Plane travel with kids can carry a lot of mental weight, and when you’re doing it solo, a lot of physical weight too! Here are some tips to make it a little more manageable, even with car seats involved!
Getting to the Airport
- Practice getting car seats in a car ahead of time
- Think about which kid to get in first at home, and out first at the airport, etc.
At the Airport
- Choose if you are going to check or carry-on
- Car seats and strollers – recommend gate checking (the warranty of these items is void if it is checked at the airport) – to gate check, ask upon check in and/or at the boarding counter for gate check passes, then drop them off at designated drop off before boarding plane
- Backpacks for travel car seats make it easier to transport around airport (and you can fit gear in them, if needed!)
- Give yourself lots of extra time, so you can be calm for whatever pace the kids are going
- Book Spot Saver (in Seattle airport) for quicker security line up (remember every security has different rules): www.tinyurl.com/532bhz5v
- Have options that suit your family – carrier, stroller, roll-on luggage
- Take bathroom breaks all at the same time before and after flight (family washroom is so helpful)
On Airplane
- Start with less and pull out one thing at a time (books, colouring, post-it notes, puzzles, stick-on window toys, music with headphones (Puro brand) or shows)
- Lollipops (YumEarth brand) for takeoff and landing for toddlers/older kids, breastfeeding/soother for younger ones, and/or water bottle and snacks to help their ears
- Flight Fud for in flight to help adults (and kids) with hydration, circulation, immunity and support against radiation (discount code LAURENEB)
Travel Car Seats & Luggage Mentioned
*Check if they follow your country’s regulations* Suitable in USA
- Doona Car Seat/Stroller for infant
- WayB Car Seat for toddler
- JetKids Stokke Travel-On Luggage
Keep your expectations realistic! Stay calm, so the kids feel that energy. Take help where it’s offered!
Episode 81: Travelling with Kids - https://kidswhoexplore.com/podcasts/ep-81-travelling-with-kids-with-margaret-bradford/
Check out KWE’s #patch4apurpose to support 1, or all 8, charities:
https://kidswhoexplore.com/product/original-explorer-patch4apurpose/
Today’s Host: @laurenrodycheberle from @kidswhoexplore
Production: @kpmediaproductions. Music: @michaelferraro_music
