With greater restrictions on airline travel, and ever climbing ticket prices, it is harder and harder for the average family to fly. Family vacations are harder to come by for a lot of families. But, with the sky-high cost of fuel, flying is sometimes the only option. What do you do to survive the hours trapped in a plane with one or more small children?

It all starts with planning. And it all starts at the bagage check in. If you are flying with kids, you are sure to have some bags to check. Check what you have to. No one wants to lug stuff around the airport if they don't have to. When I fly with my daughter, I am usually on my own. I have learned to pack very light, and only bring what I know I will need. And with airlines charging extra fees for bags you check, be sure that you check what you have to and nothing else.

The security check point can be a nightmare with a small child. Especially if you have them in a car seat. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily, and make sure your children do the same. If you have a bag of activities and snacks, pack it in a small backpack that the child can carry. It will make your load a lot easier, and the kids will enjoy putting their own bag on the conveyer belt. (My daughter loves this!) Keep your little clear plastic bag containing liquids and such in a side pocket of a bag, making it easier to find when the time comes. I never carry a purse when traveling by air, and usually pack it in my luggage. Everything I need is right in my pocket, making things much easier.

Make the mad dash through the airport a game. My daughter gets very tired of walking the miles it seems to take to get to the gate. Make it a race. See who can get to that fast food place, or restroom sign first. Take a short rest, then race on to the next landmark. Before you know it, you are at your gate, and that long walk will have seen like nothing. Strollers for the younger ones are a must!! They can be checked at the gate, and they can hold a lot of stuff if you do it right!

Everything at the airport is expensive, so save your money! Bring plenty of snacks. If you have to buy something to drink for your wait at the gate, opt for water or juice. Something you can share with your kids. Remember, beverages on the plane are free, snacks are not! No more in-flight meals, or even free peanuts. Travel-sized packages of crackers and cookies are a great idea, as are boxes of raisins, little bags of pretzels and fruit snacks. I know that a lot of flights end up during at least one meal, but those snack boxes on the planes are not worth the money and there are a lot of things kids just won't eat.

Activities are a must. A long plane ride seems that much longer if you have nothing to do. And don't forget yourself! Bring a book you have been wanting to read, a book of crossword puzzles, and some music to listen to. Bring plenty of things to keep your kids occupied!! Coloring books, books to read, small toys, games, etc. There are a lot of things that are geared towards travel. Small coloring books, with the box of crayons attached right to the back of the book, with large sized crayons that won't disappear if they fall on the floor. A hand-held game system for the slightly older kids is a great idea. My daughter likes to bring her learning system with all the books and cartridges for it. It even has it's own backpack that she can carry herself. And the adjustable volume is great for the small confines of the airplane.

Remember, with a little planning, a long day of flying can be relatively easy, even with small children! Just take the time before you fly to prepare, and make sure you have everything you need. Now, relax and have a safe flight!