This was surprising behavior from a flight attendant, usually the well-prepared traveling parent's best friend. Being prepared is a motto that works well for Scout troops and traveling families. Be assured, no one in the airport, plane, rental car facility or hotel will ever find your children as amusing as you. You need to prepare for everything, while knowing your limits. No markers for the under-3 set.
Baby wipes can remove a multitude of sins.
No little puzzles or games with pieces that are certain to be lost. In short, prepare for everything. The worst that can happen is you'll be sharing Cheerios with a few rows of newfound friends or the kid- less seatmate who will happily find the hidden spoon instead of pouring over the quarterly reports. As in every stage of parenthood, traveling gets easier as the kiddies get bigger. They pick up an education that isn't found in a classroom.