Flying can be fun, but flying with kids has its own special challenges. You may be leaving on a family holiday or to see loved ones, but getting ready for air travel with your little ones is a good idea — especially if you're flying into one of Arkansas' airports like Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), or Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM).
This is a step-by-step guide with useful tips on flying with kids Arkansas. From airport stroller policies to diaper change locations and convenient family facilities, these tips will make you and your family prepared for your flight.
When traveling with children through any Arkansas airport, it is a good idea to make some advance planning. Allow more time for everything — parking, baggage checking, security checks, and pit stops. Children travel at their own speed, and you will feel less stressed if you add a buffer.
Most Arkansas airports are not as big as major hubs, so lines are shorter. However, getting there at least 90 minutes prior to a domestic flight and two hours prior to an international flight is wise when you're bringing kids along.
If you have babies or toddlers, flying can be a nightmare. Having a stroller can make it a whole lot easier. Every airline will have slightly different policies, but stroller policies at Arkansas airports usually permit you to take a small, collapsible stroller through security and gate-check it for free.
Here are some tips to remember:
Family boarding is a lifesaver when you have little children with you. Most airlines allow family boards with small children to board first, allowing you more time to get settled, stow carry-ons, and buckle your child into their seat.
In Arkansas airports, family boarding will usually be called after priority flyers and before general boarding. These are a couple of tips on how to best take advantage of this:
Employing family boarding enables you to bypass the crowds and decreases the stress of overhead bin space availability.
When you're flying with children in Arkansas, your carry-on makes or breaks the trip. A generously stocked bag prevents tantrums, hunger, and boredom.
Here's a list of must-haves:
Ensure that everything is within reach during the flight. A backpack with separate compartments can be incredibly useful if you have multiple bags and children to deal with.
If you still have a child who wears diapers, it's also good to know where the diaper facilities are available. Fortunately, most of the Arkansas airports have well-cleaned family restrooms with changing tables.
Before your flight, ask airport staff where the diaper facilities are located, or check the airport website. For example:
Change diapers before boarding, as airplane lavatories are tight and often inconvenient for changing a squirming baby.
Ensuring your children's safety at the airport is a priority. With so many people, noise, and distractions, children can easily become lost or overwhelmed.
To assist child safety in busy airports:
Several Arkansas airport personnel have been trained to assist in emergency situations. If your child becomes lost, inform airport security or personnel immediately.
Some airports are just more family-friendly than others. Although all Arkansas airports have the essentials, some amenities make them more family-friendly.
These are a few of the highlights:
In selecting a route, seek out connections via kid-friendly airports when possible. It makes long travel days so much less painful.
Timing can be everything when traveling with little kids. If at all possible, book your flights when your child naps. A sleeping baby or toddler equates to a more peaceful, quieter flight for all.
If nap-time flights don't work:
Not all children will sleep on a plane, but establishing a familiar, soothing atmosphere improves your chances of a smooth flight.
Although Arkansas airports do not all have formal play areas, there are areas where children can stretch their legs. Terminal walking or seeking a gate area out of habit helps expend energy prior to a flight.
You may also:
Search for vacant gates with open seating, which are perfect ad-hoc play spaces. Ask if airport personnel are aware of any family-friendly airport areas in the vicinity.
When you're traveling with children in Arkansas, airport staff can be a big asset. Gate personnel, TSA officials, and airline staff are typically sympathetic to family travel.
Don't be afraid to ask for:
Most Arkansas airport employees are parents as well — they've been in your place. A little consideration and communication can make a big difference.
Babies and toddlers usually have trouble with ear pain during takeoff and landing. To minimize the pressure:
If your child has a cold or allergies, talk to your pediatrician before flying — they might suggest medicine to ease ear pain and congestion.
Even with the best plans, flying with kids Arkansas will not always go off without a hitch. Delays will occur, tantrums will take place, and surprises are to be expected. If you remember a couple of things:
Flexibility and humour are your best travel friends. Most other mothers and fathers have been there, and most other travellers will be sympathetic when they realize you're doing your best.
Taking the kids on an airplane in Arkansas need not be anxiety-inducing. With some advance planning, the appropriate equipment, and a willingness to adapt, your family can enjoy a trouble-free and pleasant flight through the state's airports.
From the accommodating staff at LIT to the simple-to-move-around design at FSM, Arkansas airports are perfect for families. With these tricks up your sleeve, you're off and running — and possibly even a bit of fun on the side.
This content was created by AI