Here are some tips that can come in handy when traveling with your kids.

1. Convince your child that flying is fun. Talk to your kid before the trip and show him what awaits him. Just the idea of going in the air is enough to stimulate his imagination.

2. Use airline's online check-in services the day before in advance, to guarantee that the whole family sits together and get the best seats (if best seats are not yet taken). To check which seats are the most comfortable and the best, www.seatguru.com provides airline information such as seating and in-flight amenities of 40 airlines.

3. When traveling with a baby, reserve a baby bassinet ahead of time. For kids who are too big for the bassinet, bring a baby-seat so that you don't have to carry him/her the whole time.

4. Never forget to bring toys. This is very effective when there's a lay-over or when you're flying long distances. Bring your kid's favorite toys, or buy him a new and interesting one to keep his attention while on board.

5. Upon boarding the plane, one parent should board ahead of all the family, to give him or her (it doesn't always have to be Daddy) enough time to prepare the seats, fold the buggies, and put all hand luggage in the overhead compartment. The rest of the family can follow him or her afterwards without getting hassled that your troupe is blocking the way.

[photo, source]