Tomorrow night, I take Fluffy on her first airplane flight. Saying she is excited is an understatement. She is beside herself, turning inside out and tickled pink.
I have not flown since 2000. That would before the Transpotaion Security Adminstration was created. I have NEVER been through a security checkpoint. As if flying isn’t anxiety-inducing enough for me, this thought ouf taking my bouncy child through a security screening is making my stomach churn as I type this.
I need you tips! I am packing right now. Our flight down is 2 hours and 20 minutes. We are driving to the airport with my brother, we will be there 2 hours before our flight. That is the recommendation for Sea-Tac on a Friday.
- What should I put in her and my carry-ons?
- How much Xanax should I ingest?
- It’s a night flight.
- We’re flying Southwest.
Any tips you can lend are appreciated. I receive all comments via email and will read them on my Blackberry throughout the day. I love you all!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
First, ask if there is a security line for children (some airports have that).
Portable DVD player if she is a movie watcher. Books if she’s not. Coloring book.
Empty cup w a straw that you can fill up after you’ve passed the security.
One of those “leashes” that are backpacks. I took N on a plane the first time when he was almost 2, and that backpack leash is magic. He felt like he was independent, but I had my hand on him the whole time.
During the wait, you could play the people-watching game. Pick someone out, and make up stories about them. “The lady in the pink shirt is going to visit the Queen of England because…”
That’s all I got. Hope it helps!
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The best advice I ever got was to bring a new toy. One that my kids had never seen before. That kept them occupied for a while. I also had snacks readily available…cuz lord knows hungry kids =mayhem and who knows when the airline will bring those things.
Good luck and have a safe flight
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Fear Not, Super Mom. You are going to be fine, as is Fluffy.
I would wear comfortable clothes. I would wear shoes that are EASY TO TAKE OFF, as you’ll be required to do so to go through screening. Jackets will go through as well. So dress in single layers. No liquids in carry ons, unless they follow the rules (no more than 1 qt clear ziplock bag full of 1.5 oz or 3oz, i forget as i NEVER take liquids anymore).
Once you get through security, you can buy water and stuff @ the shops. So dont sweat it.
Remember that her ears will “pop” when there is pressure changes going up and down. Practice clearing her ears now. 3 ways to do this
1)Hold now and gently blow out the nose, so that the ears “clear” .. you can HEAR it clear in your own head
2)YAWN (force it)
3)Drink.
Most parents forget this, and dont have a bottle for little babies .. or they feed BEFORE takeoff and when the pressure changes during climb, the babies freak. Lil ones are all susceptible to this. Keep it in mind. it happens on takeoff ANd landing. so prepare for both. water bottle works if the yawning and blowing doesnt
And dont sweat it. take it as a fun adventure.
-Matt
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It will go fine! Many airports DO have family or special needs lines at security. Don’t be afraid to use it. It’s usually much more laid back. If they don’t, just take your time and try to ignore the stressed people waiting behind you. For some reason, this is always the worst point for Tot and I. I think I get really tense & in a hurry and she picks up on it. Just take a breath and take your time. Everyone else can just chill.
I also think a new toy is an excellent idea. Especially if it will occupy attention for a while. I did an entire post on flying with children here:
http://psychmamma.wordpress.com/2008/06/27/flying-with-a-toddler/
Have fun! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
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I wonder if my frazzled mental state will count a a special need…..
Oh man, I missed the window to comment before you left. But I will leave this comment in case someone else lands here asking for the same advice:
go to the TSA.gov website and check out the traveling with kids section. Have your kid(s) watch the videos to understand what will happen before they get to the airport. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
I echo the previous commenter who said to wear comfortable shoes, ones that can easily be removed and put back on.
A new toy is a great idea. I like to get cheap stuff from the dollar store so if it gets lost along the way it isn’t a big deal.
A comfort item like blanket or stuffed animal helped Fuller too (he was more apt to sleep on the flight that way).
I could actually go on and on on this topic, but I’ll stop here.
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We’re not leaving until tomorrow and I still have gotten up off the sofa. I’m lazy like that.
I’m sorry I don’t know how old Fluffy is, but if she’s still pretty young you actually can take a child’s sippy cup with liquid in it through security.
I totally agree with the new toy idea. It works wonders!
And many snacks.
Your flight isn’t real long so you might not get a nap in, but the comfort item is very important! (as we had 8 and 9 hour flights!)
The backpack/leash works well if you have one. It can be a hassle to try and keep track of the kid while taking everything off and emptying your pockets!
So, I guess I don’t have any new tips… but make sure you use the potty before you get in line!
and don’t sweat the people behind you. They can deal and it really doesn’t take as long as you think!
Have a good trip!
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Oh, and make sure you don’t have any toiletries in your carry on that would get confiscated… like razors or nail scissors or something. Better to just put it in the checked luggage if you’re worried.
Also, I found it helpful to explain to my son what was happening. Definitely made him more excited when the thing happened (takeoff/landing) than scared.
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I agree with other people!
If you are planning on checking your bags, it seems to take a lot longer at Las Vegas than any other place I have been. If you are not checking baggage, remember the liquid rule (basically full water bottles or anything over 3 ounces). Here is a helpful website: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Not to freak you out, but it can get a little bumpy flying into/out of Vegas because of the heat rising from the hills.
Wear comfortable clothing and slip on shoes if you can. It makes it a LOT easier though security. I wouldn’t recommend a belt and make sure all your change is out of your pockets.
The flight actually goes by pretty fast but a book or short DVD should do the trick. The airport is fun to walk around in and see the shops if you find youself having a lot of time to waste before your flight.
Don’t forget to pack some gum for the ascending and descending. Also, make sure to bring some snacks because you never know what they won’t feed you.
I hope you gals have a great time!
Always Smiling
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I wish I’d read this sooner! We just flew to Missouri on Southwest to visit my folks. They’re a great airline. I learned that different airports seem to have different security standards. But, all in all, everything went rather smoothly. Hope your flight goes well and that your vacation is better than ours was. Long story, involves two sick kids and bad weather.
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All the good advice has been said. My peanut, who is 5 hates noise, change, seat belts, and most food. Travelling to Florida in February was likely different than what your experience will be. It sounds like you are well prepared. I look forward to the after party story!
Check if the airport has a play area. Bring a music device for your daughter loaded with songs. Scratch and write books — come with a wooden pencil. Puzzle books. Book on CD.
Good luck with your trip.
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