Consider the flight attendants your allies If possible (you can ask the gate attendant at the desk), divide and conquer: Send your partner or traveling companion if you have one ahead with the gear so you can board at the last minute with your child. But early boarding can be a mixed blessing, since it results in an extra half hour (give or take) on the plane - probably not something you want to endure voluntarily with a wiggly toddler. One of the only advantages of traveling with young children by plane is the fact that you're allowed to board first, thereby snagging much-needed overhead-bin space. And don’t worry about holding up the line when traveling with kids - take your time, collect your wits and try to make a game out of the whole thing for your toddler (“What else belongs in the bin? Mommy’s keys? Mommy’s purse?”). Slip-on shoes (for you and your toddler) also come in handy at the security checkpoint. If that's the case, it will be waiting for you just outside the door of the plane when you land. A light umbrella stroller is your best friend when going through security - it’s easy to fold up at the last second and plop on the X-ray’s conveyer belt.Īsk your airline ahead of time what the policy with strollers is - you may be able to check it at the curb, ticket counter or gate, or take it right down the jetway and leave it at the plane’s door before you board. You’ll probably want to bring a stroller to push your toddler around in when you’re in the airport. It also gives your little one ample time to watch planes take off and do laps around the terminal to get his energy out before he's confined to his seat on the plane. It will give you plenty of time to park if you're driving to the airport and make your way to the terminal, check into your flight, check any baggage and get through security with your tot and carry-ons in tow. Otherwise, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says you may be asked to check the CRS as baggage. And if flying with your toddler takes up an entire row, you can have both the window and the aisle seats to yourselves.īefore toting the car seat through the airport, make sure it, and any other restraint system, is government-approved and has the words, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" printed on it. That way you can bring along your car seat or another child restraint system (CRS) to keep him safe and secure on board the plane. While tots under 2 typically fly free on your lap on domestic flights, you may still want to consider booking your child his own seat. An added bonus? He'll have something to look at during the flight. Hotel Safety for Families Choose your seats carefullyĪs eager as your tot may be to traipse up and down the aisles, go to the potty a zillion times or ask for yet another item from the overhead bin, it's safer for your little one to be in a window seat. In an aisle seat, he may get his arms and legs caught or bumped by passing carts, or hot liquids spilled on him. If your gate is crowded while you’re waiting for your next flight, find a deserted spot and let your toddler run in circles, make noise and relish his freedom for as long as he can (better to get it out of his system on the ground than when you’re in a confined space at 30,000 feet). If you do have to book a connecting flight when traveling with a toddler, try not to squander a nap during a layover - that’s the perfect time to let your little one get the wiggles out. The novelty of it can be a fun way to keep them entertained and occupied the first time around, but having to go through it again with a layover can get old fast. Taking a nonstop flight means you only go through the process of waiting around the airport, boarding, taking off and landing once - which can be valuable when traveling with little kids. While flight delays can foil even the best-laid plans for flying with a toddler, if your tot can get even a short nap in the air, it will be a wonderful reprieve. When possible, try to schedule long stretches of travel around your child’s nap. It may also mean your flight will have fewer passengers for your tot to (potentially) annoy with his antics. Time your flight plans wiselyĪn off-peak trip provides perks like shorter security lines and less crowded terminals. Here are some tips on how to make toddler air travel more tolerable. Though you may have once dreaded sitting near little kids on planes, flying with a toddler doesn’t have to be a nightmare for everyone on board - including you.
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