Traveling with My 15 Month Old - Have Questions :)

Just flew from SD to Portland a couple of weeks ago and LOVED Alaska Airlines. I have flown on many planes in my life and I really liked the Alaska experience. Easy, easy, easy and the plane felt clean. Good luck!

S.,

All airlines try to accomodate parents traveling with children, so the two I've used JetBlue and Southwest are pretty decent. I like JetBlue better, more patience and friendly staff.

I believe most airlines let you check carseat and 1 bag per kiddo. All but southwest charge for extra bags.

You might want to quickly see which flights are in your timeframe, and then check the policies to see which would suit your needs best. Once I know who's flying when I make my choice that way, since my favorite airline isn't always flying at the right time or there's a layover.

Good Luck and have fun!

I have only flown southwest with my kids but the one thing that helped me alot is they (check 2 make sure they still allow this) let me keep my stroller until boarding the plane you leave it at the plane entrance and they place it below for you and get it out when you arrive. Also dont forget your childs proof of age (I used the insurance card with thier birthday on it.

Southwest does not let parents with kids board first anymore. Preboard is in front of B check in instead of A check in. So if you do fly southwest make sure you check in on-line the day before as soon as you can. And Southwest does not have nonstop flights from Socal to WA. Nonstop is definitely preferable.

So we have switched to flying Alaska. Our one complaint is that they have lost our carseat on several of the flights we have taken with them. They have given us a loaner and delivered our carseat to us within 24 hours each time. It is worth the nonstop flight though. Last time I flew alone with both my boys (one age 2, and one 3 months at the time) and I sat in the back of the plane by the flight attendants. They were wonderful at helping me with my boys! We've had good experiences with the flight attendants on SW too.

If possible fly out of a smaller airport like Burbank or Ontario if you are in So cal. LAX is a beast.

And if you are flying alone your spouse or other family member can come with you to the gate. Just ask when you are checking in and they will give him a standby ticket that gets him through security but doesn't allow him on the plane.

The baggage charges have all changed since we flew last (just a year ago- to Seattle).

I don't know all the answers to your questions. But I do believe that ALL airlines let parents of small children board first. My daughter was five, when she took her first trip and we were one of the first to get on.

I think that best time to travel is in the morning. I don't think the flights are generally full, when you take the first flight of the day. That means that you may be able to get an extra seat for free.

You should really check the airline's website to find out what all the charges will be. Just remember, that sometime they charge you to book over the telephone.

Hi S.,
I've only used Southwest, but they've been really good. Car seats and strollers aren't counted as bags and many times they'll wrap them for you at check-in. Bags under 50lbs.
you don't pay extra for and since you only have two you're fine.
Happy travels,
S. G

Southwest would be my choice!!!

Good luck!

:) P.

Hi S.,

Definitely Alaska Airlines! They always board travelers with children 2 and under first, even before First Class, the attendants always love the babies and sometimes bring me coloring books (Disney), extra water and apple juice.

I use a baby sling carrier to get on/off the plane, but you can bring a regular stroller or umbrella stroller and check it at the gate right before stepping onto the airplane. You can bring a free diaper bag even if baby has no seat, in addition to your own allowance. To save $$, I bring empty water bottles, and fill them at a water fountain behind security. Alaska has just recently started to charge for the first bag; the first bag used to be free. Why do you need TWO bags of 50 lbs. of stuff??? I would recommend that you only take 1 bag of well less than 50 lbs. - really! Practice to pack well. Line everything up on a bed, then take half. Coordinate outfits, mix and match, take just 1-2 jackets, buy diapers/wet wipes for your stay when you get there or have your family buy them beforehand. You don't need most of the stuff sitting in your suitcase anyways. You will pay for the 2nd suitcase more than it's worth on any airline. Just pay for the first one, I think $ 15.

It is best to nurse at take-off, as that will help with equalizing the ears and nursing usually puts my toddler/preschooler to sleep, which is great.

Since I am a Platinum on American Airlines, I always board right after First Class, but I am starting to believe that I should wait as has been suggested, since my 2 1/2 year old son gets antsy and wants to be nursed before the plane takes off, and it often takes another 30-60 min to take off, from the time the first person boards.

My son and I have been to Germany six times, Montana, Florida, Boston, Toronto, etc. and love to fly. We have never had a problem with American Airlines. On the contrary, they have provided me with a free bassinet and bulkhead seats on most international flights, and the bathrooms have always had diaper change tables that can be pulled down. The diapers go into airsickness bags into the waste slot in the bathroom.

