A huge lifesaver for me was a portable DVD player, but for that long of a trip I would strongly recommend that you buy a 2nd rechargeable battery pack b/c my battery pack only lasts about 2 hrs. even when fully charged. I'm not a "tv all the time" mom, but you'll be amazed at how long a DVD can capture the attention & energy of your graddaughter! Take snacks as well b/c there's not much given on the planes, even on that ling of a flight. Best of luck!
K.

I have been flying with my daughter who is 2 now since she was a baby. Our flights weren't quite as long as yours, but we did 4 hour flights (Texas to FL). This last time I had brought my portable DVD player, but something happened to it when we went through security and it no longer worked. Thank goodness I had a backup plan. Coloring books and crayons work wonders. What I did was to buy several coloring books that she hadn't seen and kept them just for the trip. That way she had all new pages to color. Make sure you have plenty of snacks too. Books and baby dolls are good too. Good luck!

I took my 2 to California to visit my sister when they were 4 yrs & 7 months. My carry on bag had a portible DVD player w/ a few of her favorite movies, her favorite books for me to read to her, her favorite stuffed animal, crayons, etc. If your 2 yr old still uses a bottle or pacifier, sucking on it will help her ears while the plane is going up or coming down. My 4 yr old chewed gum. We also used the restroom that was not closest to us, so she could get up & walk a little. The biggest pain was changing planes b/c I had both children, a stroller, diaper bag, carry on bag, & my purse. At least the change of planes allows for a break & you aren't in the air for the full time. If you have time between flights, tell her how well she did on the 1st plane & let pick out something small from one of the stores. That will keep her entertained on the second part of the trip if she has become bored w/ everything you brought. Have a safe trip.

I fly with my children as well (25mths and 6mths) it works out great if you plan correctly. Make sure to take a nonstop flight, travel during nap time if possible, bring food, coloring book, toys etc. I would buy a new toy just for the trip and don't give it to her until you are on the airplane. Also, wear shoes that you can slip on and off easily for the airport security. I wore running shoes my first trip and had the baby in a front carrier little did I know I would have to take the baby out of the carrier and my shoes off. It wasn't fun trying to put running shoes back on while holding a baby and nowhere to sit with people pushing by you. Think of some activities you could do to keep her busy. I spy is a great game to play. Just plan effectively and remember you have a toddler things don't always go as planned with a child and make the best out of every situation. Also, make sure she is drinking something or has gum during take off and landing to prevent ear aches. Good luck and have a great trip.