Traveling with Kids
This is never easy, but you can do it! What I’m writing here, is based on my experience and what it worked for me. I’m also sharing links of other interesting places, as well as government ones where you can see what are your rights. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
Basics for Traveling
Inside the airplane:
Carry On that fits in compartment, different airlines have different measurements, but the normal are on the picture here, 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Liquids less than 3.4oz/100ml allowed (keep them together in a ziplock bag).
NO: aerosol, firearms, lighters, eCigarrettes, marihuana, sharp objects (scissors, knives, corkscrews), along with others, check full list of What Can I Bring.
Bag that fits under the seat (purse or backpack).
At Security, put in different boxes to go under the x-rays: BOX 1: shoes, belt, sweater, scarf, jacket, phone, wallet, all what is in your pockets. BOX 2: computer alone. BOX 3: your backpack (if it fits), purse. Then carry on.
If you have TSA Pre Check, you can make the shorter line, keep your shoes and belt on you, your computer can stay in your bag.
Under the airplane:
Suitcase/s: Must be 50 lbs (23 kgs) or less. Be careful to go over the limit or you will have to pay the overweight fee. If this happens, you should put the heavy stuff in your carry on, as long as those items are not liquids over 3.4oz. Is always helpful to have a “portable scale”.
What to bring in a max. 5 hour flight with a ‘non’ walker baby:
Small pack of wipes
3-4 diapers
Soft baby carrier
Extra sleeper for the baby (or comfy outfit)
1 sleeve of baby “mum-mum”
Light muslin blanket
Baby BAG (bottle, pacifier, sanitizer, baby spoon, lovey, etc.)
Headphones, adapters, charger
Letter with husband parental consent if traveling solo (just in case)
Extra shirt (for me, baby’s vomit, spills… you never know)
Birth Certificate: Sometimes airlines ask for it to be sure is a “lap” baby under 2 years old, even when is obvious by the size of the baby. For what I understand, at the airport they don’t need it to travel, unless is international, baby will need a passport. I have been never asked to prove baby’s age.
NOTE:
Young babies don’t need much toys, they can be happy with a coffee cup (empty) or an empty bottle with straws or a couple of pennies inside (tight well the top).
Toddlers or recent first time walkers won’t sit long or won’t stay focus in something for too long (iPad for only 2-3 minutes at a time), they like to walk around. Bring the snacks that they like and try to fly when they sleep (this is the most challenging age). Lolly pops are always helpful to entertain, and also good if they are not nursing or taking a bottle while departing and landing, it help with their ears.
Older kids, are easier, bring iPad loaded with their shows/movies (I don’t trust will get internet in the plane), headphones, and their own snacks (they may not like the airplane ones).
Timeline through the Airport
Arrive with EXTRA TIME that if you travel without kids.
If you are a frequent flier, you should consider the Global Entry (TSA Pre Check) card, it saves a lot of time in the security line, and immigration coming back from another country. All family members should have it to go together, is not enough that just only one member has it. You need to get an appointment with immigration to get one, and is good for 5 years if I’m not wrong.
Get off the car, open the stroller, put the baby there, with the other hand carry your suitcase and attach some way the car seat, backpacks are more helpful than shoulder bags.
Go to the counter, or self machines, get tags, drop suitcase and ask for a bag for the car seat, this way will be clean when you get it back and won’t have missing pieces. Ask for a second bag and keep it (for the stroller later on).
Keep on you: stroller with baby, hang there the soft carrier, and put on you the backpack with essentials.
Go to security, you are allowed to bring liquids for the baby, but they will check them. Check this LINK for full list and your rights as traveling with babies.
Go to your gate first, not always the number in the app is the one you will really need to go. Then, checking on how much time you have, go to eat something, shopping, stop at the restrooms and use the handicap to get the stroller in. Good time to change diaper.
When is time to get in the line to go in the airplane, walk all the way to the door, put the carrier on you, wear the baby, fold the stroller, put it in the bag (so it doesnt get dirty or missing pieces). Ask the people there (many times) that you NEED the stroller when you get off the plane, is YOUR RIGHT to have it there. If its a little airplane in a little airport (they always do things as their convenience) where you are going, I will tape a piece of paper with that you want the stroller there and NOT at the carousel with luggage, again, is your right, because walking long, carrying the baby, backpack, and probably you have more stuff to carry, is a lot (it happened to me).
Go through immigration if its an international flight, then to the carousel to get your stuff.
Walk to the uber/car, let the driver take the bag, put the back pack in the car, keep your baby on the stroller next to you and the door where you going to install the car, put the brakes in the stroller, install the car seat, put the baby there and strap, then fold the stroller (not all the people know that), and let the driver take care of that.
You get in the car, and welcome to wherever you were going.
Links to Read
TSA - TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children
TRAVELING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN? 14 SECRETS FOR A BLISSFUL FLIGHT
https://betweencarpools.com/traveling-with-young-children-14-secrets-for-a-blissful-flight/
Watch Cool Videos About Traveling With Kids
Flying with a Baby on Your Lap: Secrets from an Experienced Mom