It’s family vacation time, and you’ve thought of everything you need for your upcoming trip on a plane. Boarding passes are printed, your bags are packed with all of the essentials, your tablet is loaded with games and videos for entertainment during the flight, and you even packed snacks into the small space left in your carry-on after all of your other items were packed.
You’ve prepared well, so everything should run smoothly, right? If you’re a frequent traveler (or a parent who commonly travels with your kids), you know that a “smooth” travel experience is much easier said than done. Step one foot into an airport, and any child — even the most well-behaved one — start to get squirrely and stir crazy at the drop of a hat.
I’ve carted enough children (both my own and my nieces and nephews) through enough airports to know that it’s a Herculean task to travel peacefully with children; however, it is not impossible. In fact, with the right luggage for travel in your possession, flying with kids can be a relaxing, enjoyable experience that provides something you are probably looking for in a vacation: relaxation.
Let the Kids Carry Something
Most airports are not kid-friendly places. This is a fact. Sure, a handful of airports have play areas set up in the concourse, and nearly all of them have free wifi that can be used for computer games. With that said, a trip to the airport often involves a significant wait (almost every child’s least favorite situation) before your flight departs. What do you do when your child has had his or her fair share of playing games or watching videos on one of your smart devices?
In my time traveling with kids, I have found that giving them a “job” makes getting to the terminal and waiting to board your flight a lot easier. What type of job can they do, you ask? Carry their own luggage! This simple task makes children feel like active participants in an airport’s frenetic hullabaloo, and it helps them stay focused.
You may be thinking:
“Let my kid carry his own bag? It’ll get lost on the way!” I felt the same way at first. But I found that, if you properly plan for the situation by investing in some kid-friendly carry-ons, you may be surprised at how remarkably easy it is for your children to manage a piece of luggage.
But Remember: Safety First
If you want your child to carry his or her luggage through the airport, you first need to figure out what they can carry, without making carrying the luggage uncomfortable. According to a majority of physical therapists, children can safely carry up to 15% of their body weight in a suitcase or backpack for an extended period of time, such as the time you spend waiting in airport terminals.
Your child won’t be able to shoulder the same load as the adults in the family, but he or she can at least carry a few items — ideally, ones that belong to your child, whether it’s clothing, toys, snacks, or a cornucopia of all three. Treat your child to a sturdy backpack or a rolling suitcase, and fill it with items such as clothes, toys, and snacks to eat during the flight.
Be sure your child knows that it is his or her job to carry the luggage through the airport and onto the plane. This helps them feel like they’re a part of the airport experience, and not just tagging along at your heels, as they wait for your family vacation to officially start.
