‘Tis the season for flying families to take to the skies for the holidays. As a flight attendant and parent, I know what a challenge flying with kids can be.

Here are some of my favorite tips for making the airport experience a little easier during this busy time.

Pre-trip Planning. Before leaving the house, check everything off of your “to-pack” list, label every bag with your personal information, including cell phone number, and print your boarding passes.

Family Security Lanes. As you get ready to tackle security screening, look for signs with a big green circle that says Family Lane. These lanes are specifically for families and those who need a little extra time to get through screening. It’s nice to not feel pressure from other travelers.

Restrooms. There are three nature-calls rules to remember when flying with children: go before, during and after the flight. Even if they say they don’t have to go, try anyway.

Strollers. Do we bring the stroller or not? That is the question every traveling family ponders. I highly recommend brining the stroller along if you are flying in or out of a large airport. A stroller is certainly worth it to help with tired little legs and for zipping through a crowded airport if you have tight connections. Personally, I like umbrella strollers since they’re lightweight, easy to tote and can easily be stowed in overhead bins if there is room. Even if your toddler is bursting with energy after the flight and wishes to march through the airport on his own two feet, the stroller can be used to carry diaper bags and winter coats.

Boarding. If the airline you’re flying allows families to pre-board, take advantage of this opportunity. The secret is to only have one parent set-up shop by stowing carry-on bags and securing the car seat while the other parent watches the kids in the gate area. The boarding process normally takes about a half-hour and by the time it’s time for the plane to push-back the novelty has worn off. Keep the children intrigued longer by boarding as close to departure time as possible – just don’t stray far from the gate as you could miss your flight.

Play areas. Airports are finally wising up and starting to make a huge effort to welcome and accommodate families. Before flying, check all of the airports you will be passing through to see what family-friendly facilities are available. For example, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport have designed play areas for the kids to burn off energy.