Guide to Flying With Children

It's no secret that we have traveled a LOT in the past few months.  Even Sarah and I need a vacation from all the vacations we've taken.  (I know, complain some more!)  Two trips to Denver, one to Orlando, and the most recent to Phoenix (via Denver) and our frequent flier accounts have filled with the collected miles.  We've also continued to hone our skill of traveling on commercial airlines with kids.  Follow these easy steps and you are sure to have success too.  

First tip: In the days leading up to the travel date, starve your children of all audio & video entertainment.  They will be so withdrawn from their addictions that by the time you lay an electronic device in front of them and say, "As much as you want today," they stare at you with blank expressions wondering if it's a cruel trick.  This pacifying tactic only works, of course, if you have gotten your children addicted to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the weeks prior.  

On layovers, use the time as an opportunity to get out all that pent up energy.  I have been looked at strangely when I was alone, running, jumping, and yelping on escalators and hallways through the terminal - but when you do it with a 2 year old, suddenly everyone thinks it's cute and understands, and thinks you are a great father who is only trying to save his sanity and the sanity of those seated near you by preventing energy explosion in row 23 because the kid just can't sit still for 2 more hours.

Specifically time naps for those extra long legs.  Not only do they sleep, but you get a nap as well.  You will need it considering you probably had to brave the 4AM wake up.  This tactic, however, does NOT work on the red-eye, although I've only heard this through the grape vine.

My last piece of advice for traveling with children on airplanes is to gain access to the USO.  The United Serviceman's Organization has lounges in most major airports across the US.  I never gave these lounges much use or credit when I was a jet setting single pup, but as a father of two, we practically rely on their open spaces, kids zones, free food, and friendly faces as a way to refresh between flights.  We actually planned a 4 hour layover on one trip to take advantage of the facility for naps and feeding.  Of course, you only get access with a military ID card.  Just one more great benefit of being a service member.  Above you see the lounge at ORD, below DEN.