Flying with an Infant – Part 2

Here is Part 2 of Flying with an Infant. If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out here.

1. Baby carriers come in VERY handy and TSA doesn’t make you take your baby out of them to go through security.
2. Gate checking your car seat is also an option. Most airlines don’t tell you this, but if there are available seats on the plane you can bring your car seat on the plane and keep your baby in it for the duration of the flight. You will be required to strap your baby’s car seat into a seat next to you on the plane. This can come in very handy, especially on long haul flights. Most car seats do not require you to have the base to install it, so unless you absolutely need the base I would leave it at home.
   

   After arriving in one of my favorite cities, NOLA!

3. Make sure to have a copy of your child’s birth certificate with you. Children up to the age of two can travel as a lap child. When McKenna was younger they never asked for it, but now that she is older they ask for it more often. I recommend keeping a picture of it on your phone. That will suffice for the airline agent.
4. You have to add your child to your reservation before you can go through security. Most of the time you can call and do this ahead of time but when flying airlines like American, I normally have to check–in at the airport when I am traveling with McKenna. If you don’t add your child to the reservation on the phone you will have to do this with a agent at check-in which means standing in line. Delta is one of the few airlines that allows you to add your infant to your reservation online.
5. High altitudes can cause problems for little ones ears. During take off and landing give your child something to swallow. When McKenna was young I would give her a bottle to help with her ears popping. You can also give them a pacifier, or if they are older give them some water in their sippy cup.

What was I thinking??? Luckily the dog loves to fly!

In addition to traveling with my child I was crazy enough to bring my four pound yorkie, Romy, for one of these trips. Thank goodness for all of the people who helped me that day. It was quite an experience.

Have you had an unforgettable travel experience with your child? I would love to hear about it!

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