What to Do for a Child's First Airplane Ride

Get Your Child Excited

• Before you ever get on the plane, you can get your child excited about the flight. He will naturally be fascinated by the plane since he has never been on one. Tap into that curiosity. Talk to him about how the plane flies through the air, how the airplane is designed and what the pilot does to fly it. Tell him about the special things he can expect on the flight, like snacks or movies, if they will be offered. Tell him about the things you might see from the air, like the tops of the clouds or the ocean. If it helps, read books together, like "My First Trip On An Airplane" by Vic Parker, or "Richard Scarry's A Day At The Airport."

Schedule Your Flight Appropriately

• Many parents try to schedule their flight during their child's naptime. However, the excitement of the plane ride will likely keep your child up, which means that he will be overtired and cranky during the flight. Instead, try to schedule your flight when your child is at his most rested and alert -- usually in the morning after breakfast. If you can, try to schedule a nonstop flight. Your child will likely be tired and irritable if you have to get off the plane only to spend more time in the airport and then get back on another plane. However, if you are taking a long flight -- such as an international flight -- you might want to plan for a short layover to give your child a chance to get off the plane and stretch his legs while also getting a change of scenery.

Before You Board

• Your child's first flight experience includes more than just the time spent on the airplane. Make sure you plan appropriately for the preboarding phase, as well. Make getting through security easier by using the family line. If you don't see it marked, ask an agent to direct you. By using this line, you can take your time on the way through security, instead of trying to rush so you don't hold up fellow passengers. Once you get through security, give your child the opportunity to run off as much energy as possible. If there's an indoor playground at the airport, spend as much time there as possible. If there's no play area, let your child ride the moving walkway or run around in a clear gate area. Hopefully, he will tire himself out a bit so that he's more relaxed on the flight. Also, be sure to take your child to the bathroom right before you board. If you have a short flight, this may help you avoid a cramped visit to the plane lavatory.

Pack for the Flight

• What you take with you in your carry-on luggage can make your flight more enjoyable. Don't count on being served snacks or drinks when your toddler needs them. Bring your own snacks, such as crackers, trail mix or dried fruit, and portion them out in single-serving bags. Bring several empty cups that you can fill once you get through security. Snacks and drinks can also help to relieve the pressure in your child's ears on takeoff and landing. Pack several toys to keep your child occupied during the flight, such as coloring books, small games, a smartphone or a tablet. To really make the flight special, you can buy new toys and wrap them to give to your child. Let him open one or two new toys for each hour of the flight. They don't need to be expensive -- just new. Also bring things that will make your child comfortable, such as a small travel pillow and a sweater in case it gets cold.