I could go on and on about our air travel experiences, but we have never had a bad ones, which is amazing, considering that we started to fly at the age of 5 weeks for my son, and have been flying every other month, sometimes every month. We are still nursing, so that really helps putting him to sleep right after take-off.

Bon voyage!
C.

Hi S.,

I have had a lot of experience flying with babies, I am a baby Nurse and so I travel frequently with clients and infants, toddlers etc...

First of all there really isn't one airline that is better than others, however like a couple of other people have mentioned Southwest is economical and accommodating. Most all airlines allow pre-boarding for passengers that need extra time such as parents with small children. However in my experience I prefer to board as late as possible, as somebody else already mentioned you will be ready but the plane won't be leaving for another 30 minutes or so. All airlines allow you to leave your stroller at the gate, make sure you can fold it down easily though as it has to go through the security scanner.

I try and keep my carry on luggage as light as possible, diapers milk, change of clothes and a few toys and books. Word of warning... some planes taxi for a LONG time before take off, so I tend to give babies their bottle/drink as we are literally speeding down the runway, too many times the baby will have finished their drink before the plane is even the air if you give the bottle too soon prior to take off.

Hope this helps, have a fun trip.

I've flown to Washington from So Cal a number of times to see my brothers.

Alaska Airlines and their co-lines Horizon & Frontier are great. Alaska Air/co-lines is on-time, clean, usually the cheapest. You didn't say where you were leaving from and arriving at? Alaska has new service from Long Beach to Portland and Seattle that is quite cheap. You can look on their website, they have specials pretty often.

If you book a flight with Frontier they have smaller planes and your carry on actually goes in the hold. Then when you get off you wait by the plane and they give it to you right there instead of going to the baggage claim. That's pretty convenient for a stroller. Their gates are in the outlying terminal, so you can ask them to ferry you and the baby to the main terminal. Also, their early morning flights aren't always full, so you have more space for yourself and your little one.

Have fun! Washington is gorgeous.

Don't know which is the best, but i have flown southwest countless times with my son. They allow you to check 1 bag and 1 kid item and have 1 carry on and 1 kid item to carry on. Your stroller can be checked at the gate right before flight so you don't have to carry him and all your stuff around the airport... this is free. You can check in 24 hours before your flight to get an A seating call, other than that you board between groups A&B which is the time that they use for family boarding.
Most airlines charge you for everything and I think this is the only one that doesn't charge you for bringing baggage.

My only comment is do you really want to board first? You would then have to wait (with child on lap) until EVERYONE ELSE has boarded, which takes like 30 minutes or so. We are flying to Hawaii in a couple weeks and I plan to board as last as possible, that way everyone else is on the plane and I'm not waiting for anyone. At least when you are in the airport you can wander around and keep your son entertained, then when you have to, board the plane. That way if there is an extra seat or whatever you'll know sooner than waiting in your seat with your son till they know and then prolonging the time you spend in the airplane.

Anyways, that's just my two cents on that aspect, unfortunately I don't have much more helpful info on the rest of your questions.

Good luck on your flight!

Jet Blue,Jet Blue, Jet Blue. I am traveling next month with my 3 year old and my 8 month old (by myself)to Seattle. 2nd check in will be $20, take the car seat to the gate (you may get lucky and they may have an empty seat for you to put it). You check the stroller at the gate also. I really like using them. The TV on the seat really helps for entertaining. Good Luck.

First you have to find out what your choices are; not all airlines fly to all destinations. Check a travel site like Orbitz or Expedia to search flights; and remember to check regional airports: ie: in the LA area flying out of Long Beach or Burbank can be easier and cheaper than LAX if there are flights to where you want to go. Also, Southwest doesn't use the travel site, you must go to their website to search their flights. After you know what your airline choices are, go the the FAQ sections of each of their websites to find out the answers to your questions about charges for extra baggage, early seating, etc. Then follow up with a phone call for questions you still may have. These days it seems the airlines change their policies like we change our underwear :) And one more thing to reaearch -- go to the TSA website to make sure you know what you can and can't carry on board, like baby bottles, etc. All this takes a little research and time, but you don't want any surprises when you get to the airport!!!! It can be a hassle, but it beats a long road trip. Good luck and enjoy whatever you're doing at your destination.

These are good questions. Does _any_ airline let you check baby stuff for free? I think most let you gate check strollers but that might be about the extent of it if you aren't buying an extra seat for your child. Better call the airlines.

