Many times, our travel decisions have to be based on practical factors like cost and scheduling rather than convenience. When we do have choices, traveling with children can be a pleasant adventure. The key is to put yourself in your child’s shoes when planning the trip.
Before You Go
What time should you fly? It may be easier to bring children to the airport when they are wide awake. For younger travelers, a naptime or bedtime flight may be easiest. Thinking about how your children deal with change may help you make this decision.
When booking the flight, state your seating preference: near the bathroom, by the window, or in the bulkhead area. Be persistent about being assigned advance seating, making advanced calls rather than waiting for airport check in. You can check out the configuration of airline seating by visiting seatguru.com.
On most airlines, if you’re traveling with a child under two, you do not have to purchase a ticket. However, you will have to hold the baby on your lap if there is no seat available, rather than have the child belted in. You can try to find out which flights are least likely to be full (a rare event in holiday travel nowadays), and you can call the airline or go online as it gets closer to your travel day to see if seats are still available. If it looks like it’s going to be a full house on a long flight, you may want to purchase the extra ticket, keeping in mind that prices change as you approach a fourteen-day or seven-day advance window. Some airlines may offer a discounted rate for travelers under two years old.
If you make your flight reservations well in advance, you may not be able to receive seat assignments at that time. Find out when you can get the seat assignments and call the airline closer to your travel day to make sure you are seated together.
Do you need a car seat? There is no legislation or airline policies requiring the use of car seats, so it is up to you. Most people don’t bother because air emergencies are so rare. Both the airlines and the Air Transport Association say car seats are a good idea for kids up to 40 pounds. Car seats prevent and reduce the severity of injuries suffered by small children during turbulence, rough landings, and other situations. In most air emergencies, there is little chance even the strongest adults will be able to hold on to a child.
Should you get a direct flight? If a direct flight is available and is not cost prohibitive, most parents would say “yes” because connecting flights usually mean more waiting time and increase the possibility of delays. On the other hand, flights with connections may be cheaper and children might enjoy exploring an airport in another city.
If family or friends are meeting you at your destination, be sure that everyone knows the meeting place and exchanges cell phone numbers. Airlines don’t allow anyone but travelers at the gate, so choosing an unmistakable meeting place will eliminate confusion. If you are renting a car, be sure to get the right size for travelers and luggage as well as appropriate car seats.
If you are sending a school-age child alone, check the airline (and airport) policies for escorted or unescorted travelers. You will have to pay extra for the child escort and even then, try to avoid connections. Most airports will allow parents to get a pass to go through security, but allow extra time to navigate the process.
Getting Ready
What will you and your children wear? While dressing up for the prospect of seeing grandma might be fun, consider comfort as well. Children traveling at night might be most comfortable in pajamas, and may have an easier transition when they reach the final destination. If your children are still in diapers, think about what clothes will be easiest for diaper changes in your seat. For little ones who can use the airplane bathroom, remember that they will have to go through their routine in a very small space.
