Part Two: Traveling Tips for Flying with a Little One

Welcome back! I hope that Part One: Traveling Tips for Flying with a Little One helped get you packed and prepped for your first flight. You have already overcome your several hurdles.

Your tickets are booked, your bags are packed, now it’s time to tackle the airport and flight!

Airports can be stressful, you never know how long the lines are going to be, if there are going to be delays or what to expect. All you can do is be as prepared as possible and try your best not to sweat the small bumps in the road that may await you.

Below are my tips on how to manage the airport and flight with your little one.

You can check 2 large baby items for FREE

There are some perks to traveling with a baby, one is that most major airlines allow you to check 2 large baby items (stroller and car seat) free of charge. Some airlines also allow you to bring on a diaper bag and personal item for your child.

When checking in online do not pay for your 2 baby items, when you get to the airport you will have to go to a ticketing agent to get your items checked (unfortunately you can’t use bag drop for this). Some airlines may require you to check one item prior to boarding and one at the gate. That means if you have a car seat and a stroller, you will want to check your car seat with the agent and gate check your stroller. Most airlines do not allow you to gate check 2 items (check with your airline if you want to take both your car seat and stroller to the gate with you).

Tip: Purchase car seat/stroller bags for your items, bags get thrown around and damaged often. Give your items a protective layer so that they are less likely to get damaged during travel. Do not put any other items in your stroller and car seat bag, likely they will get damaged or lost.

Also, most airlines do not check pack-n-plays or other large items for free. Read the fine print of your airline’s baby policy if you are wanting to use one of your free large items for this.

TSA does not make you dump your baby liquids

Getting through security is a challenge sometimes when traveling by yourself, emptying all your electronics out of your bags, making sure you don’t have any liquids, etc., now add a baby to the mix and all their travel necessities (Remember Tip 1). One thing you don’t have to worry about is dumping your baby bottles. You can take your baby bottles through security with formula/breast milk in them.

Tip: Put your baby liquids (bottles, snack pouches, breastmilk) in one of the security containers so TSA can easily see what it is without having to go through your diaper bag. TSA will also make you completely empty your stroller, all stroller compartments and check it separately when going through security. Be prepared to hold/contain all your belongings during this process. Some airports are quick, some you may wait longer than you’d like.

Skip the window, take the aisle

I know the window seat is so appealing, no one bothers you, you can lean on the window take a nap and relax but take the aisle seat. It is nice to be able to stand up, get to the bathroom, or just bounce your baby in the aisle, especially if they are getting fussy on a long flight. Also, as they get a little older and need room to move, you can let them stand in the aisle or even walk the aisle with your help and supervision.

Tip: If you are traveling with family make sure your tickets are linked, if the airline gate attendants see you are traveling with a baby and it’s not a full flight, if you ask, they will try to give you a full row for you, your baby and your significant other. A great time to ask this is when you are getting your gate check tag before boarding. Also, listen for the announcements for boarding, most airlines give priority boarding to families traveling with small children.

Make friends with your flight attendant

A flight attendant can be a great asset on a flight, especially if you are traveling alone with your baby. On most flights, the flight attendant will come by before take-off and review all the safety measures for the baby before they do their preflight rundown.

Tip: Flight attendants are also super helpful throughout the flight. If you run out of water to make bottles on the flight, they will happily fill up your bottle or provide you with warm water. They also can give you extra snacks or move your seat to provide more room.

On my solo trip with my little one, the flight attendants were so kind and thoughtful. When my daughter was napping, they noticed her toe was hanging in the aisle, they wanted to give me the heads up to be careful no one bumps her. I also ran out of water, and they immediately filled rinsed and filled a bottle with water for me. They also offered to warm it if needed. I was super grateful for their help.

Try not to stress! You are not the first person to fly with a baby, people are nicer than you think.

Traveling with your baby is a new adventure, the unknown can be stressful and add the pressure of having a perfectly behaved baby who doesn’t disturb the other passengers. It is a lot for any parent to take on.

On my solo flight I was so worried about how I was going to keep my daughter contained and entertained for 5 hours on the plane. She kept trying to peak over the back of the seat, smiled and waved at everyone that walked by. I had her walking up and down the aisle at one point. All I was thinking is everyone around me probably hates me, especially the poor college girl sitting next to me.

The truth is the lady she was peaking over the seat at was a grandma and she was missing her grandkids. She told me how sweet she was and was so engaging with her. There was second baby on the flight and the dad was walking up and down the aisle repeatedly with their little one. The girl next to me took off her headphones and looked at book with my daughter.

Tip/Secret: There are plenty of people on your flight that have been in your shoes. You may think your baby is not behaving, but the reality is you are more affected by it than those around you. They just see a cute baby, that’s smiling between the seats and on a new adventure. You’ll be shocked at how many people after the flight compliment you on what a good baby you had and, in your head, you are thinking they must be lying.

Bonus Tip: Pack lots of snacks! Sometimes snacks are the best entertainment, especially if your kid is just discovering new foods and treats!

The biggest tip I have for you when flying with a little one is to be kind to yourself and give yourself some grace. Being a new parent is hard and you figure it out along the way. Some of these tips may work for you, others may not. My hope is my experiences with my little one will help you feel less alone and ease your stress in traveling.

Make sure to take the time to enjoy the small moments and creating new memories with your little one! They are only little for such a short period of time. You are doing a great job!