Do i have to check my stroller and some random questions

[born2shop]

We are flying and this is our first time with our kids. If i gate check it...will it go down with the luggage or what? I seriously have no idea. I don't want it to get messed up

Also what ideas do you have to keep the kids occupied on the plane? I am afraid my 6 yr old will freak out about the plane crashing and cause a scene. He is always thinking of the worst things that can happen. We will have their ds's and movies crayons and paper...but is there anything else...

Our kids are 2,4,6

Thanks!

 

[Perditamarie]

When you get to the gate, tell the person there that you are gate-checking a stroller and they will give you a claim tag. Then when boardig the plane, roll it to the end of the jetway and fold it up. It will be waiting for you when you land. I am not sure exactly where it goes, but we have gate checked multiple strollers many times and never had a problem. You can also purchase a stroller bag to put it in when gate-checking to help protect it.

As for keeping kids busy, I think the movies work the best...maybe pick up a few new ones -- save one for the return trip! You could also load an MP3 player w/stories if you think they would enjoy that too. Also, pack some filling snacks and maybe a snack you would never give them if they weren't on vacation! Also, consider fruit chews or lollipops for ears during take off and landing....yawning also works.

I also like to bring empty sippy cups through security and then fill w/drinks after security....this way you don't have to worry about spills during the flight.

Have a great trip!

 

[zarvgirl]

The last time I travelled with kids (mine were 5 and 3). I had packed children's
gravol just in case, well the 5yr.old was sick, from then on I gave them gravol for the travelling part of the trip as a preventative thing, it really worked to calm them down.
I even had a 24hr. bus ride through the rockies, they were great.
So I'm recommending you take children's gravol, and if you are worried about your little one being upset, give it to them before you take off.

 

[Poohbug]

Gate check is wonderful because you can keep the kids safely in their stroller all the way to the gate. Its very nice to not have to worry about the kids at the airport when you are checking in, getting passes, checking luggage, etc.

You will have to fold up the stroller at security and put it thru the X-ray. Make sure that whatever you have in the stroller is easy to take out for folding. You also have to fold it up before you enter the plane. You can get a ticket for your stroller at the gate if you forget when you get boarding passes.

I also think movies are the best distraction. My kids also like color/activity books and portable games like Leapfrog or DS. Get some new little toys that he/she has never seen-they are great for distracting them.

My doctor recommended giving the kids dimetapp before takeoff to help with ear pressure and congestion. Of course now you can't give kids medicine anymore except tylenol. Chewy candy like tootsie rolls will help but sometimes it takes a while for the plane to get up-thats when longer lasting things like suckers come in handy.

I know your family will have a wonderful time.

 

[born2shop]

Thank you for these suggestions...it is really helping me

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

I would recommend the stroller bag if you have a nice stroller and want to keep it that way. We took our Chicco travel system down last year and it was damaged. When we picked it up once in Orlando the canopy was hanging off and the handle had a small tear on it. I knew they wouldn't be super gentle with it but I watched them put it in the elevator to go down with the luggage and the guy was pushing all the strollers in the door with his foot! I know they had a lot of things going on the plane but I cringed the whole flight thinking about what would happen to it. We are going to buy one for our next trip for sure.

Our DS was only 11 months going down on the plane but we took lots of snacks and books to keep him busy. We also lucked out booking our flights near nap time and he slept almost the whole flight there and back. Maybe try bringing some new movies like the PP mentioned and maybe some card/board games. I get restless on the plane and set a timer to see exactly how much time is left. That always helps me!

 

[Amy162]

I just purchased an inexpensive jogging stoller from craigslist to take to disney with us. We were going to drive, so I didn't have any worries. But we found a really great airfare, so now we're flying. The jogging stroller does fold down, so do you think it'd be ok? It's an in-step jogging stroller. Is there a size requirement to say if I can take it on or if it has to be checked?

Thanks!