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Mikki
My husband and I are flying from TX to VA for the holidays. Our baby will be 9 mo old and we have the Graco Travel system where the car seat fits in the top of the stroller. We need to travel with both. How do you travel with your kids when you have to fly with both? What do you check and what comes on board with you? Thanks!
I'm confused. So can I take the car seat to the gate with me even if I dont purchase a seat for baby, so long as I let them take it u front with the stroller?
Answer
Most airlines will allow you to gate check both a stroller and car seat.
All airlines differ on their policy of what kind of stroller you are allowed to take, but all allow an umbrella stroller. Check with your airline to see if they will allow a bigger one (I fly with no problems with a Graco Quattro Tour Stroller http://images.babygearbuyer.com/graco_quattro_tour_devon_babiesrus_s1_.jpg ).
Gate checking means that you are allowed to use your stroller up until you board, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you deboard the plane. Here is how gate checking a stroller works:
When you first check-in, let the agent know you have a stroller. They will put a a luggage tag on your stroller just like they do the rest of your luggage, except you are able to use the stroller throughout the airport. They will also give you the claim ticket for your stroller like they do the rest of your luggage. If you plan on using a stroller bag, le them know and they will give you the tag to put on the bag later once you have your stroller securely inside it, but before boarding.
When you go through security, you will be asked to fold your stroller and place it on the conveyor belt to be X-rayed. Because of this, it is always best to make sure that any "extras" you have on your stroller are taken off so that they are not damaged and so that the stroller can pass easily through the X-ray machine.
When you are boarding, whether you board first, in the middle, or last, there will be an agent that will take your stroller from you. Again, make sure that any extras are taken off so they do not get damaged during the flight, and secure your stroller in the closed position. The agent will place the stroller in a special compartment under the plane for the duration of the flight.
When you exit your flight, the handlers will have your stroller waiting for you at the end of the jetway, near the gate. Should you have a bus arrival instead of a gate arrival, they will place the strollers on the ground near the buses for parents to collect.
I understand that you did not buy a seat for your child, so be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it, leaving it free for you to use during the flight for your child (basically you are getting her a sea for free). If you are able to get the "free" seat, you can then use your child - which is the safest way for them to travel.
I strongly advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System - otherwise known as a car seat) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Here is a picture of what the sticker would look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8&6, 9 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
Hope you have a great flight, an if I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Most airlines will allow you to gate check both a stroller and car seat.
All airlines differ on their policy of what kind of stroller you are allowed to take, but all allow an umbrella stroller. Check with your airline to see if they will allow a bigger one (I fly with no problems with a Graco Quattro Tour Stroller http://images.babygearbuyer.com/graco_quattro_tour_devon_babiesrus_s1_.jpg ).
Gate checking means that you are allowed to use your stroller up until you board, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you deboard the plane. Here is how gate checking a stroller works:
When you first check-in, let the agent know you have a stroller. They will put a a luggage tag on your stroller just like they do the rest of your luggage, except you are able to use the stroller throughout the airport. They will also give you the claim ticket for your stroller like they do the rest of your luggage. If you plan on using a stroller bag, le them know and they will give you the tag to put on the bag later once you have your stroller securely inside it, but before boarding.
When you go through security, you will be asked to fold your stroller and place it on the conveyor belt to be X-rayed. Because of this, it is always best to make sure that any "extras" you have on your stroller are taken off so that they are not damaged and so that the stroller can pass easily through the X-ray machine.
When you are boarding, whether you board first, in the middle, or last, there will be an agent that will take your stroller from you. Again, make sure that any extras are taken off so they do not get damaged during the flight, and secure your stroller in the closed position. The agent will place the stroller in a special compartment under the plane for the duration of the flight.
When you exit your flight, the handlers will have your stroller waiting for you at the end of the jetway, near the gate. Should you have a bus arrival instead of a gate arrival, they will place the strollers on the ground near the buses for parents to collect.
