| 4 Tips For Making Air Travel With Your Baby Simple and Easy |
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| Tuesday, 20 September 2011 | |
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Traveling is one of the furthest concerns on the minds of new parents. This is understandable. Most of us travel infrequently, and when we do, it's often for our jobs. That is, our babies are rarely in tow. When you decide to go on vacation, however, the challenges of traveling with a little one become a priority. Not only must you carry your baby - or push her in a stroller - throughout the airport, but you'll need to manage the mountain of baby gear. In addition to your own suitcase or carry-on bags, you'll need to negotiate diaper bags, a car seat, stroller, and other items. Below, we'll offer a few suggestions that will make air travel with your baby a more manageable experience. After taking a few trips, you may find the following four tips become second nature. Tip 1 - Purchase An Additional Ticket Most airlines have a standing rule for parents: if your infant is under twelve months, she can ride on your lap for free. You're not required to purchase a ticket. On international flights, there may be a small surcharge equal to 10 percent of your airfare. Even though your little one can ride for free, consider buying an additional ticket for her. First, having her sit in her car seat is safer in the event your flight experiences turbulence. Second, it's more comfortable for you and her, especially on longer flights. Some airlines offer special rates for babies. These rates are seldom listed on their respective websites, so call the airlines to inquire about them. Tip 2 - Take A Car Seat With You At first, taking your infant's car seat with you on the plane seems like an unnecessary hassle and expense. But keep in mind you'll need it if you intend to rent a vehicle at your destination. Even if you intend to rely on taxis and other forms of public transportation, a car seat is valuable. It offers more protection for your little one than having her sit at your side or on your lap. Tip 3 - Take Your Little One's Stroller Similar to her car seat, your baby's stroller may seem like more trouble than it's worth on trips. Few parents feel that way, however, once their arms and backs tire from carrying their little ones. A stroller comes in handy at the airport as you're rushing to check your bags and catch your flight. It also comes in handy while you're sightseeing or shopping. As an added benefit, many car seats and strollers are designed for integration. They're part of a single traveling system, making it much easier to take both along on your vacation. Tip 4 - Make Plans With The Airline's Gate Staff Try to arrive at your gate early so you'll have plenty of time to leave your stroller with the agents on duty. The gate staff will load it ahead of you and present you with a check ticket. They'll ensure your stroller is ready for you to pick up when you leave the plane. This is especially useful when you need to catch a connecting flight, and your gate is located across the airport. You're likely to move at a faster clip while pushing your infant, rather than carrying her. Also, ask the gate staff whether you can board the plane ahead of other passengers. That will provide you with the time you need to get situated with your baby. This is in the best interest of everyone - including the gate agents - because it helps to prevent boarding bottlenecks. To be sure, traveling by air with your infant is higher maintenance than traveling with adults. But you can take the steps above to help ensure the experience is as smooth, relaxed, and problem-free as possible. About the Author: Keyword Tags: traveling with your baby, flying with your baby, baby and flying, flying with your baby |
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