Going to USA with my son

Well I decided to take Coby (6) to the USA in May for my birthday. It's been a long time since I traveled with a young'un and wanted to know a few things.
Can anyone tell me the law on booster seats in the USA and what about the plane? Does he need a booster on the plane?
Do airlines still offer kids meals? What should I bring with for him to do? He's a very very chilled out kid by the way which is why I decided to take him.
I'm taking him on his Brit passport and of course I'll be on my American passport so what line do we go through at immigration? I'm assuming he still needs the long green form. Also what about the Visit USA passport scan thing. What exactly is this and will Coby's passport have to be swiped?
Any additional information will be greatly appreciated.

I don't know about booster seats once you get to the US but you don't need one on the plane in fact I would recommend against it on the plane as even a calm 6 year old needs wiggle room.  I also recommend that you try and get bulkhead seats as this will give him some room to move without you having to worry about him kicking the seat in front.  Child meals are available and there is usually something in there children will actually eat but you might like to take a couple of snacks with you just in case.  If you fly BA I know that they have snack baskets in a galley for passangers to help themselves.

At immigration I would go through the line for US passport holders.  When my Birt hubby travels with the rest of the family that is what we do and have never had any problems.  Yes you will need to fill out whatever forms are needed for non-US citizens.

When was your sons British passport issued?  This will determine if it is machine readable.  Perhaps you can contact the US Embassy and find out what is needed.

When my boys were young I used to buy them a couple of new toys to play with on the plane.  I would keep them as a surprise and wrap them up then when they got bored I would present them with these and they would be occupied and happy.  That was before there were personal entertainment systems and there were no movies and cartoons they could watch.

Good luck

Each state has its own laws on booster seats, which should be available to read on-line. You didn't say if your DH was going with you, but as a reminder it is always a good idea to carry a letter from your spouse allowing your son to travel with you. Often this is not required, but sometimes because of international custody issues an immigration official will question why a parent is traveling alone to another country with a child. I always have one just in case.

I don't know if this is possible, but when my sister came over this time with her 5&7 year olds, she got them the new iPod nanos, filled them up with their favourite tv shows and the kids were totally occupied!  THey were brilliant. 

I know lots of airlines now have in-seat entertainment, so everyone has a wee TV in the headrest in front of them that offers tons of children's programming and films...it does depend on the airline though. i know Northwest, KLM, and British Airways (and American Airlines/Continental out of London) offer this, but if you fly from a smaller airport, like I fly from Glasgow, then the planes may not have that, but they always have a film which is usually family-friendly. Child meals can sometimes even be chosen in advance if you book online and select 'special meals'. I don't think he'll need a booster seat on the plane (come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen anyone with one on a plane) but yeah, I'd google the lawss for the state you are visiting requiring the booster seat thing. The ipod nano is a great idea! I just got power-rangers action figures when I went on long plane rides years ago lol.

Thanks for everyones great ideas and suggestions. Im traveling with Coby by myself and never would have thought to bring a letter from my husband granting me permission to take Coby.
I like the Ipod Nano idea also. I think they're cheaper in the US so maybe it's something I can do on the other side for the return flight. Im also bringing my laptop which has lots of games on it as well as a DVD player but the battery will probably only last about 2.5 hours.
I found a fantastic deal from Heathrow to Nashville but it's a month earlier than I wanted but Im saving a few hundred pounds so Im booking it. Just £667 including taxes for the both of us! Can't beat it! I thought I had a good deal for just under £900 from Brum in May but I'd rather go early and use the extra money to spend!
Im bringing Coby's old booster seat. It's small enough where I can pack it in my suitcase and if Im too overloaded on my return then Ill just leave it behind and get him a new one. I think this one Im taking is just a spare we got off freecycle for our second car so it's no biggie if I have to leave it behind.
Im so excited about this trip and even more so bringing Coby. Coby is so excited he's antsy. He always wanted to go to 'Remerica' (his words)

Yes, definitely have a letter!  I've been asked every single time I've travelled alone with the kids.  I have one on file if you want a copy.

Yes, definitely have a letter!  I've been asked every single time I've travelled alone with the kids.  I have one on file if you want a copy.

I travel with my older sons once a year to the USA and have never been questioned once. Is it because they're Americans traveling to the US or have I just been lucky? What should the letter say exactly and does it have to be notarized?

good idea on the booster seat.  As far as I know, most states, if not all require them up until at least age 8, possibly higher now unless they meet a height and weight!  Good luck on your travels!

I travel with my older sons once a year to the USA and have never been questioned once. Is it because they're Americans traveling to the US or have I just been lucky? What should the letter say exactly and does it have to be notarized?

I've never been questioned, either, the times I took the kids back and forth.

I've never been questioned either, even though my legal surname and my daughter's surname are both different.

I do bring our marriage certificate just to tie all the names together. But no one has asked us to provide any proof of a relationship.

I travel with my older sons once a year to the USA and have never been questioned once. Is it because they're Americans traveling to the US or have I just been lucky? What should the letter say exactly and does it have to be notarized?

It can either be notarised/witnessed by a solicitor or have accurate contact info (i.e. mobile, work and home numbers). I have not needed the letter either when traveling with either Emily or Gabriel. But the thing is that if they ask for proof and you don't have it, you could be bounced. So I never risk it. My ex has an open-ended one for travel with our son to Mexico, because his grandmother is ill so they may have to make emergency trips.

It is pretty basic:

To whom it may concern:

I, so and so, the natural mother/father of child's name give my permission for our child to travel with his/her mother/father to place. (You can include dates or leave it open depending on the circumstances. You can also include the purpose of the visit if you like.) If you have any questions, you may contact me at:

Yours sincerely,
Signed

I think it's mostly Canada that does it.  I have been asked every.single.time. by Canadian Immigration coming into the country and the airlines when I'm leaving the country. 

I was never asked in the US or in England but it is still good to have, just in case. 

Mexico too.

I carry a letter too but have never been asked for it in the UK. It's just a good idea to have on the off chance they do question you. Wow how exciting for you and Coby. He's too cute, I can't believe he is six!! I hope he has a great time with you in "Remerica"