If you can stopover in LAX - that would help because the EWR-LAX-BNE route is very long.

Each child will have their own seat which is good, so bring along activites and small snacks. Honestly, your biggest issue is not what to ask for but are your children well behaved. I mean, will your kids follow simple instructions such as "wear your seatbelt", "sit down". One way to know is ask yourelf this:

1) Do my children stay buckled while riding in the car / minivan without a temper tantrum?

2) Do my kids follow simple instructions like "sit still and wait" without a temper tantrum?

3) Do my kids eat whatever is in front of them without a temper tantrum?

4) Do my kids speak with an "inside voice" when told to do so?

If you answered NO to any one of the above questions, then you have a problem.


You will need to start the process of immediate consquences for every unwanted act on the ground before you even hop on the plane. There are too many spoiled rotten brats on planes with parents who cannot parent their own kids. (ie: kids running around the plane, refusing to sit still, refusing to buckle up, throwing food off their dish, yelling at high voices etc). Kids mostly need rules and structure as you know and this does not mean you hav eto be their best friend and be scared to discipline your own kid. It is not the Flight Attendants job to help you. But they will do the best they can in the interest of passenger safety and comfort.

Lastly, for the kids, have some candies and juice ready for the descent as this eases any pain they may have in their little ears. Some kids just experience raw pain and this is due to the pressure difference in the aircraft combined with a cold or something.

Hope this helps

Signed:
Professional father who travels with own kids alone across the Pacific monthly. I know what I am talking about here.