A few weeks ago, on the plane(s) home from FL, I ended up seated pretty close to a few parents with babies and/or young toddlers.
To a lot of people, that is like their worst nightmare. There were lots of eye rolls and sideways glances. They're thinking, I just paid $487 to sit next to some brat, obnoxiously crying for three hours and 57 minutes?! To those people I have to say... invest in some good noise canceling headphones.
Trust me, the parent on the plane trying to entertain her kid for three hours and 57 minutes is just as horrified as you are. Have you ever tried to keep a little one still that long? Without a healthy dose of Benedryl? Just kidding. Kind of. It's hard! I mean, there are only so many things you can carry in the allotted one carry-on plus one diaper bag, right? Think about what it takes to entertain a 12-month-old new walker for four hours at home, forget about confined to a seat the size of my elbow.
At home, you have the exersaucer, the baby swing, the cradle for a cat nap. The entire cupboard of pots and pans for noise making, the family room for exploring and testing out the new walking skills, the toy box filled with things to dump. Endlessly. A kitchen stocked with snacks and food, a highchair for eating those snacks and food, and a kitchen sink for an afternoon bath. A changing table for a smooth and effortless (haha) diaper change. At times, four hours at home with a baby can seem to stretch on for days, but at least you have options. At least you can pop your baby in the stroller and distract them with a walk around the neighborhood or something.
There are though, the parents that unapologetically let their kid scream it out. I'll admit, that's kind of rough to sit through. Even for a non-judgemental person like myself. It's just, when you're in a confined space with a hundred and fifty other people who cannot escape, you should really make an effort to corral and hush your kiddo. It's just common courtesy. And speaking of common, use some common sense! If you know your child's crabby time is pretty much at 4:00 every day, don't schedule a 3 pm flight. In fact, ideally, you should schedule your flight during your child's typical nap time! Bring a bottle or two, the flight attendants can heat it up for you. Also, you can request to be seated by an empty seat - which they are generally happy to arrange if the plane isn't full. An empty seat gives you a few more square inches to utilize in entertaining.
One of the kids that I was seated next to was tough... she cried. Literally for 3 hours. She of course fell asleep during the landing. But, the mom overcompensated. And the dad did absolutely nothing. The mom loudly and ineffectively tried everything, it seemed. I think the thing that pushed most of the understanding people over the edge was that she called her baby (named Tyler) Little Bear, approximately once every four seconds. It was cute initially, but after 3 hours and 57 minutes of hearing, "Little Bear, do you want my keys?!" "Little Bear, have a cracker!!" "Little Bear, do you want to read a book/tear up this magazine/look out the window?!!" it definitely got old. Thankfully I do have a great pair of noise canceling headphones. And I definitely used them.
But I don't know, you can't get mad at the parent who is doing everything they can to keep their child busy and calm and quiet... because it's not like they're purposefully trying to bother others. They're in a situation where they have very little control. You just have to try to be understanding. You can get mad at the parent who looks away while their kid kicks your seat incessantly for the entire flight. Or the one who pretends they don't notice their child is tossing crushed crackers at you while simultaneously jumping up and down on their seat, which is attached to your tray, which of course spills an entire glass of ginger ale in your lap. Or the one who doesn't change their kid's dirty diaper, a diaper that was dirtied within the first 15 minutes of the flight.
I don't know why I have been so lucky, but with four kids who have flown several times, I have never had an instance where one of my children were difficult on a flight. I prepared of course - filled a bag with as many toys, snacks and books as humanly possible. I had portable DVD players, and stickers and crayons and play do. Also, for take offs and landings and general bribing, I was armed with lollipops and gum.
Also, my kids were firmly aware of my evil eye. Along with packing the right stuff, I think it's every parent's obligation to perfect their evil eye before attempting a lengthy flight.
What do you think? Have you ever had a bad/embarrassing/annoying airplane-child moment?
I enjoy flying for some odd reason. I know a lot of people who abhor it. Too be honest with you, if I think too hard I abhor it too, because OMG I'm trapped! In the sky! But then I talk myself off the ledge, play a little Candy Crush, and get in the zone. I think I like flying because I know that strapping myself in a can filled with random people, mutually in the sky, brings me to some place that I really want to be.
When I fly, I go prepared to entertain myself. Because who wouldn't? One time, I was seated next to a guy with no carry-on. Seriously, he had no book, nothing to listen to... just like, nothing! Who does that?? And inwardly I was all thinking, wtf is he going to do for the next 4 hours?? Attempt to talk with me in close quarters?? It made me very anxious. We managed somehow, random guy and I. I used the Universal Signal of Don't Talk to Me (headphones, obviously), and he looked out the window for several hours. It all worked out.
