Plan now for your summer flights with kids

Summer vacation is coming, and that probably means flying with the kids. Industry analysts say that this summer will be the toughest in years for airline travel due to security concerns, more people flying instead of driving ($4 gas, anyone?) and airlines overbooking on every flight. That, along with weather delays, will make it as bad as last summer, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. So when you plan, allow for extra time either in the airport or on the tarmac. And prep the kids for it. That way, if things go off without delays they will be excited. And if there are delays (and there will be delays), they will not be disappointed.

Alicia on "What Constitutes Excitement":

While you may look at the vacation as starting once you arrive at your destination, remember that the trip and the fun start for the kids as soon as you get in the car, since anything outside the norm is exciting and new. When you get to your gate, relax and make that time as fun as any part of the vacation. Remember that the world is a big and exciting place for the young -- tap into that and instead of trying to get them to be a part of your world, enjoy spending some time in theirs.

Sarah on "Keeping the Focus on Fun":

Even the best of kids are going to be accidentally rude or inconsiderate, so be prepared to apologize early and often. It is understandable that kids are not going to consider the feelings of adults since their lives up to this point have been about adults focusing on the kids. From parents, relatives and teachers, everyone pays attention to them and looks out for their needs. Now they are going to be around hundreds of people who may not enjoy your kids singing or watch out for them and, in fact, may consider it rude for your kids to get in the way. But don't think of it as apologizing for your kids' behavior; think of it as connecting with fellow passengers and the crew under extreme circumstances in order to garner a little good will and understanding.

Here are a few tips to help you get the kids from point A to B.

1. Techno-waiting

Even if you are not a fan of TV or other technology being ubiquitous in your children's lives, you may want to make an exception here. Three hours of combined waiting in the airport and on the tarmac can turn even the mellowest child into a fussy, noisy, complaining and distracted handful. There is just so much going on: hundreds of people walking around; constant displays and announcements; and, of course, other, less-well-behaved kids setting a bad example. Giving your kids something to focus on that narrows their world to a handheld screen is a great deterrent to bad behavior.

2. The Double-Time Rule

Whatever you need to bring for your kids for however long you think you are going to travel, just double it. That includes diapers, entertainment and snacks. You are already packing all these things; the difference between just adding to what you are already bringing is nothing compared with the hassle of trying to find replacements in a busy airport while trying to keep the family wrangled.

3. Patience is King

This process will unleash the inquisitive mind of your little ones, and you need to be prepared for an endless stream of "whys." Certainly you want to bring some traditional low-tech activities -- such as stickers and a sticker book, a puzzle and/or washable crayons or markers -- but there will be so many new things that they will just have to ask about. Just keep engaging with them in your most patient manner and try to re-direct them to one of the fun items you brought. Because the moment you lose your patience, the trip will get worse and worse.

(The writers are co-founders of Buttoned Up, a company dedicated to helping stressed women get organized. Send ideas and questions to yourlife(at)getbuttonedup.com. For more columns go to scrippsnews.com.)