Hi
We took AJ on a flight from Calif to Mass. We gave him some benadry while we were waiting to aboard. The benadryl didn't work like I thought it would. He was grabbing passengers, pushing buttons, and was rather uncontrolable. When he screeeched people could not believe how ear piercing and loud it was. One flight attendant gave me "the look", but the other asked if everything was ok. I told him AJ was autistic, he said that is what he thought cuz he used to work with special kids. Anyway, they do have a movie to watch...put the head phones on him. Also, I would sit him next to the window if you can. Be sure to bring a variety of snacks for him. Coloring books or books of any sort that are of interest to him help, too. Perhaps get him a "surprise" gift to open on the plane. You should probably get him a travel pillow, too, as those pillows they hand out are too small and just doesn't seem like they do the job. I would also try to prepare him for this journey. Read a book about flying in an airplane....something that will help him know what is coming up. I hope this helps!
The flight home was easier. We didn't allow him to take a nap that day prior to leaving. Wore him out as much as we possibly could. It worked! He slept the entire flight back to Vegas.
We fly often with my GS as my other daughter lives in Florida.[QUOTE=erly]If he can handle it a antihistamine should make him drowsy, and also protect his ears.
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PLEASE BE AWARE giving your child ANY Over The Counter medication besides tylenol can counteract to any other meds your child may be on and have a negative affect! This can be a potentially SERIOUS problem! Before giving ANY OTC meds (if your child takes other meds regularly) PLEASE check 1st with the pharmacist for safety!
I hope your trip goes well! There are airplane sounds that can be heard at http://www.getrelaxed.com/044.htm
When I had to prepare my kids to fly, but wasnt flying with them we played the airplane game. We sat together on the couch and pretended to fasten our seatbelts. I announced Welcome to flight 123 flying to destination today. I tried to go through a wole thing about crash position (as we pretended to do it) and about the seat cushions being used as flotation devices and the air masks popping down. We talked about it and pretended and did it several times all of us taking turns.....
Then we prepared for take off.... (this helps some when you talk about it in the car and can acclerate (LOL) We pretended to get thrown back in the seat... we jumped up and down for a bumpy take off, we leaned left, we leaned right, we tilted wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy back..... We listened to the jet sounds.... Over and Over and Over as many times as we could so they would at least know what to expect.
I packed a backpack with favorite snacks, juice box type drinks (never know what might be offered - that they might NOT like) I included a change of clothes in case they had an accident or got sick.... coloring book, blank papers pen pencil, markers crayons (You know what he likes) I also went to the dollar store to find some new mini cheap toys that might interest them and sometimes you can find mini travel games, cards activity books.... Of course Tyler had to have his video game as well (NEVER leave home without THAT! LOL)
During take off and landing a stewardess once suggested to make sure they were chewing gum or drinking because it helps pop the ears...
If he cant handle sponge ear plugs or wax ones try ear phones...
I don't know about their rules now with boarding and bringing on things as far as something for him to sleep in or to wheel him in if he does fall asleep...
I suggest calling the airline ahead of time and asking to speak to someone in charge of making special accommodations. I would explain the situation and ask what they can offer or recommend. I have heard some airlines will allow you to come early and see the plane prior to boarding but those days are probably long gone since 9/11.
Here is a link to some activity pages where you might find fun ideas for your trip
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/feature/summe r-printables-august/
http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/
http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites& ;template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/na/totempole/
http://www.dltk-kids.com/pokemon/game.htm
Last time I flew with Paul I told the airlines ahead of time that Paul had special needs--he was autistic. When I got to the gate I told them again. They were very, very nice. Let us on early, even earlier than the people with little kids. They seated us up front. They asked what they could do to help. It made all the difference in the world.
pat
You guys are the greatest! I sometoimes tell my mom about 'the forum'. I'm surehe wonders who you are. I will look at the websites and call the airline. With all of this homeland Security jazz, i wanted to be as prepared as possible, along with the adventure of travel in general.I learned some time ago not to use Benadryl on Benjamin. Nasty Nasty! So i always check about OTC. His regular meds are quite sedating on their own. thank you! Janet