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Need tips for 3 y/o on first plane trip

Discussion in 'Everything Else (off topic)' started by wildwest, Nov 20, 2014.

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  1. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    Please tell me what you do for a nice flight for everyone.

    Her juice box (our best weapon to calm her) is 4.34 oz. I think the TSA says 3 oz? What about water bottles?!?

    So far for her activity bag, I have snacks, crayons, coloring book, and a watch that plays music. What else?

    I have heard about Benedryl but have never used it. She has a bit of a runny nose here and there but not a "cold" as far as I can tell.

    thanks for any suggestions!
     
    wildwest, Nov 20, 2014
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  2. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    Phew, one good nugget. This is from United Airlines:

    Additionally, beverages or toiletries purchased inside the airport beyond the security checkpoints will be allowed on board the aircraft in most cases. However, if you are connecting to another flight and are required to reenter through a security checkpoint, the regulations outlined above will apply, and no exemption will be made for items you purchased in the boarding area of your originating airport.

    I still need help :emb:
     
    wildwest, Nov 20, 2014
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  3. bigbarf48

    bigbarf48

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    If you're alright with the benadryl option, that'd be my pick. They put me to sleep, so I think they'd work wonders for a 3 year old

    Although, I've been told that they make me a bit cranky as well, so beware :D
     
    bigbarf48, Nov 20, 2014
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  4. JRSDWS

    JRSDWS

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    Nyquil?

    Kidding of course!!!! Maybe find a substitute for the juice box like one of the little single serve powdered drinks you add to water? There are lots on the market now. Kool-aid and and sports drink and such?
    What about a portable dvd player or laptop so she can watch movies?
    Gum if you allow it to help with ears filling from pressure?
     
    JRSDWS, Nov 20, 2014
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  5. bigbarf48

    bigbarf48

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    When I was a kid on planes, I always liked having gum. Ear poppin is no fun for little ones
     
    bigbarf48, Nov 20, 2014
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  6. mdavlee

    mdavlee

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    Milk is allowed for kids still drinking from a bottle. You can bring empty bottle through security and buy juice on the other side. If the child will wear headphones a tablet with a tv show or movie can help.
     
    mdavlee, Nov 20, 2014
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  7. My IS heats my home

    My IS heats my home

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    Does the seats all have their own monitors? Video is a must!
     
    My IS heats my home, Nov 20, 2014
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  8. NYCountry

    NYCountry

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    iPad or something that plays movies. Don't forget the headphones.
     
    NYCountry, Nov 20, 2014
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  9. Stinny

    Stinny

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    x3 on the gum for relieving ear pressure on landings... :)
     
    Stinny, Nov 20, 2014
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  10. cnice_37

    cnice_37

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    How long a flight?

    I think sealed juices and such for kids is acceptable. TSA is pretty good for young families, but I could be wrong.

    We just did Disney with a 4 and 1 year old and the flights were actually much easier than expected. iPad and coloring books!
     
    cnice_37, Nov 20, 2014
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  11. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    Thanks for all the great tips :handshake: :thumbs:

    The flight is 2.5 hours.

    No videos :jaw: We do not have an ipad/tablet/movie player and none on the plane.

    Thumbs down from hubby on benedryl (It's not approved for below 6 y/o though some parents use it).

    I haven't given her gum yet...........(am I over protective?)

    :hair: I am nervous already :emb:

    Keeping coming if you have more pls ;)
     
    wildwest, Nov 20, 2014
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  12. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    W
    O
    W
    I am really impressed.
     
    wildwest, Nov 20, 2014
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  13. bigbarf48

    bigbarf48

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    Didnt know that. Maybe I oughta stay out of childcare threads :rofl: :lol:

    What about coloring books? Any special blankets/stuffed animals/etc?
     
    bigbarf48, Nov 20, 2014
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  14. cnice_37

    cnice_37

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    Nah, just pack tons of snacks. You're good, no worries.

    I remember coming home from Asia with, I'm assuming, new parents who were adopting and bring home a baby. The baby cried a lot, but it didn't bother me at all. It is what it is. We have all been there.
     
    cnice_37, Nov 20, 2014
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  15. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    No worries Barf! I was really tempted! AND, on dedicated childcare threads, alot of mothers speak about freely about using it before 6 y/o. If you have children in the future all the rules will be different anyway :wacky:

    So far I have a coloring book, crayons, and her security blanket, and her daddy that is most comfort. Hoping we get friendly peeps next to us, she is ham and loves talking to others.
     
    wildwest, Nov 20, 2014
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  16. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    Snacks, check! Thanks :like::handshake:
     
    wildwest, Nov 20, 2014
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  17. bigbarf48

    bigbarf48

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    Sounds like a plan :thumbs: I'm sure it'll be fine :)
     
    bigbarf48, Nov 20, 2014
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  18. Paul bunion

    Paul bunion

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    Do not let her kick the seat in front of her. Other than that don't worry about it. We've been flying with our kids about once a year beginning with their trips home when we adopted them and I can't think of a bad experience. You are ready with snacks and drink. If you have a video monitor in the seat back you have entertainment. Be careful if you are flying Southwest. Their boarding system is very family unfriendly if you have a high boarding number. Car seats are a PITA. If you have someone on the other end do what you can do to avoid hauling one. Collapsible strollers can be gate checked.
     
    Paul bunion, Nov 20, 2014
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  19. cnice_37

    cnice_37

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    SW boards families with kids under 4 after the 'A' list.

    x200 about kicking of seats!!
     
    cnice_37, Nov 20, 2014
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  20. Paul bunion

    Paul bunion

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    Ok, we got screwed then with older kids.
     
    Paul bunion, Nov 20, 2014
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