We are from Ohio in the United States to fly to Tokyo to visit Japanese family. It is a non-stop and my son has become very active, he can not sit still. in fear that flight but we must go. any tips
travel tips for a flight with a toddler 19 month old? flight from Ohio to Tokyo?
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You can only do the best you can to stop him being a nusiance to other passengers. It is not too much of a problem if he will walk up and down the aisle, people will talk to him and he will enjoy the attention. It is worse if they are screaming or tugging the hair of the person sat in the seat in front.
Take a toy he likes making sure it complies with security restrictions, a soft cuddly toy could be best.
All you can do is play it by ear and hope for the best. It is one of those times when you can spoil him by letting him have too many sweets or treats you would not normally allow. 00
I’m a former Flight Attendant and I’ve flown with my own kids many times at this age. We do a lot of flying between Europe and California, a similar flight.
I wont sugar-coat things, this is a bad age! They’re mobile but don’t have the logic or discipline to stay seated. I really, really recommend bringing his car seat along. Even if you didn’t buy him a seat, try to ask nicely at check in if they can give him an extra seat, if the flight is not full. I really found it helpful to have them strapped in and found that they were calmer. This is also the safest way to fly with him and not to scare you but you do have to keep him contained for taxi and take-off. People have been “off loaded” for not controlling their toddler!
But that wont be you because you’re going to go out and buy a few new things, he’s never seen before and pull one or two out at crucial times of the flight like taxi and when he gets cranky. Nothing that makes noise! Even a quiet noise played 10,000 times will drive the other passengers nutty, if you don’t go crazy first. Toddler love repetition but they also like stickers, coloring items, play dough, pinwheels, chunky books with pop-up windows, simple plastic animals, trucks and cars that roll, linking and stacking toys, etc. Nothing that can’t be lost!
Bring his own blanket and second-favorite stuffed toy (no. 1 gets packed).
Snacks! Nothing too sticky, sweet or salty. You are allowed drinks meant for him in “reasonable” quantities.
I highly recommend a good baby carrier. He’s far too big for a front pack but a good-quality one should go to age 2-3. I found my sling useful but a wrap, pouch or front/back carrier is good too.
Others might recommend “drugging” him. It’s not entirely innocent. I saw wired kids twice on flights because they can get the *opposite* reaction. Talk to your ped and make sure it’s something he’s had before. I have never done it with my own and we’ve been fine.
For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject. It’s based on both my personal and professional experience of flying with children. It’s totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com
I go into more detail on all of the above. Any other questions, my contact info is at the end.
Have a good trip!
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Keep him active and occupied for a long period of time, no sleep. By the time he gets on the plane, he can’t help but to doze off. Bring puzzle games and stuff to keep him occupied so he won’t be so noisy.