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Q&A: What are good travel tips for airline travel with multiple children?

Posted on 18 June 2010

Question by mom_overboard: What are good travel tips for airline travel with multiple children?
Five children ranging from 6 mo to 11 years. I am worried about how to get through the airport. Can I use a stroller and take it on board? Can I request a private security screening? What are the things I need to know before I attempt this?
Thanks for the help, great suggestions. Adam, I wish I had known that about JetBlue BEFORE I bought tickets with another airline… Paul, I think you could use some more bran in your diet and Tumbling, how is it selfish when I pay for each seat?

Best answer:

Answer by Adam B
I have experience in this. My kids are ages 3 to 11 and we fly at least once a year, or more. I don’t think you can get private security clearance…never heard of it. The stroller is fine. You can check that at the gate, i.e. they’ll take it and put it under the plane so you won’t have to drag it on board.
As far as the security screening goes, here are some tips from me. Don’t put too much clothing on them, like accessories…belts, extensive jewelry, jackets, bags, purses will all have to be taken off. Try to choose “flight” shoes that are easy to get on and off of them so you won’t be blocking the security lane and frustrating everyone else in your path…been there! Just remember to keep it simple. Try to take as few things as possible on board…trust me on that!
But what you do want is things that will entertain them. We have Nintendo DS for the kids and VideoNow players. Those work real well. The 11 year old will be happy listening to an Ipod usually. But if you can try to fly JetBlue. They are excellent for your situation. We flew JetBlue in December. The reason they are great is because EVERY plane seatback has a satellite tv monitor and satellite radio. My kids just sat there watching Nick Jr. cartoons — all nice and quiet and happy — for a four hour flight!!! It was great. I hope this helps you!!!

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