Go through security checkpoints at the airport. Regardless of age, all children are required to go through security, even infants.
Board your flight. Travelers with young children are usually permitted to board first. This is recommended because you likely have extra things to stow away in the overhead compartment. Boarding before other passengers gives you extra time to do this, so you don't hold up traffic in the aisles.
Provide entertainment for your children. This is especially important if you have young children who tend to become bored easily. Portable DVD players and music players are permitted on board, although you do have to shut them off during take-off and landing.
Pack snacks. Airlines allow you to bring food on board your flights. If you are traveling with an infant or toddler, you can also bring formula for your children. The flight crew will even warm it up fort you.
Plan your flight around your child's nap or bedtime. A sleeping baby is definitely easier to travel with.
Pack toys. Include a variety of old favorites; books, toys, games and cuddling animals -- as well as a new toy. You may find your child is entertained for a longer period of time with a brand new toy that she is playing with for the first time.
Depart from an airport with a play area for children. Even short flights feel long to little ones, once they realize they are confined to a small seat, with very little room to move around and play. Many airports feature playground areas in their terminals. Arrive a little earlier than you need to, and allow your child to play until it's time to board your flight. Call your nearby airports to inquire as to whether or not they feature any play areas for children.
Pick your seats wisely. Most passengers want to sit as close to the front of their flight as possible. If you book the very last row on your flight, you will sometimes find yourself lucky enough not to have a stranger sitting in your row. This leaves extra room for your child to play.
Pack extra clothes. Children are notoriously messy. With possible turbulence and other flight factors to consider, packing an extra outfit for both you, and your little one, is always advisable.
Expect dirty looks and judgement from others on your flight. At least one person will rolls their eyes and mutter under their breath about children on their flight. Don't feel badly, don't feel guilty. You paid for your flight too. Of course, you hope your child behaves like an angel during your flight, but remember no one is perfect. Children misbehave, and you'll never see these people again.
