My hubby and I are visiting family and flying from Utah to Boston. We have two sons, one who is 8 mos old and one who is ALMOST 2 but not quite, so he wont have his own seat yet. The flight time each way will be about 6 hours total, with one connection in Dallas. Unfortunately we could not get a red-eye flight, so they will both most likely be awake for most of it. I'm looking for some advice on how to survive this, since we are BOTH going to have a child sitting in our laps for the flight. The more I think about this, the more I think the extra seat would have been worth the extra money! LOL!
I am looking for good suggestions to keep the 2yo entertained (my hubby has joked about giving him something to knock him out and make him sleep, but part of me thinks he isn't really joking, lol - maybe it would be nice to have something safe that works JUST IN CASE we absolutely need it, but I'm not one who likes using meds if it can be avoided). I'm planning on buying him a few new books and maybe even some flash cards or something, but other than that, I'm pretty out of ideas.
My other big question, is how to get all our STUFF out there with us?! We will be bringing our double stroller for the connection and the airport and checking it at the gate, and we will also need to bring both car seats for use while driving around while visiting. I want to bring at least one car seat so that if there happens to be and extra seat on the plane we can have out kid sit next to us instead of in our lap but we dont have a stroller that can be used with a carseat, so doing that woudl make it REALLY difficult on our connections to have to carry it with us. Also, is there a limit to how many large baby items we can bring with us? We would be bringing the stroler, two car seats, and hopefully no more than 2, maybe three suitcases. Thankfully family is helping out so we wont have to bring our pac n play! I am NOT looking forwards to carrying all this stuff plus 2 kids into the airport with us!!!!
Thanks for all your advise and help in advance!!
The Airplay (www.starkidsproducts.com ) is a great airplane accessory for kids those ages. It fits over the back of the tray table and has all the little toys babies and early toddlers like.
btw, we always bought a seat for the older child, and brought her car seat on board. she could sleep or play or take a bottle in comfort.
My kids are 17 months apart so we ran into this a few times when they were younger. If you can afford it, the extra seat is totally worth it! It gives them room to move around and on the smaller planes you get the whole row to yourself. Do not bring car seats onto the plane! Check them as baggage. Yes, yes, I know it is safer to have the child in the car seat. Now let's get back to the reality of taking two very small children on the plane. You have to have the stroller - unless you put them both in backpack or front carrier. This can be nice since it frees up your hands. Strollers are also nice though, so you can trap your toddler in it when you are desperate. I prefer the backpack, my husband prefers the stroller. Totally an individual choice. As far as entertainment on the plane goes, pray that they sleep. Bring a few books and a few new toys (small and cheap) that your older son can play with. sometimes I wrap them up so they can open them like presents.
I'm sorry to tell you that you will be wishing you'd bought that extra seat. Also, I've found that plane travel is something to just get through these days. I hope it goes better for you than it usually does for me although it has gotten better as the boys are older (3 and 2).
Hi - I just flew Continental with my two-year old. They are one of the airlines that charges for every little thing but here is what they allowed for free. You can check one stroller or one carseat per infant without an extra charge. You can carryon one stroller or one carseat per infant without an extra charge. You are also allowed one extra "infant article" per child for carryon, like a diaper bag.
You probably won't need or really want that much stuff. If they do have an extra seat available, it would be nice to be able to put the carseat in and give the almost two-year-old the option, but you don't know if it will happen or not. By the way, you might want to check with the airline about whether you need to prove the child's age - they may want to see a copy of the birth certificate or something like that, just FYI.
You could throw a couple of extra belts into your carryon luggage and use them to strap things to a luggage cart to help you get through the airport. I would also suggest that you check as much luggage as you can even if you have to pay for it - it will save you a lot of headaches when you're trying to make your connecting flight. Since you are meeting family, you don't need to worry so much about having necessary things in your carryon like toiletries and it will help you get through security faster too.
Some things we did for entertainment - got some brand new books, some new (cheap) toys like a little Mr. Potato Head, new crayons and coloring book. We also got a dvd player which was great. We got kid's headphones that were safe for little ears because they can't get too loud, but they weren't loud enough on the plane to hear. Thankfully he was ok with the earbuds the airline provided - just thought I'd add that! Keep in mind that he will have mommy and daddy's attention more than when he rides in the backseat of the car. That alone can be a big help! We also packed a good variety of snacks in little baggies so he had options. Flight attendants are very helpful to make sure the little ones have enough to drink and they do have milk on the planes.
