Make Your Toddler’s First Airplane Ride a Fun and Learning Experience

Do you remember your first airplane ride? My little boy Kyle Alexander will definitely remember his. And so with the other passengers seated right in front of us.

I first thought that airplanes and my toddler won’t mix well. I have imagined my very energetic two-year-old boy running across the airplane aisle, sometimes screaming and laughing, just like what he does in a playground. And so I had to think again and do something about it. I knew coming prepared before boarding will definitely change my perception.

Here’s what we did to make his first flight a great and lasting experience.

1.We’ve read a book about airplanes.

Kids meltdown in planes because they are confused and scared due to unfamiliarity with the airplane environment. And so after booking my boy’s first flight, I bought a book with pictures of airplanes and told him that he will soon be riding there.He got excited.Every day, he asked me when the “flying day” will be.

2. Barney was a helping hand.

Barney and friends’ “Airplane Song” helped me introduce the concept of “flying” to Kyle. When the plane was flying and when he felt the little shakes, my little boy sung the son in not-so-perfect lyrics and melody but with overflowing excitement. The other passengers in front of us glanced back to smile and say hi to my kid. That was one “awww” moment. 🙂 Here’s the part of the song he “memorized”.

Oh, we are flying in an airplane,
Looking out the window,
Watching the clouds go by.
Flying in an airplane,
Looking out the window,
Up so very high.

Looking out the window,
We can see the wings.
Down below we see other things.

Like little tiny buildings
And cars so small,
It makes me feel
Like I’m really tall.

3. I talked a lot, teaching him every new word and explaining every new experience that came along.

The moment we have arrived at the airport, I switched on my teacher mode, “We are now at the airport son. Airport is where planes take off.” And when he saw many people on queue and started asking endless questions, I patiently answered each of them and even told anecdotes about traveling and destinations too.

4. I packed snacks and other distractions.

Small cars fascinate my little boy and so I brought new small toys to keep him busy during the trip.When he got hungry, I also had gummy bears handy.

5. He learned what is expected of him.

I always believe in my son. A toddler he may be, I know that he has the capacity to understand what to expect and what is expected of him during the flight. I told him to have fun but not to get rowdy, to quietly talk and sing but not to be noisy. And it turned out that he understood and obeyed what I’ve instructed him to do!

Look at my boy, well-behaved, isn’t he?

Dad I have practiced enough, my passport is now ready to get stamped! I wanna go to Disneyland.
When are you taking me there? 🙂

And since I am that type of mom who loves documenting and embracing my child’s firsts (first haircut, first bike, first bus ride, first word and my list would go on and on), his FIRST airplane ride was something worth capturing too.


Shhh… the little passenger dozed off for a few minutes.

His first airplane ride made that day his best ever!

{Tomorrow, this toddler will be surprised as he is bound to have his second plane ride under his belt!}

How was your kid’s first flight?

I’m sure you’ve got exciting stories to tell.

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