I understand that you did not buy a seat for your child, so be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it, leaving it free for you to use during the flight for your child (basically you are getting her a sea for free). If you are able to get the "free" seat, you can then use your child - which is the safest way for them to travel.
I strongly advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System - otherwise known as a car seat) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Here is a picture of what the sticker would look like: http://jamiehassen79.angelfire.com/flying_children_pics/FMVSS.jpg
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8&6, 9 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
Hope you have a great flight, an if I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
TRAVEL HELP! doing it Solo! NEED ANSWERS!?
Marley
I have a 16month son and 3month old daughter.
I am flying to Australia soon from NZ i was wondering if there are any mothers out there that have been in this situtation. That has doen it solo.
Any tips. Or advise . PLEASE help.
What will i need. etc etc. ?
Answer
It's perfectly normal to be anxious about traveling with little ones--you'll be just fine though!
Make sure to allow plenty of time for everything. Arrive to the airport at least 2 hours early so that you'll have time for check in and security, plus any toilet breaks before boarding.
When you first arrive, ask the person at the front desk about flying with your two children. They should be able to help you with any questions that you have.
Pack a carry-on bag full of stuff to keep your 16 month old occupied and your 3 month old happy. Although you will have an entertainment system on the plane for yourself, your kids may not be able to see it well. A portable DVD player or laptop might be a good idea, along with some movies. I've seen many parents put a movie on for their children and it seems to work great!
Here's a check off list to help you with your carry-on bag for the kids:
- Nappies (diapers)
- Snacks (small crackers, sultanas/raisins, bananas, baby food, etc.)
- Baby formula, bottles, and a sippy cup for your 16 month old.
- A Pacifier
- DVD player/laptop along with a couple movies
- Change of clothes for both your kids (in case they get their clothes messy)
I'd suggest making another check off list for packing. It'll help keep you organized and alleviate some of your stress!
You may also have to bring a car seat for your 3 month old, depending on NZ's air travel rules. I would suggest calling the airport or looking online about that first.
One more thing: Bring passports for everybody as well as a sheet of paper containing your flight numbers, gate numbers, etc. along with phone numbers of where you're staying. If it's a hotel, the address of that as well. Charge your mobile phone up too before you leave.
You'll be fine, just allow plenty of time and try to enjoy yourself! I recently talked to a mother who flew from the U.S to Australia alone with her two kids aged 3 and 6 months. She was nervous, but did just fine.
Cheers!
It's perfectly normal to be anxious about traveling with little ones--you'll be just fine though!
Make sure to allow plenty of time for everything. Arrive to the airport at least 2 hours early so that you'll have time for check in and security, plus any toilet breaks before boarding.
When you first arrive, ask the person at the front desk about flying with your two children. They should be able to help you with any questions that you have.
Pack a carry-on bag full of stuff to keep your 16 month old occupied and your 3 month old happy. Although you will have an entertainment system on the plane for yourself, your kids may not be able to see it well. A portable DVD player or laptop might be a good idea, along with some movies. I've seen many parents put a movie on for their children and it seems to work great!
Here's a check off list to help you with your carry-on bag for the kids:
- Nappies (diapers)
- Snacks (small crackers, sultanas/raisins, bananas, baby food, etc.)
- Baby formula, bottles, and a sippy cup for your 16 month old.
- A Pacifier
- DVD player/laptop along with a couple movies
- Change of clothes for both your kids (in case they get their clothes messy)
I'd suggest making another check off list for packing. It'll help keep you organized and alleviate some of your stress!
You may also have to bring a car seat for your 3 month old, depending on NZ's air travel rules. I would suggest calling the airport or looking online about that first.
One more thing: Bring passports for everybody as well as a sheet of paper containing your flight numbers, gate numbers, etc. along with phone numbers of where you're staying. If it's a hotel, the address of that as well. Charge your mobile phone up too before you leave.
You'll be fine, just allow plenty of time and try to enjoy yourself! I recently talked to a mother who flew from the U.S to Australia alone with her two kids aged 3 and 6 months. She was nervous, but did just fine.
Cheers!
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