There are always a handful of people that you come across on airplanes that really just shouldn't be allowed to be there. The most important thing to be when you are flying with 250 other people, is to be courteous, don't you think? It's the people that are completely inconsiderate of others that should have their flying privileges revoked. I've compiled a list of people that I believe fall into this category. Feel free to put your two cents in.
1. Parents who don't corral their kids: I get it. We've all been there. It's hard to fly with kids. The fact that you are confined to a space that is the equivalent of a short, skinny telephone booth, with a short, sometimes screamy, slobbery, whiney person makes this hard. Most kids just don't like to be forced to stay in a tiny space for hours on end, and the average person actually does understand. I honestly don't care if your kid is crying or flipping out - for whatever reason that has never bothered me. It's the parent who blatantly ignores the flipping out child that shouldn't be able to fly. Because guess what? It's your job as the parent to be prepared to be in the short telephone booth with the short person for a while. Bring some shit to entertain your short person. And if Shorty is kicking or yanking on the seat in front of him, or throwing crushed up saltines at the people seated behind him, manage it. You and your kid aren't the only people on the plane.
2. People who don't seem to give a shit about your personal space: Again, we are all confined to a small space. When your elbows encroach upon my area, or when you manspread your legs into my invisible rectangle, that is very uncool and I am silently cursing you and your mom. When you lean your seat way, way back, the people behind you actually lose some of the very tiny space that they are allotted. I am opposed to the leaning of the seats, actually. It really isn't fair. Just remember that everyone is as uncomfortable as you are - the more respectful you can be of other's space, the better.
3. People who are yappers and don't grasp the Universal Signal of Please Don't Talk to Me: Some people just don't like small talk. That doesn't make them a jerk. That doesn't mean they don't like you. It just means that they are either uncomfortable with mindless chatter, or they're tired, or they just aren't the best at talking with randoms. Typically, in order to avoid coming off as a jerk, those people pop their headphones on once the plane is in motion. The usage of headphones is the Universal Signal of Please Don't Talk to Me. Everyone should know this and respect it.
4. Gas passers, burpers, or otherwise smelly people: This should go without saying, but invariably, there is always some fool who obliviously unwraps a tuna sandwich or some smelly cheese on a long flight. Or they take off their shoes to uncover some ungodly, nasty, sweaty travel feet. And if you can't hold in your bodily smells for the duration of a flight, get your shitty ass to the bathroom. Some people have weak constitutions and can't handle your stench in such close quarters. And they shouldn't have to! Refrain from the refried beans prior to boarding, for the good of the people.
5. Those who partake in PDA: PDA = Public Display of Affection: I'm not referring to holding your partner's hand, or a little snuggle. I'm referring to forcing everyone around you to be subjected to you and your significant other publicly making out and pawing at each other. It's just uncomfortable for everyone. Save it for the privacy of your own space, please.
6. Generally loud people: If you're a loud talker on an airplane, you're probably a loud talker in real life. I get that some people have naturally loud voices (one of my kids does, actually), but you really need to be aware of your volume. Not everyone on the plane wants to hear about your life story for 3 hours. To avoid people wanting to duct tape your face, just shhhhh... take it down a notch, or three. It's all about respect.
I'd definitely advocate for traveling with only a carry on, which helps in avoiding the long processing lines you typically wait o while checking a suitcase, and also to avoid the potential hassle of lost luggage. However, we don't always have that option. Packing a carry-on bag is a combination of art and science. Your carry-on bag is the only item guaranteed to get to your final destination with you, so pack the things you'll need during the flight and any essentials that will make dealing with lost luggage easier.
Most airlines allow you to bring one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, and one carry-on bag. The best way to organize your carry on bag is to separate your needs into three categories: Absolute Needs, Basic Needs and Comfort Needs.
Absolute Needs are, obviously, the things that you absolutely need and could not function without if your luggage was lost in transit. Tickets and medications are two of the most crucial items to keep in your carry-on. This includes prescription medicine or medical supplies, travel documents such as drivers license, passports, boarding papers or tickets and confirmation details for flights and accommodations. A phone charger is also typically a necessity.
For your Basic Needs, it's wise to pack a change of underwear, a simple outfit and something to wear to bed in case your luggage doesn't make it to your destination. Of course you can buy clothing as needed, but having the basics helps tremendously while you are trying to track down your lost suitcases. I also pack travel sized toiletries, such as deodorant, toothpaste, soap, etc, and a small makeup bag for freshening up. Valuables, such as jewelry, money, money orders, electronics and headphones should also be in your carry on to avoid theft.
