I am filled with mixed emotions every time our family decides to take a trip. I am excited to visit loved ones or see new places, but that anticipation is hampered by the thought of flying with my kids. While waiting to check-in, my husband and I have to juggle all of our luggage while struggling to hold onto our boys’ hands so that they don’t weave in and out of the line. Then we go to security where we have to take off our belts, shoes and jackets along with our chilrens’ before the people behind us start to push. And after passing through the detectors, we have to try to get all of our items on again and grab our carry-on luggage before it starts to pile up on the conveyor belt.
When we load onto the plane, we have to squeeze down the tiny aisle while trying not to hit people with our diaper bag or car seat. Then the best part is keeping our kids from disturbing the other passengers while they fight over the widow seat, bang the trays and try to get out of their seats. Needless to say, flying with my kids makes me nervous. And now with the new bag restrictions, I am more apprehensive than ever. I can’t even go into the city without filling up the trunk of my car.
How am I supposed to pack everything I need for my kids for a week into one carry-on? Through my traveling catastrophies I have learned a few tricks to pass on. They won’t relieve all of your flying woes, but they might make your next trip a little easier.
1. BOOK DURING THE SLOWEST TIME FOR TRAVEL
If you have flexibility, you should book on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. They are generally the slowest days for plane travel. That means you will has shorter lines, less wait and a less crowded plane. You should also try to avoid planning trips around spring, summer or holiday breaks. Many times this is unavoidable. But if you are planning a little get away and your kids are not in school yet, you should consider booking in February, May or September.
2. KNOW YOUR AIRLINE’S POLICIES
You should check your airline’s policies for traveling with children and checked bags. Most airlines recognize what an obstacle it is to travel with children. So they make certain exceptions for parents flying with little ones. All airlines that I know of allow a child under two to sit on a parent’s lap for free. Note that a birth certificate may be required and your child cannot turn two during your trip. Your infant is not allowed a carry-on, but you are allowed to bring their diaper bag on top of your allowed carry-ons. Most airlines will check your stroller for free. You can check it at the ticket counter or if it is a compact stroller, you may use it to bring your child(ren)to the gate and check it there. Most airlines will also allow you to check or carry your carseat(s) on for use during the flight for free. However, if you plan to use a car seat during the flight, it must be FAA approved. Other helpful features that most airports/airlines offer are a wheelchair/stroller accessable line through security and preferred boarding for passengers traveling with small children.
3. KEEP YOUR KIDS BUSY
Keeping your kids occupied is the secret to a peaceful flight. The key is to bring airplane-friendly entertainment. You don’t want crayons that will roll or loud things that will bother your fellow passengers. A movie can be a great distraction. And although most airlines feature an in-flight movie, you probably don’t want to rely on that since you don’t know what they will be playing. Your best bet is to bring a portable DVD player. Be sure to bring some headphones too so that the rest of the plane doesn’t have to listen to Monster Inc. A few other ideas are sticker books, pop-up books or an etch-a-sketch. Another tactic is to buy a new toy or book and surprise them with it on the plane.
