There was a time in my life when the idea of setting off on a jet trip was exciting. Hey, I was looking forward to that too. Then I became a parent, and my carefree attitude when traveling quickly gave way to a baggage of stress and worry. What should I do if I forget my favorite stuffed animal? What happens if your luggage gets lost? How can you pass the time? Yes, the idea of spending hours with strangers in a tiny metal tube thousands of miles up in the air is the stuff of parenting nightmares.
But in case that wasn’t enough of an obstacle to overcome, traveling with kids these days isn’t just about surviving the actual flight, you also have to deal with the possibility of massive delays and cancellations, and you end up spending even more time with little humans who aren’t exactly known for their patience.
I recently faced a similar predicament during my son’s spring break. He is 5 years old and we met my husband’s family on the Big Island for a week of fun and relaxation. Everything went relatively smoothly until it was time to go home. We cleared security, took our seats on the plane, and arrived at the runway, scheduled to land earlier than scheduled. I was sure this 5 hour flight would be easy.
Then we just sat there… and sat there.
After a while, I looked out the window and realized I was heading back to the airport (never a great sign on a flight that hasn’t taken off yet). Finally, the pilot announced over the intercom the terrible news no traveler wants to hear. Due to technical issues, everyone was asked to deplane with all their luggage and wait for a new plane to arrive.
This meant we ended up spending a few extra hours at the airport, which we hadn’t anticipated. A momentary panic gripped my entire body. Well, what is it? My son is a pretty good traveler, but this took quite a while and I relied on him using his iPad for the majority of the flight. Snacks and movies were a tried-and-true way to kill time on a flight, but where did that leave me when it came to surviving the extra time at the airport?
Unfortunately, this type of travel scenario is becoming more and more common. Unexpected delays are not just a possibility, they are a probability. I’m not the first person to experience this kind of inconvenience, and I certainly won’t be the last. The next time you find yourself in such a situation, try saying this: violent Travel conditions, don’t worry. Because after having several experts weigh in on the issue, it seems this dreaded delay doesn’t have to be as stressful as you might think.
start moving
In real life, you often sit still for long periods of time. So, when it comes to airport delays, parents should make use of all the extra space at their disposal. “The biggest mistake parents make is expecting their kids to sit still at the gate and act like adults,” family travel expert Kristi Slavik tells ScaryMommy. “Airports are actually great places to get around. You can walk the entire terminal, ride the tram, hop from tile to tile with one foot, find another concourse, and more. Burning off your energy early can prevent meltdowns later on.”
In the same vein, Vlad Trestian, travel and tourism expert at Balkan Trails, advises making games out of your surroundings. “We encourage parents to turn their terminals into scavenger hunt locations,” Trestian says. “Have your child identify the logos of five different airlines and determine how many planes depart from the same visible gate.”Personally, my son always loves a bowl (or two, or twenty) of “I Spy,” and there are so many to choose from at the airport.
And what if you have an older child who has probably outgrown those types of games, or at least likes to pretend they ate those types of games? No problem! “Older children can be given ‘projects,'” Trestian added. “[They]can track flight numbers listed on flight status boards and create contingency plans for potential delays. This gives them a greater sense of control when normal daily life is disrupted by unexpected travel disruptions.”
Pack a “secret weapon”
While you always hope for the best when it comes to air travel, it pays to pack for the worst. For Slavik, this means coming with a secret weapon. “I always encourage parents to have one or two items that they only use if things go wrong,” Slavic explains. “Whether it’s a small toy, a sticker book, or a special treat, novelty can do wonders for buying time.”
If you end up not needing to use these items, that’s great. You can always save it as part of your back-up plan for your flight home in case things don’t go smoothly. As I can attest, absolutely happen.
interact
Another great way to kill time is to get to know some of your fellow passengers. After all, they are experiencing the same inconveniences as you, so you already have something in common. Plus, why not make some friends along the way? “Find other kids at the gate to play with, or find a chatty grandma,” Slavik suggests. “Not only is this great for improving social skills, but your delay can turn into a blessing to new friends.”
Take advantage of available benefits
Most airlines have dedicated lounges available to certain passengers. Please double check the availability of such amenities before your flight. “If your family has access to lounges or restrooms, we recommend seeking those areas, as these areas are generally less crowded and provide a break from the chaos of the main terminal,” says Trestian.
If you are not an official lounge member, you may be granted temporary access in the event of a significant delay. Airlines want to continue doing business with you. Keep in mind that this means they may be willing to accommodate any inconvenience you or your family may face. Either way, it never hurts to ask, especially considering all the benefits of having a quiet area in the airport, including comfortable chairs, ideal reading conditions, and even the chance to take a short nap if you’re lucky.
But even if you find yourself barred from lounge access, Trestian wants you to remember that “most large airports now offer areas specifically designed for children to play and socialize.” For example, Newark Liberty International has a play track and ropes course, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has an aviation-themed mini playground. So, do a little research on the airport you’re stuck with so you can make the most of the perks available.
No one wants this kind of inconvenience to happen, but it can and probably will happen someday. At least now you have some useful tools at your disposal and one less thing to pack on your next big family adventure.
