When we came out of the bathroom we heard this incredible, yet slightly familiar, screaming coming from the lower level of the concourse where the regionals are parked. Loud enough that everybody in the concourse was looking that way. Then the sound was muffled, then the doors on the elevator opened and my wife was trying to console our 18 month old, who was still screaming.
My wife stormed over to me and gave me the hand of the screamer with a "Here's your son, I'm going to the bathroom" comment. It was awesome.
Nate was at the age where his comprehension way outstripped his ability to talk. Through the tears, crying, gasping, and snot, I gathered that he wanted to take the moving stairs (escalator) instead of the elevator. I remarked that he was in luck because we were in ATL where we were going to get to ride every type of people moving device known to airline passengers. Escalators, moving walkways, and trains. He was immediately quiet and quite content.
My kids have always been really good on airplanes, and now I have three. It is partially due to the type of kids they are, but also with trip prep by me. How many people here hate flying? I do. Sitting in a seat for hours in a small space sucks. For a kid, it isn't much different. Now we are a family of 'i' products, but back when portable DVDs were the rage I carried extra batteries, bought a couple new movies for the trip and everybody was happy.
Regardless of the effectiveness of the parents on a normal basis here are the mistakes I see parents make most.
First, is bringing too much stuff.
Second, getting stressed out makes your kids stress out.
Last, is that they don't tell their kids what is going to happen. If you promised your kid they can watch a movie on the plane, why didn't you tell them that they have to sit quietly until the plane takes off and gets to 10k.