10 Things to learn before you fly {personal}

10 Things I learned this morning….

#1 Don’t over pack.

Even when you have packed efficiently and everything fits nicely in your carry on luggage when you leave the house, be prepared for the security guards to pull ALL of your clothing and camera out of said carry on bag, and remember....things will NEVER quite go back as neatly as before.

#2 Over feed children

When taking young flyers make sure they eat more than one meal before leaving. Even if the flight you are taking is before the lunch hour kids will think you are starving them when you do not purchase the over priced “snacks” on-board.

#3 Liquor for parents should be complimentary when flying with young children

If traveling with unseasoned flyers under the age of 13, complimentary drinks should be served to all accompanying adults. This will keep the adults relaxed even when the minor children are hitting each other on the plane.

#4 Homework on planes…no bueno

Do not ask your children to start their homework on a plane. This will cause unwanted bad behavior and 2 LONG hours of fighting.

#5 Sit in the middle seat

If you are traveling with two children, sit in the middle seat. This way you are able to reach either of them in a pinch…When seat belted in the child sitting at the window is just out of reach and will continue to taunt you because you are in public.

#6 Travel with wheeled luggage

The carry on you take should always have wheels. Since you will most likely end up with all of the baggage, it might be wise to invest in nice wheeled bags, or at least a great masseuse…your choice.

#7 Don’t drink too much coffee when flying.

The excitement of the trip may cause you to ingest more coffee than normal, especially when visiting with old friends who offer to drive you to the airport. Resist at any cost. This will cause you to be abnormally “edgy” and impatient when traveling with young children.

#8 Give you children a quick over view of why airlines have security.

This could keep them from stressing out when asked to remove shoes, or the thousand questions while standing in line, all the while very loudly yelling “I don’t have a gun….why is that guy going to search me!”

#9 Have a good attitude and stop stressing

The trip is going to be memorable no matter what. Sit back and relax. Give the kids the ipods, let them sing their hearts out and forget that you want to smack them for the talking back that has been going on for the past hour of the flight. They are tired and excited and as much as you want them to just behave and make your trip enjoyable….they just might not. This doesn’t mean you wont have fun, it just means you still might have to play Mom sometimes.

#10, If all of the above seem to hard to overcome….

leave anyone under the age of 15 at home, because traveling with children is an adventure all it’s own. At some point on the trip, you will still be glad you spent the extra money to bring them along…I’m still waiting for my moment.