Please don't give your kid Benedryl to make him sleep. Not only does it seem creepy to me to give your kid medicine he doesn't need, but studies have shown that Benedryl actually makes it HARDER for most children (70% or higher) to go to sleep. It makes most adults sleepy, but it can actually make kids hyperactive. I think it's much better to bring a favorite blanket or lovey and trust that the novelty will wear off and the whoosh of the plane will help them go to sleep just like in the car.
for the carry on, the stroller and carseat, check with the airlines. everyone is different. i don't know if the 2 year old would technicially need a carseat at all on the plane, so you will want to look into that one. If he won't, then there is no reason to even take it on the plane with you.
As far as how much baby items to bring, you want to bring as few as possibly onto the plane with you. i would take the diapers, formula, a few snacks for the kids. If you have a portable dvd, I would take that instead of books and toys. The movie will probably occupy your son more than the books and toys. Normally i would say limit the tv, but it works. i went to Hawaii, and the longest leg of the trip was just over 8 hours, and ALL the parents had the dvd players for their kids, no matter what age they were. Even if they started out with something else, they went to it by the end.
i would also recommend checking your airline, and see if you are able to pick your seats. Do that now, so you can get your choices if possible. And if you can't get decent seats when you get to the gate at the airport talk to them about the seats you would like to have, and they will see what they can do for you. plus if you can do it online, you can check even the night before if there are open seats. Plus see if you can do a check in online. it will save you TONS of headaches at the airport. All you have to do then, is pull up by the gate, give the guys right there your luggage and you are done. it will really cut out the wait time. Again when i went to hawaii, we saved about 2 hours in chicago, and about 1 1/2 hours in hawaii by doing the check in on line.
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. The kids will sense your nervousness. At some point your kids WILL cry. Don't worry about it ,go with it.Don't worry about the other passengers ,it comes with the territory.Also, bring Huggies overnights for the entire trip, a change of clothes for each of you.Put each complete outfit in it's own big ziploc bag to grab easily. At some point the baby will probably leak through the diaper. Change the baby right there in your seat . Do it quickly . The bathroom on the airplane is so small it is impossible to change a child.
Check your stroller and carseats at the gate. We kept our boxes for our carseats and just taped them up and they put on a sticker for you. maybe put one carseat in the stroller,carry one and have the baby ride in the stroller and have your two year old walk with you until you get to the gate. Even the kids must take off their shoes to go through security. if you have a small sippy or bottle they sometimes let you keep it. If you have to dump it, we go to Starbuck s and have them steam us some milk. You can buy cold milk on the plane.
Try to board first. Talk to the flight attendants and ask for help. In regards to luggage, some airlines charge for baggage. Please check ahead of time. It can be very expensive.They won't let you bring a carseat on the plane if you don't have a seat for it.
Don't worry. You can do this! My husband and I did this when our twins were 14 months and again at 26 months. We survived!Have a great trip!
I would highly recommend a car seat carry bag. It is a bag made to cover a car seat and you can either get one with straps to you can carry it over your shoulder, or that has wheels. The ones I purchased were the over the shoulder kind. That way I had my hands free for other things. Make sure you plan extra time because strollers & car seats take up time at security. But you can take strollers & car seats right to the gate with you and if there is no extra seat on the plane, they will check those items for you right at the gate & have them waiting for you at the gate at your destination. Good luck - hope you get an extra seat!
It's not easy traveling with little people! I got the Cheeky Monkey Pac Back, so I could carry my son's Britax Marathon through the airports. I would call the airline and see if they have limits on baby gear you can gate-check. Ask the gate attendant if there are any empty seats and can she put you next to the empty seat. Usually they will do it if they can. I would check as much as I can, but then there are all the extra baggage charges to consider. Even if it's rough, you'll get there all the same. Good luck!
Invest in a portable DVD player from Walmart. I saw one for $78 last week. Believe me, I have experience with this same situation--my kids ares 13 months apart. We flew again just this last weekend, my daughter is 2.5 now so she got her own seat and it helped tons. I don't see how you are going to get even one carseat on the plane when both your children will be lap children. And don't hold out any hope that there may be an "extra" seat next to you--that would take an act of God to happen. You are better off either renting or borrowing them at your destination, or at the very least, CHECK them both with your luggage. Check ALL of your luggage, save for your small carry-ons. You will only be charged for the luggage you check, not the carseats. Take your stroller with you and check it right before you get on the plane. Then you shouldn't have anything to carry but your carry-on and one kid apiece. Oh, and bring the kids something to drink or eat on take-off and landing for their ears. And take a deep breath.
