Flying with Young Children

We just got back from Disney last week with my 2 year old and 8 year old. The seats are 3 across on one side and 2 across on the other. I brought our car seat for Claire and she fell asleep half way there and on the way back too. There is no room on the plane to change a diaper and the bathrooms are a tight squeeze so change in the airport.(We brought benedryl just incase Claire acted up but didn't need it)
I packed a coloring book and some favoite toys in the diaper bag which is not counted as your carryon. For my oldest we packed a portable dvd player and brought a whole bunch of dvds we knew she would like. I also packed their swim suits and a change of clothes in our carryon and our diapers for the week in our carryon.
Unless you chose your seats ahead of time for the flight there be prepared to be split up. My hubby sat with my older daughter, and I sat with my Mom and the baby. On the way back the flight was oversold and we almost didn't get on. I sat with my 2 year old, Mom was behind us and my hubby and daughter sat far infront of us. Also on our way home my 2 year old was sick and there was no where to change her. We brought our own stroller which you can check on the plane and that helps get through the airport. We rented a stroller at Disney because they are easy to push. Renting a luggage cart is a must.
I bought our snacks inside the security checkpoint to avoid hassles but you are allowed to bring a bottle or sippy cup with juice in it.
The Milwaukee airport is a breeze to get through but be prepared for the Florida airport. Even at 6am it took us 45 minutes to get through. I had to go through by myself with the kids because they split my hubby and I up.
I hope you have a great time!

My home is in Florida so we fly and have flown 1-2 times a year home. If you are flying in to Orlando on Midwest, they now have the Saver flights that are NOT the wide seats. I hadn't really noticed a savings in the tickets either. But the direct flight is DEFINITELY the way to go with young kids.

As I am sure you know the 16m will be the hardest to have sit still during takeoff and landing. Watch those ears. Make sure she has something for the pressure for both of them. i.e. a drink is the best to swallow and pop the ears. Espicially on decending. Watch the liquids though. Only 4oz through security. but you can always buy some water or juice in a bottle after security for the ride... Plus, they have the refreshments on the plane but make sure you have extra. The ears can hurt.

Ask for an aisle seat so that she can run up and down the aisle if needed. Also, each airport should have a small play area. So get out that energy as much as possible before you get on the plane. Small kids boarding first is only good if they are sleeping. Why make them sit for longer than they need to.

Finally, even though my kids are older now, the DVD is the best on the boring plane ride.

Good luck.

expect the worst and hope for the best. bring lots of toys and snacks in a backpack for the 4yr old to carry. i brought a carseat and the 16 mo old may sleep in it and the 4yr old may play on your lap. the kicking of the chair in front is usually the problem

K.,

We took our kids to Disney over last Christmas break and also flew Midwest. We just brought lots of activities for them. Coloring books, crayons, memory cards, books, and their Leapster hand held games. They actually slept most of the way since our flight was super early in the morning, but they weren't board on the way their or on the way back! Have fun!