My children have been flying across the country to visit my parents since they were about 2-years-old so they don't know any different.

Pre-boarding is a must!! It allows the kids to get used to their surroundings before they're filled with strangers. It also allows time for questions about the compartments and doors and so forth.

For smaller children who really don't like holding hands I recommend bringing an umbrella stroller which you give to the flight attendant as soon as you get to the plane and they give to you as soon as you get off. It is wonderful, and not too bulky and saves some sanity. The kids each have their own backpacks that are filled with their special things, like blankets, for when it gets cold on the plane, portable DVD players and movies, CD players, books, coloring books. I always buy a special "surprise" present for every flight. In my carry-on I always bring a portable toilet seat for my daughter, which makes the bathroom a little less scary and intimidating.

I do give both of my kids dramamine as soon as we get on the plane, as they do both get motion sickness. This makes them sleep for about an hour of the flight and gives me a break to read my book or take a well needed nap. I definitely recommend taking snacks and getting a bottle of juice (with a lid) after getting through security which is allowed to go on the plane as a liquid. I have always had good experiences on the airplane and every flight people tell me how well-behaved my kids are. It just takes a lot of pre-planning and patience.