Flying with a toddler and flying with a baby are two completely different experiences. Before Aliana would want to sleep and eat when she was a baby. Now she needs more entertainment and is very unpredictable. While babies may be more inclined to snore the flight away peacefully, toddlers are altogether different when it comes to flying as a family. You would think that your toddler would sleep through a long flight, especially if you are catching a late flight. Well, that is not always the case. So I am going to explain what you should expect when you arrive at the airport, during a flight, and products I recommend to bring while traveling with a young toddler based on my experiences.
PLAN YOUR SEATING AHEAD OF TIME
If your child is still under two years old you most likely won’t buy them their own seat yet. I always pick the aisle seat because of the easy access to get in and out of your seat without bothering the people next to you or feeling stuck. You can also ask the airlines as you check in for your flight if they have an extra seat next to you or if they have an open row to change your seat assignment.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE TO THE AIRPORT
Spend the money to check-in your luggage so you’re not carrying as much on your flight. Finally, print out your boarding passes at home so all you have to do is check your bags.
Be prepared for possible flight delays or even cancellations by having extra diapers, wipes, bottles, powdered formula and extra clothes. You should also have books, toys, coloring sets, and snacks.
ASK IF THERE IS A SEPARATE SECURITY LINE FOR FAMILIES
Every country is different so during check-in ask them if there is a different line for families. Having a separate line for families will eleviate a lot of time spent going through airport security if the airports offers this option.
USE A BABY CARRIER
Having a baby carrier in your hand luggage is essential. They are invaluable for boarding the aircraft, going to airport checkpoints, or disembarking the aircraft and keeping you hands free for all of the other baby gear. They are complete life savers if you have a long walk to baggage claim, and your travel stroller needs to be collected there.
GET INTERNATIONAL GLOBAL ENTRY OR TSA PRE CHECK FOR U.S.A DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Global Entry is a program that allows US citizens to streamline the customs process when re-entering the United States. It’s saved countless hours of waiting in seemingly endless customs lines, and it also gets you access to TSA PreCheck, an expedited security screening program that will have you scooting through security on your outbound flights in no time.
So for parents who are traveling as a family, they need to enroll their children in the program separately, even if they aren’t old enough to walk or talk. If approved, this is going to be the golden ticket to bypass the long airport customs lines.
MAKE SURE ALL OF YOUR LIQUIDS ARE READY FOR INSPECTION
Try to avoid extra hassle for security and get a flight with toddler off to the best start! Liquids will be tested if they are your little one’s food and drink for the ride. Wear things you are not going to have to take off. I like to wear slip-on shoes, I will leave my jacket or cardigan in my carryon bag, I don’t wear watches or necklaces, keep it simple.
TIRE THEM OUT BY HAVING THEM RUN AROUND THE TERMINAL
One of my goals before getting on a flight is to get Aliana as tired as possible. I like to book late night direct flights so she will sleep most of the way to our destination. The best way to exhaust a lot of her energy is to allow her to run around before the flight.
CHECK THE MAP FOR KID PLAYGROUNDS IN THE TERMINAL
You can check before arriving at the airport terminal if they have areas for kids to play. This is also a great way for your kids to play and tire themselves out before a flight. Some credit card members have access to members only airport lounges. These lounges typically offer free food, drinks, and have playrooms for kids. Our American Express credit card gives us access to Amex lounges in airports around the world. Check with your credit card company to see if you have access to any lounges inside the airports you will be visiting.
DON’T BOARD EARLY
If you are traveling with a partner, let them board first to claim space in the overhead compartment for your carry-on items and check in the stroller at the gate. Try to board the plane last because your toddler is going to want to run around the plane instead of sit patiently in the seat while everyone boards and gets to their seats. To avoid the hassle, wait.
ENTERTAINMENT
We like to bring toys that will stimulate her and occupy her attention during flight. Sometimes I go to the dollar store and buy toys she has never played with before and then show them to her during the flight. I also like to bring her tablet and load a lot of her favorite shows and movies. During vacation, I don’t mind her having more screentime, as long as she keeps entertained, and doesn’t get bored or upset. You can also ask the flight attendants if they have any kids books, some airlines will carry these.
BRING TONS OF SNACKS AND ASK THE AIRLINES IF YOU CAN ORDER A MEAL FOR YOUR TODDLER
Even if your toddler doesn’t have their own seat, ask the flight attendant if you can have an extra meal for your toddler. Some airlines will provide an extra meal. If not, they can give plenty of snacks and beverages. Also, pack a lot of snacks your child loves and allow them to eat some junk food such as chips. They are on vacation too!
ASK THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS FOR HELP
They are very helpful. If you need them to watch your child while you use the restroom, or if you need any snacks or beverages for your child, ask. They are there to help you when needed.
TAKE ALONG YOUR TODDLERS COMFORT ITEMS
My little girl loves her blankets because they remind her of home. Every time we travel we make sure to pack at least two or three of them and have one with us on the plane. When she gets upset or scared she likes to find comfort with her security blanket. If your child loves their stuff animal, pacifier, blanket, bring the item on the plane with you.
Domestic Flights: For unpaid lap infants you will need to carry proof of age in the form of a birth certificate, immunization records, or passport. I usually will bring with us my daughters passport so we don’t get denied acess to board a flight if the airliners ask for documentation.
International Flights: All passengers regardless of age require a passport to travel internationally. If both parents or legal guardian(s) are not traveling with the child you are required to have a notarized document giving you permission to take the child out of the country alone or proof that you have sole custody. Although only required for entry to some countries, airlines, cruises, and immigration officers have the right to ask you for this documentation as they try to reduce kidnappings and human trafficking of children.
MY FAVORITE TRAVEL PRODUCTS
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