Thanks everyone. I will stock up on snacks and ordered a bunch of activity type things by Melissa and Doug from Amazon hadn't thought about the headphones. I guess I'll get those too.

OP. You will be bringing your own headsets for the kids, correct? The one airline gives to you will not fit in the kids ear, because the ear buds is too big on them. We bought one of those "noise cancelling" look-alike headsets for my kid because it sit over their ear. Just a thought.

I fly frequently with a 2 & 4yr old. I always surprise them with a new small toy just as we leave the house. The new toy entertains them for the entire time leading up to the plane ride. Then once on the plane the get a new Melissa and Doug puffy stickers book, wikki stix set and plenty of snacks. It works every time

I think it's always a good idea to have a lot of options. Stickers, crayons and a new coloring book, a new book...think quiet and multiple options. I like to stock up in the dollar area of Target/Five Below before a trip.

Anonymous wrote:For me, the greatest benefit of no TV or junk food/juice at home is that on a long flight, my kids (2.5, 5 and 8) get TV and a huge cookie and juice. Seriously, you have never seen better behaved or happier children on an airplane! The TV/Juice/Cookie combo is their favorite part of any trip!

+1000 My two airplane rules on the airplane are the opposite of what they are at home - unlimited snacks and unlimited iPad

Washi tape, stickers, surprise eggs filled with crap from the dollar store, fruit snacks, magnets, and a spare battery charger for any device they're going to use.

For me, the greatest benefit of no TV or junk food/juice at home is that on a long flight, my kids (2.5, 5 and 8) get TV and a huge cookie and juice. Seriously, you have never seen better behaved or happier children on an airplane! The TV/Juice/Cookie combo is their favorite part of any trip!

Mine loves those little Dover sticker puzzles and books. I also pack some Melissa & Doug On the Go books. It's nice to have something they can do when electronic devices are not allowed, or just to have a break from the screen.

Yeah I'd think snacks, some tv/screen time and the excitement of it all will keep them pretty entertained. Maybe find some good apps too, in case shows get boring.

How long is the flight?

bring good snacks. I also usually stop at the dollar store ahead of time and buy a few new items that I can introduce on the plane (stickers, new crayons, cheap toy, etc.)

My 3yo is totally ok with just the TV. Longest flight we've taken was 3 hours, an TV plus the drink cart was plenty entertainment. We also talked all about airplanes during takeoff. Just make sure to bring your own over ear headphones.

Any ideas or should the tv in the seat and the iPad be enough? This will be his first plane trip.

Thanks.