In Reply to: Toddler Tips posted by jessnay on Tuesday, 6. March 2007 at 21:46 Bali Time:
If there will be two adults travelling, I would suggest one boarding as soon as they can to grab the overhead locker space you will need. The other one stays with the child until the very last minute before boarding. Find some space near the gate, but away from everyone else, and run your son ragged while you can, in the hope that he will be exhausted by the time you get on board.
Have a chupa chup or a dummy (if he uses one) ready for ascent and descent to help with his ears.
Pack toys that aren't too small and that won't get lost easily under the seats. I find that a magna-doodle or similar is great as the 'pencil' is usually attached with string and can't get lost! I also find packing one new toy amongst old as a surprise works well as it holds the interest just that little bit longer. Also agree with the toy catalogue suggestion (and am glad my son is not the only one who has a freakish fascination with them!). Garuda usually supplies infants and toddlers with an amenities kit that has a nappy, powder, wipes and a little rubber duck in it.
A portable DVD player with kid sized headphones can also be invaluable.
As perthmumofone said, try to get an aisle seat for the sake of manoeuverability. Even better is a seat at the back of the plane, as there's more room for your son to wander around without bothering other passengers.
Most important is to stay calm! Kids feed off tension, so if you're chilled out, chances are they will be, too. If he screams, he screams. Not much you can do about it, so don't get worked up. Think of the bintang at the end of the tunnel ;)
My 3 year old has flown on approx 40 flights, and we've only had one bad one so far - touch wood! If I can help with anything else, please feel free to contact me.
Good luck! :)