1. Special order your airline meals 48 hours prior to departure. Doing so will present you with a wide variety of specially prepared meals (low-fat, kosher, vegetarian, etc.) from which to choose. These meals are generally fresher and are distributed before the regular meals are served! Ordering special meals means the kids won't have to wait-and they'll probably enjoy the plainer fare more. Remember to bring along snacks and drinks, just in case-if takeoff is delayed, beverage and meal service usually is as well. Hungry kids and confined spaces don't mix well!

2. Let the kids carry their own backpacks, instead of using child-size rolling suitcases. Child-size rolling suitcases are difficult to maneuver down aisles, and it's easier to pull toys out of a backpack than a suitcase!

Have activities scheduled for throughout the flight!

3. Pack lightweight, flat, or small toys-and toys that provide a lot of mileage for their size. Try to avoid thick books (magazines can be discarded after they're read), big dolls, and elaborate play sets with small pieces. Creative kits are fun -fill a plastic zipper lock bag with a glue stick, mini-stapler, paper clips, small set of eight new crayons, mini size origami paper, half-size piece of carbon paper, wiggly eyes, small felt shapes, safety scissors and yarn. Use what's available-cut pictures out of the free airline magazine, make puppets out of the "air sickness" bags, and jewelry out of the paper luggage tags. String cheerios on yarn for edible necklaces that can be eaten later. These are just a few of the endless ideas to keep your kids entertained-just remember when planning to think small and disposable!

4. Request bulkhead seats when you make your reservations. This will give kids some floor space in which to play, once the seatbelt sign is turned off.

5. Let the kids help collect trash for the flight attendants. Believe it or not, most kids will jump at the opportunity!

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