Flying with children

[raeanna74]

I'm flying out to Pennsyvania this coming Sunday with my daughter. She is 3 yrs old and so far has been a good traveler. I've heard some conflicting statements with regards to proper seating for the children. Some places say that I need a car seat for her. Others say that I don't. I called the airline and they told me I could if I wanted but at her age I didn't have to. I'm worried though (I'm a worrier like my mother ) because I heard from a friend that they were just recently behind someone in the security line and that they wouldn't allow a man to take his car seat for his child through the line. He had to check it. Not sure what to do. I'm taking the car seat one way or another because I need it while I'm in Pa.

I've flown with my daughter before (once) but that was before my airport got new security equipment and new policies. I've called them and checked but the women sounded more or less lasse fare about the car seats - I don't want to trust her judgement. (The worrier again)

I'm wondering what your recent experiences have been when flying with young children? Also looking for more ideas for in flight activities for my daughter? I didn't have to worry as much about it because the last time the flights fell around her normal nap and bed times and she slept half the trip away. This time will be middle of the day out and morning back. I'm taking coloring books and crayons, a couple books, but any other ideas for things without pieces to get lost? Thanks

[Redlemon]

Excellent thread, I'll be looking forward to hearing the responses. I don't have much to add, we've only taken 1 short (1 hour) flight with our 13-month old, and we lap-carried for that trip.

Please, no one post about how they hate to hear crying children on airplanes. It'll only clutter the thread.

[phredgreen]

former airline employee here. things may have changed a lil after the tsa took over the checkpoints, but this should still be valid. for any questions regarding what can and can't fly, print and take this list with you:

http://www.tsa.gov/public/interweb/a..._16_2003v2.pdf

now, the reason they don't like carseats:







people try hiding things in the wackiest places.


you bought two seats, so you can do whatever you damn want with that second seat, including putting a carseat into it. carseats are allowed through the checkpoint, but are subject to a search. if it dosen't fit through their x-ray machine, demand that they hand search it. don't let them push you around, you are within your rights in asking this.

as far as travelling, MAKE SURE YOU GET PREASSIGNED SEATS TOGETHER. call your airline now and ask them to do it.

if they can't give you a solid answer with seat numbers, then call the airline as early as possible on your day of departure and do it. seats that aren't available before will be on the day of departure. don't ask for exit row seating, you're not allowed to have kids there. if you aren't able to get seats together, get onto the plane as soon as possible (they should allow you to preboard because you're travelling with the munchkin), and ask the flight attendants and the passengers around you if anyone would be able to accomidate you. don't lose your temper or get hysterical, most people are more than happy to put a mother and child together (noone wants a screaming unatended child next to them).

during the flight, do your damndest to put that child to sleep. sleeping children are a blessing on any flight. if you can't keep the kid asleep, keep them occupied with something they won't get bored with. take munchies, and take something that can help with sinuses. if they start getting really fussy on the way up or on the way down, it's possible they have a sinus block. do what you can to clear the sinuses, as the pressure is blindingly painful (i've had it happen to me).

good luck, and if you hve any more questions, feel free to aks them and i'll check up on this thread.

[raeanna74]

Thankyou Phredgreen. I've got coloring book and pencils, a Blue's Clue's Magnet book (magnet - so there's less chance of loosing pieces), and some stickers with pictures to put the stickers on. Also a Felt board with felt people and I'll put in a her 2 favorite books. Also Can't forget the diaper bag essentials, her favorite stuffed toy (or one of them as she has several), and her favorite blanket so she'll go to sleep easier. I've already checked the seating and we are seated side by side on the plane. Also I am taking my smaller seat with a 5 point harness and I will ask at checkin to make sure I don't need it on the plane. I'm only checking one other piece of luggage so that won't be any extra. With all the snacks and small toys I'm taking I'm hoping it won't take too long to get through security. I'm taking about 3 or 4 times as much carryon as usual. I guess considering I usually only take my purse and this time I'm taking a backpack and a diaper bag too its pretty obvious. I'm looking forward to the trip. I didn't take as much carryon the last time my girl and I traveled but took the car seat with. Then I heard some rules had changed so I'm hoping things go well like before.