Monday Musings: Flying Vacation (?) with Children

Our eldest daughter sitting in the cockpit of an airplane

For most of my life pre-children, I traveled for business. I was even elite with Northwest Airlines. Anytime I saw a family get on the plane, I would stare at the ceiling hoping that they would not sit anywhere near me, my Starbucks and US Weekly magazine. However, traveling with children can be a fun experience if you are prepared, relaxed, and have a bit of creativity (and yes, a portable DVD player helps too!)

 I have been flying with my eldest child since she was 2 months old. Our second child was on an airplane by 8 months old. Flying is a necessity for us since our family all lives out of state. My husband and I have the whole process down to a science.

 Luckily most airlines allow 2 carry ons for parents traveling with children For me, this means I take my purse and diaper bag. I usually grab my biggest purse so I can fill it with all sorts of entertainment for my children and pack the diaper bag with the essentials. For the diaper bag I pack:
-Enough Diapers for 2 days
-Fresh pack of wipes
-Clorox wipes for wiping the plane seats down (I am a self diagnosed germ a phobe on planes, I would wear a mask if I could ha ha!)
-Hand Sanitizer
-Spare Pair of Clothes for everyone (Including yourself...I learned this the hard way!)
-Extra Pacifiers
-Lollipops (for my 3 year old)
-Sippy Cup (for the baby)
-Table Toppers

In my purse I pack the entertainment:
-Target $1 Spot goodies (Board Books, Matchbox Cars, Coloring Books, etc)
-Snacks! (All good nutrition rules are out the window...Fruit Snacks, Lollipops, Raisins, and Puffs)
-Portable DVD Player (in our case an ipod armed with Princess and The Frog, Monsters Inc, and Snow White)

I also check the TSA website for any changes and guidelines on carry on luggage. It is also helpful if you plan on taking formula or breastmilk through secruity.

When I get to the airport, I sky cap our bags. It is easy, curbside and I don't have to drag the traveling circus through the airport while holding on to the stroller and all the carry ons. Also make sure if you have a lap baby you bring identification. We found this out the hard way with our youngest son when we didn't bring his birth certificate. It was more of a hassle.

Next it is through security. Up until November 2008, going through security was a nightmare. However, TSA has implemented Family Lanes in every US airport. This makes going through security very smooth. You can take your time collapsing your stroller, getting every one's shoes off, packing the plastic bins,etc. I have also found the TSA employees are very helpful and no one is in a huge rush.

After security, it is Operation Tire Out Children. This involves going on the moving walkways, taking the tram multiple times, and hitting the bathroom multiple times (so I don't have to cram into the little airplane ones! Another helpful hint is to change the diaper as close to boarding time as possible. Changing a diaper on the airplane, although not difficult, a bit cramped and unpleasant. Also remember to get a gate check tag for your stroller!

Once it is time to board the plane, I found it easiest to send your significant other on the plane with all the gear (however with Southwest Airlines you all have to get on together) and one of you board with the kids last so they don't have to sit very long.

Right before take off, I give our 3 year old a lollipop to suck on to help with the ear pressure. Our little guy gets his paci or sippy cup to help with the swallowing and his ears. Unfortunately on some of our flights, the baby couldn't stand the pressure and screamed for the first 45 minutes...this is when I wish I could give out Starbucks gift cards to everyone on the plane as an apology.

Make friends with the stewards. This has gotten us many perks for the kids, such as wings and after the flight is over with a quick stop in the cockpit to see all the controls.

All the entertainment on the plane is so useful, especially if you have a long flight.However if all else fails...singing, browsing through the sky mall magazine, and walking up and down the aisles help too! However, I am incredibly lucky that the baby conks out asleep after an hour, so I can catch up on People Magazine.

Right before landing, I do the lollipop/pacifier trick to help again with the pressure of the cabin. After de-boarding, most airlines pop open your stroller so it is ready and waiting for you as you embark on to getting your luggage.

These are a few of our tips while traveling by plane. What are yours?