10 tips for Flying with Kids!

(Note: this blog was originally posted during the Pandemic)

One of our very first trips was with a kid to Rome, Italy for a long weekend. Baby was just 4 months old.

Fast forward to Feb 2020, we took our first long haul flight Sweden to San Francisco with 2 kids - a 5 month old and 3 years old. With everything that's happened since then, the trip feels so long ago but it was just last year!

I really miss traveling. We haven't been on a plane in over a year and even if it can be a bit stressful, I miss having a destination to go to! Playing "Going to a hotel", "airport" or "vacation" is a common pretend play game at our house these days! And even I enjoy imagining what it would be like to travel again :)

Soon those vaccinated will be able to travel again. What a feeling it will be to be checking into a flight and looking forward to a Vacation!

We were able to take a road trip last weekend, and that was absolute bliss - even if the kiddos both got car sick on the way (I was prepared with a vomit bag!). 

On flights in Europe, Baby gets a seatbelt that attaches to yours.

Here are 10 tips for traveling on a flight with kids.

(Note: these are all Pre-Pandemic, if you are traveling during the Pandemic, you most likely need masks, and should call the airlines to see what else you need to prepare before flying.)

• Give yourself extra time. You might not be able to check in online if you are traveling with a baby, so give yourself that extra time to check in at the desk.

• You can often go in the Priority lines for families at security and usually depends on the airport, but you may have the option to board the plane first with those in First class.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help on the plane. That's what they're there for, especially if you are traveling by yourself, and struggling to put bags in the overhead while holding a baby.

• Don't bring anything you dont want to lose. It's not that you intend to lose things, but it may happen and it has happened a couple of times to us.

• Bring lots of snacks (for you and for the kids!) and a few small books/toys. Bring a lollipop or candy for an older child (this can help with their ears on landing and takeoff!) Smoothie Pouches are ok, but depending on the airport, they might open and test these to see the contents.

• Bring your own water bottle but don't fill it until after Security.

• It's better to have one bag and not many small bags, less chance of leaving one behind.

• Use a baby carrier if traveling with a younger baby or toddler it helps to put them to sleep and free up your hands when you need to hold the other toddler's hands or documents. We have always been big fans of the Ergo Baby Carrier Original.

• This is airport dependent, but you might be able to bring your stroller all the way to the gate. Then you need to be prepared to close it up before you board. Smaller umbrella strollers or a travel stroller is best and easiest if they are  quick to close up. Note: Some airports have umbrella strollers to use in the terminal (Arlanda in Stockholm and Landvetter in Gothenburg airports have this).

• If it's a long haul flight, call the airlines ahead of time to see what the baggage allowance is, and if you want, to get a crib for the baby and sit in the front row so you can be by the crib (We have done this with British Airways).

• And one bonus tip... Select a special meal online a few days before you check-in for international flights. You can order kids meals and that also means you eat ahead of the others (in Economy Class). 
• One additional bonus tip, if there is a Kids area, let them crawl or walk around before the flight so they will be tired and can sleep on the way!

Safe travels!

Don't forget your snacks!