Bea and I once again set off for an air travel adventure. This time to spend 4th of July in Indiana. This was the third (or fourth) airplane trip we had taken together. A lot faster than our train trips but a bit more difficult as well.
Give yourself some extra time (as usual) and know that your small companion might not cooperate at awkward moments. Bea is a great little traveler but she still gets a nervous around TSA people sometimes. TSA is usually very understanding of parents traveling with children. Look for family lanes at security to help get through faster. No one wants a cranky little one to wait in line. (Most of the time TSA will direct you to family lanes.) Be sure to take shoes and coats/jackets off ahead of time as children have much the same requirements as you do.
Another thing I do is take off my belt, jewelry, watch and anything else that will set off a metal detector and put it safely in the diaper bag and try to wear slip on shoes. Taking care of that ahead of time helps things go smoothly and lessens the risk that someone will walk off with something valuable (As happened to me at O'Hare). It's easy to grab things out of a bins and trays, especially when you are distracted by your child. Don't risk it.
Another thing I do is take off my belt, jewelry, watch and anything else that will set off a metal detector and put it safely in the diaper bag and try to wear slip on shoes. Taking care of that ahead of time helps things go smoothly and lessens the risk that someone will walk off with something valuable (As happened to me at O'Hare). It's easy to grab things out of a bins and trays, especially when you are distracted by your child. Don't risk it.
We use our backpack carrier most of the time in the airport as it leaves both hands free for luggage and travel documents. We check it at the door of the plane and have it waiting when we land at your next location. It can be easier than a stroller if you are up to it though it's not as handy for layover snack time.
Crackers and sippy cups can save little ones ears(and yours too). I try to avoid giving Bea snacks for a little bit before take off and time it for when her ears will be popping as we ascend. Make sure you have a full bottle or sippy ready for the descent as well. You'll likely save yourself some grief as ears pop naturally from chewing and swallowing action.
If there ever was a time for movies and games it's likely on the flight. One secret weapon is a trusty iPod loaded with a favorite kids movie. Just be careful of the volume on little ears. Non-earbud style head phones can often be heard without being directly on little ears.
It's not for everyone but one of the things I do is head directly for the rear of the plane. Sometimes the seats don't recline but you won't have anyone behind you, you're next to the bathroom if you are potty training and most often that's where crackers, water and juice are allowing you to aquire them much faster than if you were in a random location elsewhere in the aircraft.
It's not for everyone but one of the things I do is head directly for the rear of the plane. Sometimes the seats don't recline but you won't have anyone behind you, you're next to the bathroom if you are potty training and most often that's where crackers, water and juice are allowing you to aquire them much faster than if you were in a random location elsewhere in the aircraft.
Finally, make friends with the flight attendants. Bea is luckily pretty well behaved and social, making things a bit easier but I have several flight attendants to thank for going above and beyond to help us have enjoyable flying experiences. They can often make a huge difference in your childs flying experience... hopefully for the good.
I've had good service traveling with Bea on Southwest and Frontier but I'll probably never fly United again.
I've had good service traveling with Bea on Southwest and Frontier but I'll probably never fly United again.
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