As a frequent member of SLF I'd also say, in addition to the excellent advice given above - try to stay calm. So often kids will sense when their parents are nervous or uptight and they'll reflect that in their behaviour. Always take the opportunity to board first and get yourselves settled. If you're traveling as a couple then if possible give your hand luggage to one partner so the other can sit down with your kid/s and get them comfortable before the onslaught of other passengers arrive on board. We understand that for many kids it's a scary thing to be so close to strangers with their different voices/smells/behaviour in a totally unfamiliar environment.
If your kid starts screaming then apologize to those around you. Even if you don't mean it. Acknowledging the disruption your wee one is causing goes a very long way to fostering sympathy/empathy.
People are more understanding if you're on a charter or non-business flight. If you're on a business flight then understand that your fellow passengers are probably already thinking about the meetings they're going to, or trying to work. We understand that little ones don't like being contained in small spaces and will generally be sympathetic, but if we see kids just being allowed to wail continuously with no effort made to comfort them or keep them occupied we're going to get a little pissed off.
If at all possible don't let them move the seat back so that it hits the person behind's knees or moves their tray table. But a game of peek-a-boo between seats is pretty much always welcomed!
I hope that you take this in the constructive way that it's intended. Like I say, flying with wee ones is not the most joyous thing on earth, but please don't be put off - if you plan beforehand, more often than not your fellow passengers will understand and help.
EDIT: I'm using the royal 'We' I don't claim to speak for a majority - just those I've discussed this with.
mixed-metaphor9 karma
As a frequent member of SLF I'd also say, in addition to the excellent advice given above - try to stay calm. So often kids will sense when their parents are nervous or uptight and they'll reflect that in their behaviour. Always take the opportunity to board first and get yourselves settled. If you're traveling as a couple then if possible give your hand luggage to one partner so the other can sit down with your kid/s and get them comfortable before the onslaught of other passengers arrive on board. We understand that for many kids it's a scary thing to be so close to strangers with their different voices/smells/behaviour in a totally unfamiliar environment.
If your kid starts screaming then apologize to those around you. Even if you don't mean it. Acknowledging the disruption your wee one is causing goes a very long way to fostering sympathy/empathy.
People are more understanding if you're on a charter or non-business flight. If you're on a business flight then understand that your fellow passengers are probably already thinking about the meetings they're going to, or trying to work. We understand that little ones don't like being contained in small spaces and will generally be sympathetic, but if we see kids just being allowed to wail continuously with no effort made to comfort them or keep them occupied we're going to get a little pissed off.
If at all possible don't let them move the seat back so that it hits the person behind's knees or moves their tray table. But a game of peek-a-boo between seats is pretty much always welcomed!
I hope that you take this in the constructive way that it's intended. Like I say, flying with wee ones is not the most joyous thing on earth, but please don't be put off - if you plan beforehand, more often than not your fellow passengers will understand and help.
EDIT: I'm using the royal 'We' I don't claim to speak for a majority - just those I've discussed this with.
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