Vacations are always fun but grabbing an airplane with kids is usually the first challenge to tackle. We usually travel every 6-12 months to visit the grandmothers (1500+ air miles away). Emi’s first flight was at 2 weeks old and since then we have refined our method of flying. Here are some things we have learned:
- Flight Selection
- The most important thing is to grab a non-stop trip if possible. You do not want to lug tired kids via multiple airports and gates.
- Buy your tickets a few months in advance to ensure you have adjacent seats. If this is not possible, you might be able to rearrange seats at the counter. This will depend on airline and crew, some are very understanding and will try to move single riders to other seats in order to get families together.
- Car Seat
- Upon arrival you will need a car seat to transport your child in a vehicle, bringing your car seat from home will make this task easier and cheaper. Use your car seat on a travel trolley in order to use it as a stroller. Keep your child seated here from car to TSA and from TSA to gate. You will have to carry the car seat onto the TSA belt. Gate check your car seat inside a car seat bag to minimize damage and dirt.
- Backpack
- This will be your personal item therefore carry your essentials inside. A backpack will allow you to be hands free in order to push/ pull the car seat and hold additional little hands.
- Personal Items
- Inside your backpack, be sure to pack:
- diapers or undies for little ones in case of any accidents
- wipes – these are useful for all ages, especially if a bathroom runs out of paper
- extra clothing for everyone in your party – you can use a space bag to make them compact and easy to carry. The bag will also protect them from any liquids.
- ID & wallet
- 1-2 small toys your child enjoys – examples: a page to color, 3 crayons, peg people, matching game, color with water books (they dry after a few minutes) or a plush.
- antibacterial spray – it is easier to use for surroundings, hands and belongings.
- empty bottle – fill this with water after TSA to keep you hydrated
- blanket – airplanes can get cold especially for little ones that are learning to regulate their temperature, keep a blanket in case anyone is cold.
- gum – chewing gum on departure allows the air with new atmospheric pressure to reach your inner ear and avoids the pressure discomfort.
- Inside your backpack, be sure to pack:
- Checked Bags
- Keep these to a minimum as checking them in and grabbing them at arrival can be extremely difficult with children. If you are travelling alone, try to avoid these all together.
- Infants
- For kiddos under 24 months, I recommend babywearing. In our experience you don’t have to take off the cloth carrier in order to pass the TSA scanner. Framed and metal containing carriers will usually need to be scanned separately and will require the parent to remove the carrier. The babywearing parent may be patted down and hands swabbed even with a soft body carrier.
- Inside the plane, baby can nurse to avoid pressure change discomfort. Babywearing will also keep parents hands free which is particularly helpful to allow them to eat and drink.
- While babywearing, the baby can fall asleep in comfort as well.
- Masks
- Don’t forget federal law requires children 2+ and adults to wear masks inside the aircraft at all times. Make sure the mask covers the nose and mouth with no gaps on the sides.
- Snacks
- Pack individually wrapped foods that won’t spoil easily and are low on liquids in order to pass TSA quickly. Some ideas below:
- Jerky sticks
- Pretzel sticks
- Nut packs / Trail Mix
- Apple or Veggie chips
- Yogurt melts
- Granola bar
- Raisins
- Pack individually wrapped foods that won’t spoil easily and are low on liquids in order to pass TSA quickly. Some ideas below:
