The idea of a family vacation sounds exciting to most Americans, even more after a year of being cooped indoors. But traveling with a young family in tow has its own set of challenges. Whether you have babies or teens, you can expect some form of flying woes. It makes sense to prepare and plan well for a hassle-free flight with kids. Fortunately, you need not do much to accomplish the mission. Follow these simple hacks, and you are all set for an easy experience, no matter how long the flight is.

Sign up for a TSA precheck

The extended security process can cause inevitable stress for flyers. Having young co-passengers can make queuing up even more troublesome. Signing up for a TSA Precheck is a smart move as it expedites the entire process. You will complete it even before you know. It is also sensible right now when keeping distance from crowds is crucial for safety against the virus. Pre-booking curbs delays and saves you from the tantrums of the little ones.

Pick your seats wisely

Choosing the right seats can make the flight comfortable for young parents. A seat in the back is ideal when traveling with an infant. If the flight has empty seats, they will probably be in the end. You will have extra room and be closer to the bathrooms. Steer clear of booking the exit-row seats because the movement can cause much disturbance for young passengers. 

Drive to the airport

It is much easier for families to drive to the airport instead of taking cabs or public transport for the commute. Luckily, airport parking is no longer a reason to worry, as you can book your space online and park your car safely for a few days. The facility is even available for busy terminals like Pittsburgh. Just find the best parking rates and book in advance. You will even get a shuttle service to take your family to the terminal from the parking. 

Reach on time

Punctuality is the rule of thumb for all flyers, and it becomes a tad more important on family trips. Consider contingencies like traffic jams and long queues at the airport and leave early enough to reach a couple of hours before the flight. There are enough horror tales of kids getting lost at crowded airports in the US. Reaching on time can prevent such unprecedented situations as you can focus on your children when you aren’t in a hurry. 

Travel light but carry essentials

The best piece of advice while traveling with kids is to pack light. But you must not miss out on the essentials. Pack some nutritious snacks for the little ones because they may not like the food served on the flight. Carry their favorite games to keep them engaged. They can be particularly helpful during long flights. Don’t forget the virus-safety essentials and nausea medicines.

Talk with the little ones beforehand so that they know what to expect. Ensure that you clarify the rules and explain the significance of good behavior if they are old enough. Make flying a happy event for them, and it will be a breeze.