As for Basic Comforts, knowing that you cannot control the temperature on a plane, and you can't predict whether your flight is going to be overly warm or overly chilly, a jacket or sweatshirt is wise to bring along. A light blanket or pillow is also nice to pack to help you keep comfortable during the flight. In preparation of potential boredom, pack these items for entertainment: a book or magazine, an iPod for listening to music (or for drowning out crying babies or noisy seat-mates) a few light snacks, water and gum.
Consider the length of your flight, and how long you'll be away when packing your carry-on. You most likely won't be served a meal. A few of your favorite snacks will make a long flight more enjoyable. The longer your flight, the more books, magazines and electronic equipment you'll probably need to pass the time. It also helps to be familiar with the security regulations for transporting liquids and potentially hazardous items. With careful planning, you can avoid baggage fees and have a more enjoyable travel experience both in flight and on arrival.
A few weeks ago, on the plane(s) home from Denver, I ended up seated pretty close to a few parents with babies and/or young toddlers.
To a lot of people, that is like their worst nightmare. There were lots of eye rolls and sideways glances. They're thinking, I just paid $487 to sit next to some brat, obnoxiously crying for three hours and 57 minutes?! To those people I have to say... invest in some noise canceling headphones.
Trust me, the parent on the plane trying to entertain her kid for three hours and 57 minutes is just as horrified as you are. Have you ever tried to keep a little one still that long? Without a healthy dose of Benedryl? It's hard! I mean, there are only so many things you can carry in the allotted one carry-on plus one diaper bag. Think about what it takes to entertain a 12 month old new walker for four hours at home, forget about confined to a seat the size of my elbow.
At home, you have the exersaucer, the baby swing, the cradle for a cat nap. The entire cupboard of pots and pans for noise making, the family room for exploring and testing out the new walking skills, the toy box filled with things to dump. Endlessly. A kitchen stocked with snacks and food, a highchair for eating those snacks and food, and a kitchen sink for an afternoon bath. A changing table for a smooth and effortless diaper change. At times, four hours at home with a baby can seem to stretch on for days, but at least you have options. At least you can pop your baby in the stroller and distract them with a walk around the neighborhood or something.
There are though, the parents that unapologetically let their kid scream it out. I'll admit, that's kind of rough to witness. Even for a non-judgemental person like myself. It's just, when you're in a confined space with a hundred other people who cannot escape, you should really make an effort to corral and hush your kiddo. It's just common courtesy. And speaking of common, use some common sense! If you know your child's crabby time is pretty much at 4:00 every day, don't schedule a 3 pm flight. In fact, ideally, you should schedule your flight during your child's typical nap time! Bring a bottle or two, the flight attendants can heat it up for you. Also, you can request to be seated by an empty seat - which they are generally happy to arrange if the plane isn't full. An empty seat gives you a few more square inches to utilize in entertaining.
One of the kids that I was seated next to was tough... she cried. Literally for 3 hours. She of course fell asleep during the landing. But, the mom overcompensated. And the dad did absolutely nothing. The mom loudly and ineffectively tried everything, it seemed. I think the thing that pushed most of the understanding people over the edge was that she called her baby (named Tyler) Little Bear, approximately once every four seconds. It was cute initially, but after 3 hours and 57 minutes of hearing, "Little Bear, do you want my keys?!" "Little Bear, have a cracker!!" "Little Bear, do you want to read a book/tear up this magazine/look out the window?!!" it definitely got old. Thankfully I do have a great pair of noise canceling headphones. And I definitely used them.
But I don't know, you can't get mad at the parent who is doing everything they can to keep their child busy and calm and quiet... because it's not like they're purposefully trying to bother others. They're in a situation where they have very little control. You just have to try to be understanding. You can get mad at the parent who looks away while their kid kicks your seat incessantly for the entire flight. Or the one who pretends they don't notice their child is tossing crushed crackers at you while simultaneously jumping up and down on their seat, which is attached to your tray, which causes you to spill an entire glass of coca cola in your lap. Or the one who doesn't change their kid's dirty diaper, a diaper that was dirtied within the first 15 minutes of the flight.
I don't know why I have been so lucky, but with four kids who have flown several times, I have never had an instance where one of my children were difficult on a flight. I prepared of course - filled a bag with as many toys, snacks and books as humanly possible. I had portable DVD players, and stickers and crayons and play do. Also, for take offs and landings and general bribing, I was armed with lollipops and gum.
Also, my kids were firmly aware of my evil eye. Along with packing the right stuff, I think it's every parent's obligation to perfect their evil eye before attempting a lengthy flight.
What do you think? Have you ever had a bad/embarassing/annoying airplane-child moment?
