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Air travel can be very stressful and when traveling with children, it can be down-right painful. Research indicates that there is an increase in the amount of stress experienced when traveling today as compared to traveling twenty years ago. Couple this stress with the current security measures that we must encounter at airports (domestic and international) and we have double stress.

My family and I flew recently and it caused me to think about the major changes that have occurred when flying. Our scheduled flight (7:00 a.m.) meant that we had to be at the airport at 5:00 a.m. To make it to the airport by 5:00 a.m., we had to leave home at 4:00 a.m. In order to leave home at 4:00 a.m., we had to wake at 3:00 a.m. I think you get the point. Some may say, just take a later flight. Well, travel time on the expressway would take longer than the time it takes to fly to our destination. Arriving early, remembering what you can carry and what you cannot carry through the security check points can be daunting to say the least. With all this, believe it or not, there are some things you can do to decrease stress-related travel.

Give yourself plenty of time. In the past, I have been able to get to the airport “just in time” to catch a flight. Today, you will miss your flight if you arrive “just in time”. Believe it or not, there are some things that you can do to ensure that you will arrive to your destination a little less stressed.

1. Anticipate lines. There are lines everywhere. This is particularly true during the holiday travel times. Arrive early….arrive early….arrive early.

2. Check to make certain that your flight has not been canceled. This can be checked online. No one likes sleeping in on an airport cot.

3. Have your itinerary and identification available.

4. Know what you can take to the airport and what you cannot. Many airlines provide thisinformation on their websites. Check your airline’s website before you go to the airport.

5. Have proper identification. Proper identification for many airlines is a government identification card, driver’s license or passport. Check with your airlines to see what type of identification you need. Also remember to ask what type of identification is needed for your child.

6. Be prepared to take off your shoes at the security checkpoint. Wear shoes that are easy to remove.

7. Bring a magazine or book to read while waiting to board.

8. Bring a toy or game to distract your child. Remember, they get tired, cranky and bored too.

9. Have snacks available for your child.

10. Be patient. Understand that the precautions and check points help keep you safe.

Denise D. Latham-Lee is a Trauma/Emergency Nursing Administrator with 25 years of nursing experience. She also writes nursing articles for E-Street News.