AARP Hearing Center
Blane Bachelor,
Flying can be highly stressful because of flight delays and cancellations, cramped airplane seats and the never-ending battle for overhead bin space.
But if you’re planning to take your grandkids somewhere special — their first big amusement park perhaps — flying might be the best option. And with proper preparation and the right mindset, the time spent at 30,000 feet can even be pleasant.
Here are travel pro tips you need to know to make the experience as smooth as possible.
Research insurance and proper permissions
Before you travel, consider getting a letter of consent signed by both parents or legal guardians of your grandkids. Although it’s not required for domestic flights, the signed form helps in the event of an emergency or if your grandkids need medical treatment, says Michelle Couch-Friedman, founder and CEO of Consumer Rescue, a consumer advocacy organization. For international flights, the extra step of getting the letter notarized is a good idea, as border officials can be extra vigilant about children traveling with adults who aren’t their parents.
Travel insurance can save the day in case of flight disruptions — and it likely covers your grandkids, too. “A good thing for grandparents to know is that most travel insurance policies will allow you to add anybody under 18 for free,” Couch-Friedman says.
Double-check devices, and pack snacks
An iPad or in-flight entertainment system is all some kids need to keep them happy throughout the flight. Before you go, make sure devices are charged and comfortable headsets are packed. Keep in mind that headphones or earbuds that are comfortable for you may not be comfortable for your grandkid, so test them out. Bob Bacheler, a flight nurse and managing director of Flying Angels, a nonemergency medical transport service, recommends earphones that connect via an old-fashioned wire instead of relying on Bluetooth capability to sync devices. “You never want to experiment with an electronic device on an aircraft,” he says.
Bacheler notes that kid-friendly snacks are another essential. Stock up on easily transportable foods such as granola bars and pretzels, and be sure to pack extra in case of delays.
Sit together without paying extra
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) addressed a long-standing complaint of adult travelers flying with children: airlines charging them to sit together. The department put pressure on airlines to ensure that children 13 and younger can sit with an older family member during the flight, without additional charges.