How to take a toddler on vacation (Flying)....

Vacation Time

For the second January in a row we are headed to Florida to visit with Luke's parents who have rented a beautiful house and let us stay with them.  Marcus is actually a really well traveled toddler- during his two years he visited 13 states-  flew on 6 trips (visited New York, Boston, Florida, California x 2, and Arizona).  Heck I don't know how many other toddlers can make the same type of statement.  He is a lucky kid!

During these trips I have gotten fairly good at packing for the plane and I wanted to share my list and what works in my experience.

Here is my basic underlying rule-  I do whatever I can to keep Marcus happy, quiet, and most  of all not crying.  

Seriously most travelers will be really forgiving of parents who are working hard to control their child.  They will glace at you with sympathy while secretly hoping they don't have to sit next to you on the flight.  They will not be forgiving if you don't work your A&# off to keep a happy kid.   Here are a few of the things I have found successful.

Scheduling your travel plans: One of the things that I do is try to schedule flights at favorable times of the day- nap time or close to bedtime is great (if I can get him to sleep during the flight).  Avoid times where you know that your kid will be wiped out.  So if I can't schedule a flight during sleep time I aim for WIDE awake time- first thing in the morning or shortly after naptime.

Pre-Trip Planning:  We talk about the trip coming up and flying to get Marcus excited about it. Flying can be scary- so talking about it a good idea and a chance to make it really fun for your toddler.

Review Airline Rules and Policies:  We travel a lot so we are familiar with the rules but here are some of the key ones to know.  May want to re-verify with your flight carrier.  All of this information is based on my experience with domestic carriers.

• Ticket: You are not required to buy a separate ticket for you child under the age of two however you may want to travel with a copy of the birth certificate because you may be asked to prove their age (which has never happened to me).  When you book your ticket you need to make sure to add on a "child in arms" to the reservation.  This is what allows your child to travel with you.
• Baggage:  If you didn't buy a ticket for your child- remember that they don't get a carry on.  If you did get them a ticket - they do but most likely you are going to end up carrying it anyway.
• Car Seat: Some goods news on this.  You can check your Car Seat for FREE! This will save you from renting one if you get a rental car.  You can also bring your car on the plane for your child to use however you need to make sure it fits (ours doesn't)-  and make sure it is FAA approved (ours is).
• Stroller: More good news-  You can check your stroller for FREE or gate check your stroller.  We ALWAYS gate check the stroller because it always us to move a lot faster through the airport if Marcus is contained.  Bring a small stroller and not a huge one- it will make everyone's life a bit better.
• Security: Kids great a break here too. 

• Liquids: Read the airlines rules to verify but they do allow you to bring though additional liquids for care of a child (Juice, breast milk, and Milk)- You do not have to have it less less than 3.4 ounce container but I warn you that they may test it (not a big deal).  Just bring what is necessary for the flight an no extra.
• TSA Rules 
• Security Check: Kids do not need to take their shoes off.  If you get approved for TSA Pre-check your child can come with!  This is the easiest way to go but the bad news is that you have to be randomly selected and approved (and not all airports have Pre).  Check your ticket to see if you qualify.
• The TSA actually has a page for Kids and parents that is worth checking out.
• TSA Kids Travel Page 

Now really only one thing left to discuss- and it is really important:

What to pack in the carry on: Over time I have worked on this list (and I will admit that some of it came from surfing Pinterest but this is the good stuff.

How to Pack:  Just a few last thoughts on how to pack.  

• Pick the right Bag:  I normally don't bring our diaper bag as the carry on.  It is a bit to small for what I want and with all of the zippers and flaps it can be a bit more of a hassle to use.  Instead I use a 31 bag (It is also our swimming lesson bag) because it is easy to access and has a few exterior pockets, and a few interior pockets but not too many.  I did actually sew in an extra tie at the top so things wouldn't easily fall out.
• Prepackage like items together:  I use a lot of plastic bags in the process of putting everything together.  Part of the reason is that I just naturally assume at some point we will be spilling on the bag or knocking it over and it is just easier that way to keep it all together.  Here are a few tips:
• Try to plan when you will need the items.  For example I always put the baggie of extra clothes in first because I am hoping not to need to use it.  One of the advantages of keeping these in a plastic bag is that you can reuse it if you have to deal with soiled clothes.
• Break your snacks into smaller bags -  this way  you can have some surprise when you pull out a treat later in the flight.
• When you are on the plane only let your little on play with one bag of at a time.  That way you contain the mess.
• Make sure you put your baggie with your 3-1-1 items for TSA on the top so it is easy to grab in security.
• It is not bad idea to bring an extra empty gallon bag.  It helps to control the wrapper mess and garbage.

• Pack your bag early:  I normally pack my carry on bag 2-3 days before the trip.  The only things that do not go in until right before we leave is Marcus's blankie (he can't live without out) and Penguin.  Those items I am never concerned with leaving behind because Marcus won't leave the house without them.  Pack your bag early and don't let anyone go into it until you are on the plane.  

Diapers and Wipes

Other traveling advice:

• Get to the Airport Early- You want to get to the airport a little bit earlier when you bring a little one.  Add 30-45 minutes to your normal arrival time.  They will just slow the process down so add a little bit of time.
• Explain the process- Make sure you explain what you are doing and why.  It makes Marcus feel a lot better when he knows that his car seat will be there when we land.
• Get to the gate early-   Most airlines will let families with small children load the plane right after the frequent fliers.  Getting on the plane before everyone else will make your life so much easier!
• Be polite to everyone-   I know this seems like really silly advice but I have seen people treat flight attendants poorly, and are not kind to other travelers.  Remember people may be kind of crabby and worried because your child is near and they are concerned that their flight will be impacted.  Just smile, be polite, and do your best to keep everything under control

Wow that got really long but I hope you find this helpful if you are lucky enough to fly with your little one.   We have been really lucky and in all of the flights we have taken Marcus only melted down once.... and that wasn't his fault.  He had double ear infections and I am sure the pain was pretty bad!