Going on Vacation! - Chesterton,IN

Don't be afraid! I fly with my kids all the time. They love to fly on planes (ages 6 and 3). Buy a seat for your child, and then you can take your car seat on the plane so she will be comfortable just like in the car. She may even nap if that's what she does in the car. Bring snacks, stickerbooks, and even a portable DVD player if you have one.

Kids this age are too young for gum during takeoff and landing to pop their ears, so I bring a sippy cup (buy a bottle of water or juice after you go through security to fill it) and lolly pops to suck on.

If it's a 5 hour dirve then just dirve - it's easier. But if the trip is 10+ hours of driving and you can afford the plane ticket then fly. Bring a carryon tote with toys she hasn't seen in a while (that don't make noise and don't have small pieces) or that are new. Bring a bottle or soemthing she can suck on to help her ears. When you feel your ears popping hers will be too. bring snacks, etc. If she's an otherwise calm kid it will work out just fine.

just have her suck on a sucker or lollipop. That will help keep her ears from popping. But if you are ok with driving and have the time honestly would probalby be cheeper to drive than to fly. And you can take a lot more things to entertain her in the car then on a plane.

You child will be fine... just make sure she has her own seat. Have lollipops and special treats on hand for the flight to help with ear popping. Make it an adventure, not something scary.

We started flying with my daughter (now 18) when she was less then 6 months old. It is a great way to travel. When daughter was younger, (up to about age 4) she was fast asleep before takeoff. I guess it was the humming of the engines, etc. She slept on most all flights.

If we are not within a 2 hr drive, we fly to the destination. MUCH safer as well.

when my kids were that little our ped gave us a prescription for ear numbing drops to help with ascent and descent. lollipops can help but they really need to be sucking on them which a 2 year old might not do. we put them in right before boarding and on a long flight again on our initial descent. if you have another adult traveler have them board first. I always liked to board at the very last minute with little ones because it is less time. With my littles I also prefer taking a red eye so they are tired and after we arrive at the gate we take turns walking them up and down the terminal so they are more tired and ready to conk out. we did it on a morning flight too that was kind of close to nap time. good luck with your flight.

My kids car seat made it super easy so, if you buy your child their own seat, don't worry, it will be fine. Just double check to see if it is FAA approved. Booster seats are not FAA approved.

My kids, now 3 and 6yo, both love flying. Long trips in the car (and by long, I mean 3 to 4 hours) not so much.

You don't say, however, how long the car trip would be. Anything over 8 hours, and I'd consider flying.