United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

the last time we went to philly we drove. what a nightmare! this time we are flying, but it is only going to be my son & me. I am a little afraid to fly like my husband. The reason I am flying is b/c my sons HATES the car so much. I have never fly alone especially w/ my 2yr old! I know that we used benadril/spelling/ but, is there anything BETTER. I cannot see him being good for me. he is going to be so bad I am trying to prepare now. my son is worse for me than anyone else. Does the airplane staff help a mother in distress? I have this mental picture of him being a devil! he knows when i can not do anything to him if we are strapped into a seat close range to other people not understanding of my situation. at this point in time he completely drains me, and the thought of being on a 2-3 hour flight w/ him scares the crap out of me! any suggestions for a mom who really is not looking forward to this flight!

I thought my 2 year old son was going to be terrible. He sounds lots like your son. He was good on the plane and caused no trouble or problems. I brought travel toys and he stunned me. He was good. Give him the benefit of the doubt. If he senses that you are nervous or upset, he will be too. If he senses you are happy then maybe he will be too. The airplane staff usually wont' help much more than getting a drink or a snack.

We flew from Southern California to Philly a few times (and to Boston). We've gotten our routine down pretty good. Our boy is pretty good in the car and on the flights, so I'm not certain how good my advice is.

First, take an airline without assigned seating (we use Southwest) and get there early with a boarding pass. That way, if someone sits next to you it's because they were late and it's their fault! You're usually assigned to "Pre-Board" since you have a small child. Plus, you usually get people seated around who don't mind or understand.

Second, if your son is casted, get a note from the doctor and let the airline know about your situation. There is a Pre-Pre-Board for handicap people.

Third, try to get a seat near a bulkhead (that place where there's more room between the seats). That way, he'll be able to play on the ground when the seat belt light isn't on.

If at all possible, I would try to fly with your husband. The three of you can take up a row and if he gets bad, you can always trade off.

It's a little funny, but I enjoy hearing a crying baby on a plane. My first thought is, "Thank god that's not my child." I do feel bad for the parent, but it's a little conforting in some way.

I think people will understand.

I hope this,
Tom

My daughter always sleeps on the airplane for most of the time. I also pack a small bag filled with brand new toys, coloring books and neat stuff. When she acts up I show her the light above her head and tell her that the captain watches everyone on the plane because he wants perfect behavior and if she behaves well, then he will give her a reward. I pass the flight attendants something already packaged and we wait until we are the last people to leave and the captain actually gives it to her and thanks her for behaving so well. So far so good. She is AWESTRUCK when the Captain comes on the loudspeaker to say hi and talk about the flight! hehe

I would ask your pediatrician. Maybe they can give you something stronger to make him sleep the whole time.

Good Luck

I have traveled with my children plenty of times......never had a problem. The big thing is keep them busy if they are awake. I also pack DRAMAMINE for kids in my purse. It takes the edge off and usually make them sleep on the plane. My youngest who is the one with BPI would get so excited and not sleep the night before so the dramamine just relaxed him ehough that he didn't get over tired. Surprises are great.....keep them simple though. I liked new books...they are neat and you don't have to worry about picking up crayons. Also, I always took a photo album of family and friends, this kept them busy for hours. The flight attendants are usually pretty goog with the kids and they certainly understand. IF YOU must go with an airline that has preassigned seating then book an aisle and a window seat. Leaving the seat in the middle empty, discourages others to take it and if all else fails......and the flight is booked full, someone will always switch with you so you can be by your child but 80-90% of the time, the flight is not overbooked and you have three seats to yourself instead of two......sorry so long....Gayle mom of BRANDON 7 1/2 ROBPI

Just be very careful because the airlines don't let you have wrapped things anymore because of security reasons.

Thanks for the advise! My hasband is driving up because he cannot fly. also, we need a car b/c we are driving up to Dr. Waters & maine for a somewhat vacation. I am not trying to be negative but I know he is going to be bad. I think he may have SI and he hates being in a seat belt. We aare on united so I hope it will be alright. love to meet anyone who is going to boston or philly last weeks in may.

I just flew from Georgia to Philly by myself with my 2yr old son and it was much better than I thought. I bought a backpac to use as a purse/diaper bag for ANYTHING that I needed. That way I only had one bag to keep track of. Secondly, I had my flip top DVD player and that was great, make sure that you have head phones. The present idea is wonderful, we did that too. One last thing that I was lucky enough to be able to do is buy an extra seat so I didn't have to worry about annoying other people. We used flyer miles so the cost wasn't a factor, if I had to really pay I wouldn't have been able to do it.
You need to just relax and have the attitude that this is for your child and if people can't deal if he get a little out of control... O'WELL!!!
Have a great trip!
Jamie