Ok just relax. Do not take the car seat on the plane. Even if another seat becomes available, he can just sit with his seat belt on, right? The first time my son did that he was 2.5 yrs old. Can any of your family come up with some carseats?? Borrowed? Second hand? Rented? I would take two kids on the plane, no carseats, check the double stroller at the gate like you said and then check two suitcases. And you do need to check with the airlines because this might be all that you are allowed - one suitcase per paying ticket customer. Some also have weight limits on these suitcases and yes, I have seem them weigh them. I always use a backpack when I travel instead of a diaper bag. You might want to invest in a portable DVD player before going. They have a 3hr battery life - that's 2 kids movies!!! If your layer over is long enough in Dallas, walk instead of taking the tram. It is a large spread out airport and will offer your almost 2yr old some well needed exercise - I mean there is room to run literally!!
here's a pretty comprehensive guide to flying with children by a mom who's a former flight attendant:
http://www.flyingwithchildren1.blogspot.com/
I would highly recommend getting a Moby Wrap or other similar baby carrier. They are comfortable to wear for long periods and will be a lifesaver in the airport. Then you can carry the baby, put some of the carryons in the double stroller.
Call your airline to find out what the rules are for how much luggage you can have. Some of them are getting really strict.
Be really careful about using any medications. Check with your doctor first, then do a trial run. One person I used to work with gave his 3 year old Benadryl. She had the opposite reaction he was looking for and spent the whole flight going bonkers.
You can also save some hassle by shipping some items ahead to your destination. Less to carry and cheaper than airline fees. Don't forget that you can buy a lot of things on the other end, so pack plenty of diapers and snacks, formula if you need it, but only pack for what you think you'll need for 24 hours or so. Then buy what you need on the other end. No point in packing anything you can buy there.
Do bring a change of clothes for yourself and at least two per kid. If they throw up or dump a whole juice box on you - you'll be very grateful for clean clothes.
You need to call the airline ahead of time regarding the carseat. If your child does not have a ticket, they likely will not let you bring the carseat on the plane since it will need to be stored somewhere. With everything that you are going to have to carry, it's best to contact the airline and know their specific policies before you get to the airport.
Also, just remembered something that happened to me when my kids were still lap babies. I was flying with a friend who also had a lap baby. We tried to sit together but were forced to move to different rows because there weren't enough oxygen masks in a row for two lap babies. Check with your airline if you are planning on sitting together to make sure that you won't be separated. If they won't let you sit together, try to get the seats on the ends of the rows, that way you'll only be separated by the aisle.
Hi,
You may want to consider sucking it up and buying an extra seat if one is available. With two adults and two lap children you won't be able to put your tray tables down so you won't have a place to put a DVD or coloring or even drinks. While it would be great if there is an extra seat available, don't count on it. The flights I've been on recently (I travel for work) have been completely full. You can check with the airline to see how full your flight currently is but it's no guarantee that you'll be able to get an empty seat. You may want to try and reserve the bulkhead as there is an extra bit of legroom.
Little cars, soft books and small toys with movable parts are good. Coloring stuff also can work. I've traveled with a portable DVD. If your child will watch them and can wear headphones, it's great. If your child is like my youngest, I wouldn't bother. She didn't start really being entertained by videos until she was almost 6. I would get about 5 -10 minutes out of one before she was bored. If you do take one, consider an extra battery given the length of your trip. Don't try the Benadryl unless you are desperate. My daughter ended up being hyper when I tried to use it for sleep.
Remember to bring food for meals on with you as most airlines don't serve any real food.
Good luck. It is doable.
Sue
Here are some ideas to keep them entertained.
Are you renting a car? If so check with renting at least one car seat (for the 2 year old) through the rental car company. A portable DVD is a good idea. I would say bring your own stroller. They will check it at the gate with no issues/charges. If you bring both car seats, check them both. Check with your airline, but I believe most of them do not charge you for checking car seats. Good luck.
If your family in Boston was able to find friends and neighbors who could lend you car seats and a stroller, I would definitely go that route first. You could use carry packs on your front or back to carry your kids through the airport on your layover and that would give you both your hands needed to hold on to your carry on luggage (rolling I hope)!
As for the plane ride, I would deprive my kids of sleep as much as I could right before so that they would sleep the whole flight. Although, that could TERRIBLY backfire and lead to some very cranky kids. That's when I'd pull out the Benadryl!
