Hi guys!
Recently we flew with both kids to Texas for a weekend trip. I was definitely nervous about how it would go but it went *so so well*. So I wanted to share any tips that might help someone else!
Ok starting at the beginning of the trip….
If you can, buy seats for your kids. We had to buy a seat for our 2.5 year old – required over 2 – and it was so much better than when we flew with her when she was 14 months. We used this travel carseat on the plane and in our rental car. It’s super light!
Get precheck!!! TSA Precheck is the best $85 you will spend. (Lots of credit cards reimburse the cost FYI) It lasts for five years and makes security so breezy and stress-free. Kids under 12 can go with a parent who has precheck, so the kids came with us! Then you don’t have to take off any shoes or extra gear. Seriously – it is so so so worth it.
Use your stroller through the airport. We didn’t want to have to carry both kids for what can be a long walk so we used our Uppababy Vista throughout the airport. I had to take apart all the pieces for security (remove the seats) and they manually check it because it’s too wide for the scanner. We got this bag and used it to gate check the stroller when it was time to get on the plane.
Bring snacks and new toys. I went to the Target dollar section and grabbed a bunch of random toys. I also brought some favorite snacks to pass the time! Turns out, just watching the plane tracker on the screen was the entertainment my toddler wanted 🙂 Also she loved the Biscoff cookies! Ha!
Have an organized carry on bag. I used packing cubes in my diaper bag to make sure things were organized. I used one bag for toys and snacks. I used another for extra clothes – for all of us – and diapers and wipes. I had a small final cube with my wallet and charging cables. I also brought an empty water bottle we filled up past security. I used this bag from Lands End and it was the perfect size!
Have low expectations! Do whatever to keep your kids happy on the flight – and have low expectations about how it might go. I feel like being laid back (and not stressed) really impacts my kids and makes them more relaxed about the entire trip. Give yourself extra time, realize that kids can get tired and hungry (just like us adults!), and you really won’t be able to just relax on the plane. Also everyone we have ever encountered while traveling – from flight attendants to random strangers – has been SO friendly and helpful. Most people have traveled with young kids at some point so they understand!
Well there you have it – my tips for flying with a baby and toddler. I hope this helps you feel confident if you are traveling with your kids in the near future! You can do it!
