Holiday Air Travel – with Kids!
We made it to NC without incident! We are visiting Ben’s family in NC through the 23rd (my only fear at this point is that we will make it home for Christmas with all the storms in the Northeast). We are all happy to be here. The kids ADORE their Grammy and Goomba and are excited to see them after so much time (it had been July when they saw Goomba last) . They will also get to play with their baby cousin, who they both adore. It should be a fun, jam packed week. So, pardon me if I don’t get to updating often (although I suspect the rest of you are just as busy and are not going to be posting/reading either).
I did want to post my tips for holiday travel with the kids though. We flew here from NC. I was not the first flight we took with kids, and certainly won’t be the last. Here are a few tips to get through the stressful holiday travel.
- Make sure the kids had a healthy breakfast/lunch/dinner. You don’t want a sugar crash at the least opportune time when you are traveling.
- Check baggage. Most will check your first bag free (two if you fly Southwest like we did). Why carry extra stuff through the airport with kids on departure and arrival. You will also have less to go through security when you travel.
- Check your coats and jackets in your suitcase. Again, why have something extra to juggle through security. Have an extra sweatshirt or favorite blanket in their travel carry on for the kids.
- Limit your carry-on items to one small personal item that can fit under the seat (no messing with overhead bins). Each kid should be able to handle their own carry-on (except maybe a baby). Even my two year old was able to walk through the airport with a backpack on his back.
- Remember, strollers can be a godsend (since you can check them at the gate), and a bane. I opted out of a stroller this trip. While it does help in carrying extra bags/car seats, it also is a hassle at security. If you can wear your child or your child can walk and you were able to limit to one small personal item per person, you should not have a problem navigating the airport.
- Everyone wear slip on shoes that are easy to take off and put on through security.
- Have cell phones, mp3 players, etc ready at your fingertips so that you can easily set it aside to be checked at security.
- Pack lightly. You can most likely do laundry where you are going. Use that to your advantage, especially around the holidays when you might be coming home with more than you left.
- Pack a sippy/non spill cup, some coloring books and simple toys that they can play with on the plane, but don’t go overboard. Also, keep in mind that kids have a tendency to drop things on the ground. When playing on the plane, limit how much they are playing with at once to limit the possibility.
- Relax. Go with the flow. Your stress (to some extent is inevitable) will transfer to kid stress. If the kids are misbehaving when traveling, apologize and correct them calmly, but loudly, so that others can hear your attempts.
Good luck with your holiday travel! Hope everyone travels safely, whether by land, train or plane! Happy Holidays! I will try to update again soon!
7 Responses to “Holiday Air Travel – with Kids!”
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Have a wonderful Holiday and good luck with the return trip. Where in NC are you? Both my wife and I are from there.
Thanks for the tips. We are traveling with the little bean for the first time in Feb. Should be a hoot!
DC Urban Dad’s last blog post..I’m just a big ol kid
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Corina, your tips are wonderful! I flew to Chile last December with my then 1 y.o. What a nightmare that was!
I am so glad you guys get to be with family, it’s truly the most important part of the holidays. Big hug and good wishes! Stay out of the snow
Florencia’s last blog post..Making a difference, every single day
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Thanks for the tips! I’ve traveled from coast to coast with my three kids (without my husband) a few times and while it had its moments, the experience was generally good. I’m always surprised when strangers comment, “Your children are SO well-behaved,” because when I’m in the midst of it, it feels like utter chaos.
Have a Happy Holiday!!
Michele @ The Integrated Mother’s last blog post..I’m Fighting the Frump
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Same question as before, where in NC were you? I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas, C.
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Corina,
Gotta love traveling with kids.
Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas.
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Great tips! I have traveled many, many times with my kids. My parents have a house in North Carolina. We visit there at least 2 times a year. I feel right at home at RDU
Kerry’s last blog post..Family Photos
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