Family travel by airplane has become more difficult with tougher rules on liquids and carry-on luggage. You are allowed more than three ounces of baby formula, breast milk, or juice "in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary" according to TSA rules, but security agents can interpret that differently. If you can, buy a drink after security. If you have a ticketed child over age two, he is allowed up to two carry-ons, which can be used for toting items to comfort your child during travel.

Boarding the Plane
• Many airlines allow parents with young children to board first. The problem here is that if your kid likes to move around, he is actually confined for a longer time while you wait for everyone around you to board. If you are traveling with an infant, it can make sense to get on the plane first, but toddlers and older kids are usually happier if they can run around the airport longer.

Bulkhead Seating
• The bulkhead seats, the first row in the economy cabin, often have more legroom than other seats. But they also have trays that come out of the armrests, not from the seat in front of you, so you can't pick up the arm rest. If you have a child who kicks, you might want the bulkhead so you don't incur the wrath of the person seated in front of your child. If you have a kicker in a regular row, see if you can move so he is behind an empty seat.

Drinks and Snacks
• When your child sees the drink and snack carts go, by he may realize how hungry and thirsty he suddenly is. But the flight attendants start serving at set rows. If you are far from these rows, be sure to have a drink and snack ready at hand to avoid a meltdown. If you child is old enough, have her help pack a snack bag. Avoid salty snacks, which increase thirst; dried fruit is best because it requires chewing, and this can help alleviate ear pressure. If you child does not have teeth, a teething biscuit that forces him to swallow frequently can also help with ears. And do not count on the airplane have the type of milk or juice your child prefers; get this in the airport.

Distractions
• Bring a variety of books, toys and movies to pass the time. A mix of favorite books and new books; the next in a series of chapter books that she likes, or a book in the same genre he favors, should occupy your child. Make sure any battery-powered items have a fresh set. Avoid toys with lots of small pieces, though a magnetic checkers or chess set works well. If the airline has in-seat entertainment, be sure to bring head phones that your child finds comfortable. If you run out of things to do, try games like tic-tac-toe, hangman or connect the dots.