I'd like to add that we took our baby to Colorado on Frontier and the stewardess gave us a hard time for changing her diaper at our seat (we had bought all 3 seats so nobody was inconvenienced) but the fact is they did not have a changing table in the restroom. She expected us to lay our baby down on the toilet seat! Gross! No thank you. I'd rather irritate the stewardess than give our baby the plague.

i flew south west to washington with my daughter. with a baby in lap it is difficult so hopefully the seat next to you will be free.
you can check the carseat and stroller at the plane gate.
i think all airlines have separate baggage charges plus now i believe that they also charge per bag.
YES YES YES board first!!! all air lines i think accomedate parents with children along with the elderly and handy capped.
here are also my fyi's for you-
-buy all drinks after the check points.
-bring lots of snacks
-bring a few new things (color wonder things are great, a few new quiet toys)
-a dvd player is great but some airline attendants (northwest airlines) will want your baby to wear headphones even though they cant hear the movie as is.
-only take the diaper bag on bored (put all your needed things in it)
-bring a COPY of your childs shot records and birth certificate for the just in case.
-have your baby drink on take off and landing.
-only pack what youll need for the flight (ie 10 diapers, small pack of wipes, 1 extra outfit, special blanket etc).
-if you have a window seat that may entertain your baby enough (it did with my daughter)

i think that just about covers it. my daughter had her first flight at 7 months old. it was just her and it to washington she rode in lap and was a handful thankfully the seats next to us on the way there and back were empty so she just sat and played there. with this flight i left in the morning before her first nap (she slept on the plane) then came home in the mid afternoon so she napped on the plan and i got home in the evening so she could goto bed.
her second flight at 15 months was about 7 hours to michighan and that was an experience (she had her own seat for this flight) and we had to fly out at 7am. it wasnt too bad she was just overly tired since we had to be out of the house at 330am.

Only one suggestion,, be sure to put cotton or something in his ears to prevent the pressure from building up,, can cause permanent hearing problems.
I would go with Southwest. They are the greatest and treat mothers with kids like Royalty.

From your responses, it seems that all airlines have some positives. I usually fly Southwest. The only negative I've found is that they won't board you first. If you're not the A group, they WILL board you immediately after A, regardless of your placement.
They don't charge for baggage and you can wheel your stroller to the airplane where they then take it from you, but will have it available as soon as you deplane.
good luck

Let me preface this with I understand everyone can have a different experience because there can be MANY factors BUT when we traveled on American Airlines to Florida w/ our then 14mo old we had a HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE experience!

Yes, I would also suggest since you don't have a careseat to install not preboarding. Let your son run around while he can since he is going to be couped up for a bit! Otherwise, (as long as you don't fly American ;-) you should have a smooth flight!!

Now I just need to vent about American Airlines!!!

We had purchased a seat for our son bringing along his carseat to attach to the seat (so you will not have to deal w/ this luckily!) We were told on all FOUR flights they no longer pre board. (handicap only) Because we needed to to install his carseat we thought it best to preboard so we could figure out how to do it! So we simply insisted and TOLD them we were pre-boarding along w/ this frail old woman who they told they wouldn't pre-board even though she was brought to the gate in a wheel chair!!!
None of the flight attendants would offer any assitance w/ helping us install the carseat and when asked said they didn't really didn't know how! We were also, on all 4 flights, left on the plane alone (we would still be there when the cleaning crew came on) as we struggled to un-install the carseat!! Oh, wait, no, their was one flight where one attendtant stood there arms crossed tapping his foot as he waited for us, again offering NO assitance!! Nice, huh? Our letters to American have never been acknowleged!

Sorry to vent!! Again, the majority of people have non-eventful flights w/ good experiences!! I guess it was just "our turn" to have one of the "bad ones"!

Hi!

I have traveled a lot with both of my kids. Check the websites under their special needs (usually) and they will give you the lowdown on what they allow. Almost all airlines allow you to bring a large item to the gate, such as a strolled at no extra cost. I would not suggest boarding early if you are not using a car seat, they don't want to be on any longer than possible. If he uses a pacifier, make sure you have extra for him to suck. I know the pressure can be a bit strange. Also if he has any sign of a cold, get to a doctor to make sure there is no ear infection. That can be awful with the pressure change. If travelling alone with your son, take the stroller and something to carry him in, like a sling. You can put one piece of luggage in the stroller and have your hand free for the other one. Remember that if he cries the entire time, apologize to everyone and thank your stars that you will never see any of them again!!!! Good luck and have a safe trip. Oh and bring special snacks, sometimes it is worth the consequences to have a happy child on the flight and then let them fall apart when you get out of the airport!

In my ten years of experince with traveling with infant and kids with various airlines, my all time favorite is Jet Blue with a close second to southwest airlines. Both also offer lower prices.

