I didn't fly many times as a child. But once I was in my teens, I learned to love being on a plane. Afterall, the plane was taking me somewhere far away from home, and that is just plain exciting! Before I had kids, I sat back on flights and relaxed, read a book, listened to some music. Ah...I am on my way. 

Well, we all know flying with kids is nothing like that. (I always take a book and my iPod and never actually use either of them.) Forget about packing your carry-on with things for you, fill it up with things to keep the kids happy. If there are a few minutes on your flight where none of them need anything, close your eyes and breath. 

Here are a few suggestions...

1) Snacks. 2) Snacks. 3) Snacks. 4) Snacks. 5) Snacks.

Just kidding, sort of. But you get my point.

1) The most important thing to pack in your carry-on is SNACKS! And lots of them. Maybe it's just my kids, but those little people can eat and eat and eat. And snacks keep them busy and happy. And the stuff you now have to purchase on the plane is expensive and not usually kid friendly. Take what your kids like to eat and take lots of it. I try to have a mix of healthy items and treats, not too much sugar (we are all strapped into our seats, after all) and save the candy and chocolate for special purchases at the airport while waiting for a connection.

2) Did I mention snacks? I did. Okay, well let's move on. Electronic devices. I know there are parents out there who don't allow video games and TV. (???) And I know there are probably kids who are calm by nature, and can be easily entertained by playing cards and colouring for 9 hours. I am not that parent, and those are not my kids. What will keep their attention for long periods of time? Movies, music and video games. We have screen time rules in our house. We leave those rules on the tarmac, at least for the "getting there" portion of the trip. You have enough to deal with while traveling, let this be the one time you allow them to go overboard with electronic entertainment. 

3) Non-electronic entertainment. Even the most dedicated video gamer will need a break from their 3DS at some point. If that break happens to coincide with a rare moment when they are not hungry, they'll need something to do. A book. Playing cards. Colouring. Games. The trick to any and all of these things is to remember how frequently kids drop stuff, and how tiny the space is between seats in a plane. I have searched a deboarding plane for lego, hot wheels, bakugan, you name it. Try to pack things that cannot be easily lost under the seats. Not easy, but give it a shot. I usually let my kids pick a few things, and then I accept or deny the items based on lose-ability. 

4) Anti-Nausient. Our family has been known to have particularly weak stomachs when it comes to travel. My opinion is it is better to have it and not need it than to watch your child throw up in the...anywhere. The trick isnot to buy the Gravol for kids in liquid form, which you will not be allowed to take through security. I found a natural ginger anti-nausient made by Gravol that I carry on the plane. Also have Rolaids and Pepto. (See above comment about my family's stomach issues.)

5) Homework. Ugh! I know, who wants to do homework while on vacation. Well, if you have taken your kids out of school for a trip, they will likely have some homework to do while away. And they will never want to do it, but they really won't want to do it after a day at Disney, or the beach, or somewhere else fun. If you have a long flight, this might be the perfect time to "suggest" they get a bit of the work done, when there is nothing too exciting to distract them. Or maybe not.

Have fun packing!

Is there somethng you absolutely must pack in your carry-on while flying with your family?