Air Travel Tips
• Book a non-stop flight or one with as few connections as possible. If you do need to book a flight with a layover, choose one with a longish stop to avoid running through the airport with your child (and paraphernalia). This also gives kids a chance to get the wiggles out.
• Pre-board if possible so you can have time to get settled in, especially if you are traveling with a car seat as these can be a struggle to secure.
• If needed, don't be afraid to ask the flight attendant or fellow passengers for help securing the car seat.
• Dress children and you in layers to prepare for variations in temperature onboard and off.
• Consider booking a seat for babies under age two, for safety’s sake. See FAA recommendations for child safety on airplanes or read Do You Care about Keeping Your Child Safe when Flying?
• If you decide to fly with a lap child, bring the car seat or restraint along anyway. Then sweetly ask the airline attendant at check-in if they can reserve an empty seat for your child.
• Do away with lugging around that heavy toddler seat by purchasing an FAA-approved CARES harness restraint by Kids Fly Safe, for kids 22 – 44 pounds. If you need a car seat at your destination, you can rent one from your car rental company or a baby gear rental company.
• You can gate check strollers and car seats. Just tell the airline attendant at the gate that you need a gate check tag. You attach the tag to your stroller and car seat and leave them at the end of the jetway before entering the plane. These items will be waiting for you where you left them when you depart the plane.
• Be prepared for delays. Pack twice as many snacks, bottles, diapers, wipes, and formula as you think you need.
• Keep kids buckled in as long as possible as a safety precaution and to avoid doing the non-stop aisle walk.
• Protect your baby’s bottom and keep your clothes dry by slathering on tons of diaper cream and doubling up diapers.
• Give your child something to suck or eat while taking off and at the top of the descent to decrease pressure in tender ears.
• Pack sealable bags for poopy diaper disposal (air sickness bags do the trick too).
• See Travel Mamas Airplane Carry-On Kit for additional tips for what to bring onboard to keep babies and toddlers happy and you sane!
For more information on this topic see:
• Air Travel Resources
• Child-Friendly Airlines and Airports
• The Bright Side of Flying with Kids
• The Best Travel Toys and Activities for Kids, from Babies to Teens
Have we missed something? Let us know if there is a travel tip you particularly love and why so we can add it to our list!