Both offer first seating for those with small children, usually with disabled or elderly travelers. I don't think either had assigned seating, although Jet Blue might.

Jet Blue also has the individual tvs (two cartoon channels and discovery channel that I remembered when we last flew a few years ago) for entertainment for the kids. Might be worth paying for since you're basically stuck in a chair for a couple hours or so (wash to cali). I've also had wonderful customer service at the gate with Jet Blue (including having a crew memeber help me on and off the plane with two small kids and car seats when i was pregnant with my third).

I would stay away from united and american airlines. Both offer assigned seating but I was severely disappointed that they wouldn't allow for priority seating for parents with young children (last time i flew with american my oldest was 2 and my second was still and infant). If you do end up with a situation like that and have assigned seats then opt to be one of the last passengers on. Literally wait by the gate until 90% of the plane is loaded so you don't have to deal with people trying to hurry to their seats behind you.

If you do assigned seats, I'd also try to opt for an aisle seat if you can get it. It gives you a tad more elbow room and you can give your tot some where to stand (use the aisle) and easy to make "field trips" to the bathroom if he starts to be really ansty.

I just traveled with American a couple of months ago for my then 6-month-old's first flight. I was able to check my carseat and stroller for free, although for each bag you have to pay $15. I checked my stroller at the gate but unfortunately when I got off the plane to get it, they had lost it :-( they delivered it to where I was staying 2 days later. all that being said, they were pretty accompdating...whenever they were able (3/4 flights) they changed my seating assignment to put me in a row with an empty seat!!! so for that reason alone I would fly with them again. Lastly, they do let you board first with kids, if you want. goodluck!!

Make sure the airline you choose has a bathroom or bathrooms with a changing deck for the baby. When we last traveled with a toddler (5 years ago), we flew United I believe (might have been Northwest) and when I needed to change a diaper, there was nowhere to do it. Old plane I guess. The flight attendants were totally rude to us. I didn't want to change him at our seat (I think that is so gross for the other passengers), so I had to ask them to let me do it in back of the plane, and they looked at me like I was crazy. And they not so politely suggested I lay him on the toilet inside the bathroom instead....yeah right. Like I'm really going to be able to lay a toddler on the toilet seat, and how unsanitary. Anyway, that made for a very uncomfortable experience.

Lastly, someone mentioned only bringing what you need for the flight in terms of diapers, clothing, etc.
No offense, but I would NOT recommend that. You never know when your luggage will get lost, and it happens more than you think. Even when not traveling with children, always bring a carry on bag with at least enough stuff to get you to the hotel and thru the time it would take for you to shop and replace what you need. Because when the luggage is lost, there is no guarantee you will see it again quickly.

I always fly southwest. The first 2 bags are free, and I like being able to choose my own seats. 24hrs before the flight, you can check in online. I watch my cell phone clock and hit "check in" as soon as the 24hr mark hits. I always end up in the "A" category. I also like that if you have to change your flight for any reason, you don't get charged a transfer fee. Plus when they have their sales, the flights are pretty cheap. Yes, it sounds like I work for them, but I don't. :) I just fly from CA to FL a lot.

N.

I have travelled with my little boy, now almost 18 months a number of times, almost always on Alaska Airlines, and they are very accomodating. They let you gate check a stroller and/or a carseat. They let you do early boarding. They will even hold your baby while you go to the bathroom! Very cool. I usually fly on a guest pass since my sister in law is a flight attendant, so I always bring a small bag of chocolate candies and give it to the flight staff when I get on, telling them I appreciate all they do, and then they take especially good care of me, sometimes offering me drinks even! Good luck! Oh yeah, some other things to think about are: bring plenty of food and quiet toys, maybe even something new, books are good, and bring extra diapers and maybe even a fresh shirt for yourself just in case. Have fun!

Hey S.. I've flown from CA to Hawaii 5 times in the last year with my toddler and here's what I've learned so far. Do not board early, even if they offer it. Use that time to let your son run around and get all his energy out. Check your stroller right before you get on the plane. Hawaiian Air does this for free. I like to bring my daughters full size pillow as my personal item (one carry on, plus one personal item). I stuff anything extra into the pillow case. Those mini pillows are not comfortable at all and I think having her own Tinkerbell pillowcase helps her relax. Bring a few pull-ups instead of regular diapers. some planes do not have changing tables and it's so much easier to just slip on a pull up.
Have fun and enjoy your flight!

I have traveled internationally with Delta and we didn't have any problems. They let you check a car seat and a stroller for free and even provide a basinett on the plane for little babies. They let families with children board first but I think all airlines do that. On shorter flights, however, not all the planes had changing tables in the bathrooms. Good luck!

