Should I Pack a Carry On?
Always pack a carry on with enough essentials to get you through a couple days in case your luggage is lost. Use backpacks that fit under your seat for easy storage and access. These are good for toys, water bottles and snacks to help you get through your flight.

When Should I Check In?
Always try to obtain a boarding pass 24 hours before your departure by checking in online at home or use self-service kiosks to avoid long lines at the airport. This allows you to confirm your seats and makes check in at the airport go smoother. Handle any special needs you might have before you get to the airport and know the security check in requirements. It is better to arrive early and wait than late and miss your flight.

What Can I do to Relieve Ear Presssure?
Chewing gum, yawning or sucking on hard candies can help to relieve the pressure that builds up in your ears as the airplane ascends and descends. Give your infant or toddler a bottle or sippie cup during takeoff and landing. This releases ear pressure.

What About Those Long Flights?
On long flights it is important to do light stretching exercises in your seat and/or walk through the cabin frequently. Lift your feet off the floor and move your toes in a circle, one foot moving clockwise and the other foot moving counter-clockwise. Getting up and walking regularly will help combat swelling and discomfort.

When is the Best Time to Make Reservations?
If you are flexible plan you travel on a weekday. Tuesdays and Saturdays may reward you with lower prices and less crowds. On Saturdays flights tend to be less crowded making seat selection easier.
Reserve your seat early so you can have a good selection to choose from. An aisle seat allows easy access to the bathroom and ability to move about the cabin. Check your itineraries for seat assignments on a regular basis. Make sure all information is correct. Airlines may change your seating as well as flight times without your knowledge.
Reserve a nonstop or direct flight if possible. Pay the extra money if you can afford it. This will save you time and extra unnecessary connections.

What About Overnight Flights?
Overnight or "Red Eye" flights have both disadvantages and advantages. If you can handle it take a night flight when traveling with children. Hopefully, the children will sleep for most of the flight and be ready to move when you arrive. The term "Red Eye" comes from the red eye of the tired passengers using this flight. Make sure that if you're using a blanket, that you buckle your seat belt over the blanket so that you are not awakened by a flight attendant checking seat belts.

What About Time Change?
Chances are that if you are on a long flight you will have to deal with time changes. Reset your watch to your destination's time, this will help your body adjust easier. If it's daytime at your destination, try to stay awake during the flight. If it's nighttime, try to sleep. You may find it helpful to use earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out distractions on the plane. Once at your destination a short one hour cat nap may be all you need to get caught up.

What About Traveling with Baby?
Buy a seat for your baby. It's worth the extra price. Children under the age of two, or weighing less than 40 pounds, should be securely fastened in child restraint seats when flying. Children have been seriously injured by turbulence. Make sure your car seat has an FAA approved label. Then, confirm with the airline that you can use that particular safety seat on board the aircraft.

What to Wear on Your Flight?
Dress and think comfort. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes. Wear layers if you are prone to body-temperature fluctuations.

Relax and Enjoy the Flight!