6 Ways to Prevent Your Toddler From Being Tossed Off an Airplane

by Julie Ryan Evans March 12, 2012 at 1:20 PM

toddler at airport As I prepare to fly halfway across the country by myself with my two children -- a well-behaved 8-year-old and an unpredictable toddler who quickly goes from innocent to insane in about half of a second -- I've been getting a bit nervous. After reading the story of 2-year-old Natalie Vieau, who was recently kicked off of a plane for her tantrum, I'm terrified.

Blame the parents if you will, but I know that that those kind of horrific outbursts can and do happen at the worst possible times to most parents of toddlers (hopefully, especially to those smug parents who say their child would never do such a thing). No matter how sweet toddlers seem, lurking inside is a wild, uncontrollable beast just waiting to spring when you expect it least -- like as you're about to leave the runway . So as I prepare for our trip, I've come up with a six-step plan to thwart my little darling/demon from getting us booted off the plane.

1. Distractions

I will bring the iPad, a DVD player, crayons, and stickers. I will pack new, never-before-seen books, cards, and small trinkets from the dollar store. My guess: She'll still find opening and shutting the tray table in front of her the most interesting activity.

2. Forbidden Food

Nothing will stop a temper tantrum quicker than some sugared cereal or artificially colored candy that usually doesn't enter our home. Of course, how long it lasts is dicey, and timing is everything. If used too early during a day of travel, there could be hell to pay from the sugar meltdown on the second leg of the flight.

3. Credit Card

It's always smart to make sure you have a way to buy cocktails for the folks around you. If they're buzzed, they may not put up a stink about the tray table behind them being opened and closed repeatedly. Most airlines don't take cash, and mommy may need a little something too.

4. A Big Bribe

There will be a big reward at grandma's house when/if we get all get there in one piece. I will dangle this like a carrot in front of her nose the whole journey. Of course, this also could likely result in months of tough-love parenting down the drain as I deem said bribe done/taken away/lost at least 10 times before we get there as she repeatedly commits infractions then screams so loudly that she earns it back time and again.

5. An In-Flight Nanny

While I think the idea is actually quite brilliant, I'm probably not quite ready to hire a babysitter in the sky, though I may reconsider after this flight. I may, however, pay my 8-year-old a few bucks to put down his DS for awhile and entertain her if she starts getting antsy.

6. Benadryl

I've heard it knocks them out if nothing else works. I'm kidding ... I think.

Wish us luck!

What ways do you prepare to travel with your toddler? Any ideas for ways to stop a tantrum in its tracks?

Image via ryaninc/Flickr

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Ryan Evans

can be found writing from coffee houses wherever she may be. The quality of her days is largely influenced by the seat she nabs and whether a protein plate is available.

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Facebook comment from Amy Lynn

March 13, 2012 at 12:56 PM

i say DEFINITELY NO SUGAR! have healthy snacks prepped and ready to go. carrots and ranch dip, apples and peanut butter, raisins, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc. STICKERS! omg stickers! these save us everytime - i pick up a few packs and i bring them, along with crayola color wonder sets on the plane. i don't let her use them until we're in flight. another thing that i've found helpful, though slightly inconvenient - is to try to schedule our flights for either early morning (i'm talking 4am) or late at night (10-11pm) for takeoffs. that way she's usually in bed and automatically tired. i AM SO the mom with the toddler @ the airport in feetie pajamas and (fake) ugg boots so that she can relax comfortably. OH - and instead of bringing a regular old pillow for the airplane - bring the old boppy. stash the cover in your purse/diaper bag until you're on the plane (the way the cover stays clean while going through security, etc.) lift up the arm rest between you and your childs seat and they can sleep comfortable with either their head or legs on your lap.

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Nonmember comment from Shannon

March 13, 2012 at 12:57 PM

We like to fly right around nap time if we can, so DS will pass out for at least a portion of the flight. For the times he's awake, I bring lots of fruit snacks, Goldfish and juice and a DVD player. He is usually very, very good. If he does start to get fussy, I let him have his paci, which is usually reserved for sleeping. Let him walk around the concourse as long as possible before boarding, and since they don't usually let families board first anymore, send your husband ahead to get the car seat ready and change diapers/go potty one last time right before boarding. And try to stay relaxed, if you are anxious your child will definitely pick up on it and get anxious as well.

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toniperoni

April 13, 2012 at 3:49 PM

do not attempt long haul flights without a stopover.Try to time flights to coincide with sleep times. understand your childwill cry -don'ttry to supress it and make it worse, most people accept some toddler upset will hapen. Full blown tantrums on the other hand normally have a little warning and can be somewhat avoided if little bits of steam can be let off. Also try healthy snacks like carrot sticks etc to keep blood sugar levels even and tummies full. Yes you'll have to leave them on the plane of you are going intl but so what. Keep the special treats for avoiding full scale meltdowns. You can give paracetamol and hour before flying to avoid ear issues.

Pay for a seat! unless you are travelling for a family emergency then it's your choice to fly. this gives you enough room to move, let your toddler stretch and reduces the likelohood of some poor sod sitting next to you. Say hi to everyone around when you sit and explain you will do your best to keep your child quiet. Ask them to let you know if they are bothered and take the child for a walk. People are alot more forgiving if they know there is a point they can get something done if it gets too much. Keep an eye on your local time and ensure your kids are being fed on schedule.

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