I have to admit….I really don't struggle with the idea of bringing my kids on a trip, as long as it is a designated family trip. Now, I'm not gonna kid you, if my husband and I plan a getaway for just us, conversely, I am OK to travel without them for a well-needed break as long as they are well cared for by family members.
My husband, on the other hand, is a bit less welcoming. He doesn't want to take many adventures because of the hassle factor with kids. So, in light of Thanksgiving weekend, the busiest family travel weekend logged in all the travel records, I hope to help those of you who are like my husband! (and even if you aren't.)
At this point, I am assuming you have already purchased airline tickets, so you can't change to the first flight of the day..or change your airline. So –
–Call ahead to see if you airline allows preboarding for families. Some have eliminated that oh so necessary perk (ahem American Airlines) but some still honor it (Yea Southwest.) IT does make a difference, and if your airline does allow it, then DEFINITELY try to pack everything in your carry on bags. Since you have preboarding privileges, there will be room in the overhead for your bags.
–Call ahead to see if your flight is on time. Some airlines can email you to your blackberry or iphone if you have one to give you an update. There is nothing worse than waiting in an airport with antsy kids…and then paying a fortune on meals you didn't intend to buy at the airport.
–Speaking of meals… pack snacks for the flight. Also pack bottles for drinks (those stainless ones are nice if you can fit them.) that way once you get past security you can fill them up for the flight. Nowadays not many food options are offered on flights and that could be a recipe for disaster for kids. If you don't have time or room, bring cash in case your airline does sell snacks on board.
–Remind your teenage girls that they can only pack 3 oz of their liquid make up, shampoos, other hair products, lip gloss, lotions, etc.!! If not they have to be in bags that are checked in. Security measures in place still don't allow more than 3 oz in carry on bags.
–Print your boarding pass at home when you can. It will save you time at the airport. That's the goal with kids after all – less time in places where they can be trouble 
–Pack a backpack for them with everything they might want – deck of cards, crayons and coloring book, mini containers of Playdoh, dot to dot or word search games, etc. One Thanksgiving we had the kids decorate place mats for all of the guests and it took up a lot of time!
–Many airports have kid friendly zones – SFo, Dallas/Fort WOrth, and Baltimore/Washington to name a few – play areas to burn off some steam before a long flight – brilliant. Check to see if your airport has one.
Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving. There's so much to be thankful for – just think, one day your kids may not have time or want to travel with you!
Sorry.. Southwest eliminated pre-boarding a year ago.
http://www.StopSouthwestPreboard.com
Shaun Dakin
THanks Shaun for your feedback – I love that someone is keeping me VERY honest. Actually, I should say that “unofficially” the Southwest folks are always very nice about letting us board first – maybe it’s because the people are just so much more laid back…or realize it is easier for them too to let families and small children board first. I watned to give them a plug for their consistently nice attitudes. I fly them a lot with my kids because of it!