Discussions

My family and I are possibly going on a trip in the summer and my daughter will be 4 years old. It will also be the first time she flying and we are going somewhere as a family on a plane. Im assuming that we have to pay extra to take a car seat and a portable high chair on the plane. Any tips will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Most airlines don’t charge to check a car seat but you would likely pay extra if you plan on taking a high chair

Take off and landing...have her chew gum or chewy candy. The motion of the chewing will keep her ears from popping with the pressure change and help keep her from getting an ear infection. (Not fun, trust me.)  
Don't make a big deal about flying. More specifically, don't focus on fears. None of the "you don't need to be scared..." That will just make her scared.  
Get window seats if possible. Flying higher than the birds and the world looks like a doll house, then like a house for ants. Fields look like Grandma's quilt. Etc. Make it exciting and magical and mystical.  
Bring her non electronic stuff to do. Colouring books , reading books, favourite few toys. Get her own carry on bag of stuff that can go under the seat. Easily accessed but contained. Nothing super noisy.  
Wear comfy clothes, and have a spare set (or two) handy. That age is prone to dumping drinks on themselves and that is okay. The airplane trays are small and the ride can be bumpy sometimes.  
Bring a few snacks. Airplane food isn't always that great or enough. And sometimes you cannot get a drink when you need to, and kids that small can get "super thirsty, mom!" Don't go crazy on them, just need a few things.  
When at the gate, if you see other people with small children, introduce yourselves. Even if they are nowhere near you on the plane, it will give your daughter something to think about/talk about.

Take an iPad and some gravol

Pack all the kid stuff in a diaper bag. Even though she isn’t a baby they are more lenient if it’s obvious the bag is for a wee one. They will only allow sealed drinks and snacks to pass through security so bring prepackaged food instead of ziploc baggies.  
Honestly I wouldn’t bring a high chair. It would be so bulky and cumbersome. Do you have an alternative like a folding booster or those chair strap contraptions?

Pretty sure you can still check a carseat for free. We have done this. I would not bother with a highchair, just wing it as you go, you will find a solution. Its too cumbersome to bring in my opinion. Are you bringing a stroller? Use that if needed to sit in to eat.  
 
Bring a bag of things to do for the plane and snacks. We brought lollipops to suck on and it worked well for us for take off and landing.  
 
The biggest piece of advise I was given was to put them in pullups. This might sound crazy at an age where they are potty trained, but if they have to go to the bathroom during take off or landing you cannot leave your seat. It at least gives an option without soiling their clothing and being embarrassed.  
 
Edited by Bluebell, 2020-01-17 08:01:24

We flew from Minot to Las Vegas while traveling to California last year. I have a 5 year old and we took her booster seat on the plane, it fits perfectly on the seat as well and it was nice with the seat belt! We were renting a car in Las Vegas so it was so nice to have our own seat, and not have to pay extra for theirs.

Each airline carrier is different. Check on your airline's website first and foremost. They are the ultimate decision makers.  
 
Domestic (Canada) or International flight? Are you going to destination for a long time? This might make a difference in your needs.  
 
Unless a portable highchair is medically required, I'd leave that at home. Lots of highchairs available around the world once you are at a destination.  
 
Have a nice vacation wherever it may lead you.

Bring something new in your carry on so when she becomes bored you can pull it out. iPad is great as you can download things from YouTube, Netflix, etc.. Not all airlines have ET systems or ones that will be convenient for kids. Prepackaged snacks as unless it’s an overseas flight food won’t be free. As long as not a budget airline non-alcoholic beverages are free, but also buy after clear security. Car seats if not with a budget airline like Swoop are free to check. You’d have to pay for the high chair. Airlines now have to sit kids with accompanying adults so don’t pay for seat selection unless you’re wanting more leg room.