Hi S.- I've been flying from CA to KY with my daughter since she was 4 months old at least once a year (she's almost 3 now), and I have had both good and bad experiences. My Favorite airline that is usually in the cheapest range is Continental. They have treated me very well, they are understanding about lugging around extra stuff (even though I was flying around Christmas), they help you out when organizing your stuff, and at least the last time I flew they didn't charge for a second bag. I think every airline allows for a car seat and stroller to avoid any extra cost (check them for free), and allows those "needing extra time down the jetway" (i.e. special needs and those traveling with young children) to board before the majority of the other passengers. Usually I've found they board first class first, then the extra time people, then the rest of the world. :) What helped me, too was to make sure I could carry at least my carry-on items all with one hand to leave one hand free for the little one. I carried my daughter in a pack at the airport up until she was almost 2 1/2, when I switched to an umbrella stroller. The umbrella stroller was really nice to have in the airport, because I could loop the pull handle to my rolling carryon over the handle of the stroller, and just push the stroller 2-handed and not worry about anything else. But I think that may have made the most difference because I had a layover every time, and was booking it from one end of a huge airport to the other. :) Anyway- it totally can be done by yourself, just allow yourself extra time to do everything, and your trip should be rather enjoyable! Have a nice trip! :)

I love Jet Blue when traveling with my son, but am looking forward to trying Virgin American which has alot of the same perks. The in seat TVs with cable are GREAT with kids, no need to lug the DVD players, etc. They have more leg room than most airlines, which is a huge bonus with a lab child (and you can update for around $30 for even more legroom, but prob not necessary on a short flight). They are also one of the last airlines that don't charge for luggage. Also, I recommend NOT checking your stroller or car seat if you can manage it, if there is room on the flight, they will rearrange your seat so your child has his own seat, so you may prefer to have the car seat with you. If not, they can gate check both for you as you board the plane (Free), and you can pick them up as you disembark. Most airlines will let people with small kids pre-board, BUT that's just extra time your child has to sit still on the plane, as a rule, I try to board close to last, so it's just in, sit down and take off.

Good luck!

Hi there...We always travel on American and have used them all three times we've traveled with our 18-month old son (twice as a lap child and once with his own seat).

Here's a few things...You can check your stroller at the gate (you'll see lots of parents doing this). They'll put a tag on it and give you a stub. As you get off, wait in the jetway...it will either already be there or they will bring it up shortly. I haven't ever checked a car seat, but you can call the airline's customer service desk and ask them about their policies. I've always found the American desk to be very helpful.

Also, you might want to ask what plane you'll be flying on. Not all airplanes have changing tables in their bathrooms. Although since it's a short flight, you might want to change him just before boarding and you'll probably be able to get through the flight without having to change him. (We've always been on 4+ hour flights.)

Check out the websites of the airlines you are considering. They usually have information about traveling with children and about baggage fees, etc. Also, make sure you tell them that you are bringing a lap child. If you book online, call the airline's reservation number later and inform them.

As far as boarding, ask at the gate when you arrive. They usually provide first boarding for those passengers that need a little extra time settling into their seats.

Make sure that you bring snacks...there are no children's meals or foods on these flights.

Finally, MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL...help your child equalize his ears during take-off and landing. They don't know how to do this on their own and it is the leading cause of pain and screaming babies. You can help them by having them drink from their sippy cup or bottle, breastfeed, or give them a pacifier...whatever your child will take. This makes a HUGE difference.

Search the archives on this site...I found TONS of great info that Mom's had a already posted when I took my son on the plane the first time. It helped a lot. Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions.

Relax and have a great trip!

I fly Southwest almost exclusively (most of my travel is up and down CA and I get the free tickets fairly often) and one thing I like about their boarding with a lap child is since it's not assigned seating, you are more likely to get an empty seat next to you. I agree with what everyone else says about not boarding first so the Southwest policy of families traveling with a child 4 and under boards after the A group (60 seats) and before B is great. I usually head towards the back, get a window seat and put my 18 month old next to me in the center seat until we take off. if the plane is full, someone sits next to us, if not, I get two seats for the price of one. I travel with a large backpack diaper bad and umbrella stroller and for sure bring snacks, extra clothes and toys. feeding is tough on plane but between the sippy cup and cheerios, she's pretty good with her ears as I get her swallowing on take off and landing. Good luck, we're getting on a plane together, just the two of us, in less than 2 weeks.

Southwest. They're generally cheap, on-time, and don't charge extra for your luggage. Always have good experiences with them. Good luck!