So for whatever you do...GOOD LUCK!
UPS will ship luggage ahead of time. I would ship them first, and not worry about the three suitcases. You should look online at what your airline will allow for additional carry ons. As for entertaining the two year old, or 8 mo. old, I think the book/flash cards are good. Make sure they have something to suck on or drink (ears popping). My daughter watched a portable DVD player when she was 2 on the plane (which means something else to carry). Good luck.
First, I would call the airline and see if the flight is full, if not, ask if they can flag another seat for you. Many are willing to do this if you let them know why. If the person that answers seems in a bad mood, call back and get someone else before you give your information. :)
I would check the carseat that you aren't going to have on the plane and get wheels (onestepahead.com or BRU have them) for the carseat you are taking so you can wheel it through the airport. You may also want to check the stroller and use the carseat on wheels for that. For the 8 month old, you can wear him/her in an Ergo through security.
If you can check all the bags (there may be a cost, but it is probably worth it) and cut your carryon to just what is needed for the flight, plus extra just in case, it will be easier.
For entertainment, snacks and drinks. Don't show him the toys before the trip, and only introduce one at a time. You may try one of those magnetic drawing boards, crayons (spares for when they fall down) and paper, playdough. He may also just sleep, as the lull of the plane puts many kids out. Talk to him beforehand and make sure that you tell him what is going to happen and what is expected of him. Good luck.
All I can say is you are brave to bring 2 kids across country. We did it when our 2 were about the same age from NC to CA and believe me it was testament to our patience. I recommend parring down what you are planning on bringing. It will be too overwhelming. Call your airline because since they are sitting in your lap you still only get 2 carryons. I am not sure other than a stroller loading planeside that you can bring on if you don't have a paid seat. With all the fees you might incur you might want to consider shipping the big you might need or even just buying in Boston since the cost might be the same as shipping or airline fee to have in addition to your luggage(check to see if your carrier has fees for your luggage). If you are renting a car, the rental company has carseats and will install them based on you child's age. Huge timesaver. If you are connecting in Dallas, I am hoping you are taking American, if so, it is so worth the day fee for the Admirals club. They have a sound proof play area that is great with little ones to burn off some energy and not bother other travelers and you won't be running around w/the masses. If you aren't taking AA then check out your carriers' airline club and what they have to offer. It will make it easier to assist with delays and have a base camp in Dallas. Lastly, if you are reconsidering a extra seat you could see if you could still get a seat and have the seats assigned together when you check in. As far as something to give your child to help him/her sleep, I would talk to your dr to be sure what's safe and the dosage is correct if even advisable.
Good luck & happy travels!
I agree with Kathy M. Just have the child sit in the regular seat if it is available as your hands will be full and you don't have the space for another carseat on the plane. People fly everyday and kids are fine without a carseat. Good luck. You will make it and just have a sense of humor about it all because when you are in the thick of it you may want to think, 'this too shall pass':)
We have done a ton of flying with our kids and I am going to tell you right now to drop the idea of bringing the car seat on board. IT IS NOT WORTH IT! If there happens to be another seat onboard available you can strap the older one in. Just check both car seats in. The stroller won't be a big deal, you just bring the kids up to the gate, fold up the stroller, roll it to the door of the plane and the steward/ess will take it and store it for you.
As far as carry ons, bring a small play bag for each kid, two big ones are hard to manage. Put snacks and SUPER fun things in it, plus any necessities. One thing I learned is to get new things and toys and games that are out of the ordinary for interest purposes. As far as carry-ons for you guys, keep it as small as possible. Believe me it is much more difficult to manage kids and stuff on a plane than you think and other people get real testy about waiting for you to get it together. I have actually been yelled at before and it just added to the stress of trying to manage everything.
As far as the other baggage, if you can keep it to two large bags and two car seats that you check in you won't have to pay anything (I think you have to keep the bags under 50 pounds which isn't too hard).
In short the hardest thing about planes and kids is getting them around with stuff, so the smallest amount you have with you the better. The plane ride itself really isn't that bad.
I know you are not really up for drugging your kids, but I have found that their little ears get plugged up and it hurts, so I typically give them a decongestant or Benedryl before we board to help equalize their ears (I checked with the doc first and it was A-ok). As we all know, Benedryl makes them sleepy so maybe you can get the tired babies along with it. = )
Good luck and enjoy your trip.
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