FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
Condor

Preparing a Child for Their First Flight

by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

Apr 25, 2023

© Famveldman | Dreamstime.com

Kids

It’s only natural for parents to be a little apprehensive about their first flight with young children. Most kids do just fine in the air, as long as they have an idea of what to expect — and what’s expected of them. And for some kids, flying may be their favorite part of family travel.

 

Let Children Know What to Expect

You know your child’s capacity for change: For some kids, it helps to emphasize the adventure factor; for kids less comfortable with change, compare it to things they already know, such as wearing seatbelts in a car or riding in a school bus.

 

Play Up the Anticipation

Pack a little bag of surprises to open after the plane takes off and let them look forward to discovering what’s in it. It’s good to let them have one small surprise early if you have a long wait at the gate before boarding.

 

Discuss Flying in Advance, Emphasizing the Positive

Instead of saying “there’s nothing to be afraid of,” talk about it as though you were looking forward to the fun of flying (even if you’re not). Does your child like the airborne rides at amusement parks? If so, use that as an example of what flying feels like.

 

For Kids Who Tend to be Fearful, Don’t Make a Big Thing of Flying

Instead, talk about where you’re going and what you’ll do there. Treat the airplane experience as just another part of the trip. Kids are quick to pick up on your own nervousness, so play down your own nerves. Do prepare kids for having to stay buckled in their seats and being aware of surrounding passengers by using their “indoor voice” and not kicking the seat in front. That said, be as positive as you can, instead of giving them a catalog of “don’ts” to remember.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Hotels
Jul 15, 2025

French Resort Unveils New Programming for Golf-Loving, Outdoorsy Families

Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort entices family travelers with new offerings for 2025. Situated in France between Provence and the French Riviera, this resort focuses on wellbeing and sustainability.

Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await

Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira

Destinations / North America
Jul 15, 2025

Endless Things to Do in Irvine, California, This Summer

With the dog days of summer officially underway, why not take family travel beyond crowded cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles and head to an equally fun California destination? Irvine, located in Orange County, California, is one of America’s greenest, cleanest and safest cities, allowing families to best enjoy Southern California without the hustle and bustle of the state’s larger cities.

Destinations / North America
Jul 14, 2025

Why Mackinac Island, Michigan, Should Be Your Next Summer Trip

Islands are always a great option for a family vacation, but if you don’t want to head to a far-off destination, you can always find inspiration within the borders of the continental United States. Michigan’s Mackinac Island checks all the boxes and then some when it comes to a family-friendly island destination to disconnect from daily life and slow down a step to enjoy all Mackinac has to offer.

Hotels
Jul 14, 2025

Banyan Tree Krabi Launches “Jurassic World Rebirth” Offer

Calling all dinosaur-loving family travelers! Banyan Tree Krabi in Thailand invites travelers to experience filming locations from the blockbuster film Jurassic World Rebirth with a new Jurassic Explorer offer.

Dining/Entertainment
Jul 14, 2025

New Chicago Pizza Pass Promises Unbeatable Deals at Local Pizzerias

Family travelers can now have their fill of true Chicago deep-dish pizza and save big with the newly launched Pizza Pass. For just $15, visitors and locals can sign up at chipizzapass.com and get access to deals at more than 25 local Chicago pizza restaurants through the end of 2025.